After a season of June camps and VBS programs, July can often feel “disconnected” within the church. Things slow down for a month, and many of us take the opportunity to vacation or travel with family. In a culture like ours this is probably a good thing as we push back against the prevailing culture of busy-ness and hurry! And yet, especially for those newer to the church or trying to make connections, it can be a tough time to become rooted in a community and to establish new patterns of doing “life together” as we seek to follow Jesus.

One of the goals of life in community is to know – and be known by – others. The same is true for our relationship with God.

Now we see a reflection in a mirror; then we will see face-to-face. Now I know partially, but then I will know completely in the same way that I have been completely known.  (1 Corinthians 13:12)

But now, after knowing God (or rather, being known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless world system?  (Galatians 4:9)

In times where we can feel disconnected from one another – or from God – we are reminded that we are already completely known by God! Before we ever set out to know God more fully, God knows us and loves us. Paul writes to the church in Corinth that even our best spiritual insight and “knowing” is like seeing through a very dimly lit mirror. For now we can catch reflections, shapes, or hints of God, knowing that one day we will see and know fully in the same way that we are already seen and known.

What steps are you taking this summer to know God more, and to rest in the reality of God seeing, knowing, and loving you fully?

During this season of vacation and retreat, during what can seem like disconnectedness from one another, I pray that we all will turn to rest, prayer, reading scripture, and spending time in the presence of God, knowing that we are fully loved and known by God above and beyond even our best hopes for how we might be fully loved and known by others. And I pray, too, that this carries back over to renewed pursuits of one another as we journey together toward further discipleship in Christ.

I love each of you and hope you have a great week!

In Christ,

Bobby Kirkpatrick
 
24-7 Prayer Conference
Last year our Children’s Pastor, Tena Roher and our Coordinating Elder, Michelle Hancock attended the 2024 National 24-7 Prayer Gathering. It was a moving conference that ultimately inspired our Prayer Journey during Holy Week and exploration into further prayer experiences. Michelle and Tena will be attending the conference again this year in Nashville, and they would like to extend an invitation to anyone in the church that may have interest in attending either virtual sessions or in-person. For more information on 24-7 Prayer, their website is linked here. Both Tena and Michelle would also love to talk more about their experience with you or answer any questions you may have. You can call Michelle at (832) 483-6906 or Tena at (281) 482-7821. Virtual and In-Person registration is available via the button below.
Register for 2025 Prayer Gathering
 
Children’s Corner
FRIENDS SUMMER OUTINGS
Friends Summer Outings begins on Tuesday, July 8th. Mark your calendars for our first activity down in Galveston at Palm Beach Moody Gardens. Ms. Tena has rented Cabana No. 10 as a meeting place. Grab your tickets online for 10:00 am on July 8th and meet us at the Friendswood Friends Cabana. We can’t wait to hangout together on Tuesdays in July!
Purchase Palm Beach Tickets
 
Student Ministries Update
Pastor of Student Ministries
We are excited to welcome Luke Ballard later this month as our new Pastor of Student Ministries. Be praying for him and our students in the midst of this transition.
 
Bell Friends
Bell Friends is looking for a few more ringers in our handbell choir! Basic note reading is recommended, but we will meet weekly for rehearsals starting in August. If you have questions or would like more information contact Nancy Hansen by email.
 
Love. Learn. Listen.