I just wanted to write you all (oops! I meant “y’all”) a few sentences to provide an update on our transition. Things still feel very much in flux. We were blessed to move into a very comfortable rental with a wonderful landlord right across the street from Joe Roher. However, we moved pretty quickly in trying to purchase a house and we will be moving again on Monday. What a crazy whirlwind! Luckily, we’ve stayed more than half-packed knowing this was a good possibility. In the meantime, my office is getting a major remodel/update thanks to Russ and Denise Merck! It’ll probably be another week under construction, but please stop by and check it out soon. So, we’ve had a lot of disorientation, but with that there are also a lot of wonderful changes.
I started coming to the office (wherever I can find a spot) on July 17th and have enjoyed great conversations that are helping me get the feel of some basic Friendswood Friends Church functions. Joyce Byrne has quickly become my new best friend! Rarely do I have a question that Joyce doesn’t know or can’t find out. We really do have an amazing church staff. As you all know, this Sunday will be my first time as your pastor giving a “Sunday morning message.” I’m thankful for this opportunity and looking forward to the deeper connectedness, which that will hopefully provide.
Thank you all for your love and support!
Joshua
Staff News and Updates:
As we continue to welcome the Bunce family into Friendswood, we have reason to celebrate with them as they’ve found a permanent home. Accordingly, on Monday, July 31st they need assistance in moving from the rental house to their new permanent address. If you are able and available, plan on meeting at their rental home, 308 Colonial Dr, on Monday at 8:00 am. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Janet Black is retiring! Ms. Janet has faithfully served as our children’s ministry director for 21 years. Her energy and love for Jesus is abundant. This Sunday, July 30th, we will celebrate her after the service for a job well done. Plan to stay to thank Ms. Janet for the many ways she has blessed our children and our entire congregation through her ministry.
If you would like to provide refreshments for Janet’s Retirement Celebration: Sign up here by clicking the link, typing your name, and providing a quantity of what you are bringing. You can even provide a comment to specify the type of item you are contributing. For example, under cookies, you could specify chocolate chip cookies. If you have questions, you can contact Alicia Baumer.
Next week Tena Roher begins her transition into the role of children’s minister. Tena has served our community as an elementary teacher for many years and serves the Lord faithfully, so we know she will bring praise and attention to God through the lens of child-like love. Be praying for her as she begins moving to this role and fills the needs God presents to her. We are excited to welcome her!
As summer winds down, we have opportunities coming up to engage with each other:
Looking ahead to August, Promotion Sunday is on August 13th. This is the official kickoff to new Sunday School classes. Our children and students will level up with their age groups, and it is a great opportunity to jump into our Adult Sunday School class. Sunday School meets at 10 am before the Worship service. More information on class locations to come.
The Back-to-School Junior High and High School Pool Party is on August 13th hosted by the Baumer Family. JH students’ swim time is 5:00-6:30 pm and HS students plan to swim 7:00-8:30 pm. Parents, there is an informational meeting between swimming at 6:30-7:00 pm. Come learn about the many ways your students can participate and engage with Christ this year. Reach out to Katelyn with any questions.
We are continuing our call to serve:
We will keep seeking volunteers for the FISD Community Faith Partners Mentor Program for the next few weeks. This program provides an adult mentor to students at Westwood Elementary and Bales Intermediate Schools. Training through FISD will be provided. If you are available to meet with a student for thirty minutes to an hour once a week or serve as a substitute, please reach out to Bobby and let him know you are interested.
Our next week to host Family Promise is August 13. We will need volunteers to help with setup, to stay the night, and to host dinners for our guests. Be praying for how you can serve this ministry.
Lastly From Eddie Rollins:
Thank you so much for helping me to celebrate my 95th birthday last week! I’m so grateful for your love and friendship and for your incredible generosity to the Shower Ministry, which received over $600 in cash donations along with many donations of clothing and toiletries. I am probably the only 95-year-old woman to receive men’s underwear for her birthday! Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.
I really want to see you to pass along some spiritual gift to you so that you can be strengthened. What I mean is that we can mutually encourage each other while I am with you. We can be encouraged by the faithfulness we find in each other, both your faithfulness and mine. Romans 1:11-12 CEB