O Christ whom even wind and waves obey,

Have mercy on these children for they are small and frail in the face of the furious elements that have swept away life and a place of joy.

In a place of security and well being, in a moment, they were overwhelmed by a horrifying force, by a mindless catastrophe that consumed them despite all precautions.

The loss does not seem real. We struggle to believe it even happened.

It feels as if the most sacred spaces of our lives were broken into, pillaged, ransacked, and ravaged. Loved ones were helpless against that ponderous, impersonal power, and we are powerless to rescue them.

They have been overwhelmed in body.

Now we are overwhelmed in mind and heart, we cannot make sense of this terrible mystery.
Speak peace to me and those still in the storm, O Christ.

We are not strong enough, O Lord, to withstand the weight of a creation that groans on such an inhuman scale.

We are small and finite in the face of catastrophe.

But you, O Lord, are not dismayed by any disaster. You created the cosmos as a canvas wherein your glories are displayed, an ordered temple where your people might delight in communion with you. The wild forces of this sin-wrecked world will not trespass those boundaries forever. A day is coming when all creation will be calmed of its chaos, never to harm or terrify again.

You will speak, O Christ, and nature’s insurrection will cease. You will speak, O Christ, and Creation will be released at last from its long bondage.

Amen

Adapted from Every Moment Holy
Liturgy for Grieving Natural Disaster
Sent to us by one of our Church Elders
 
Extreme Weather Support Group
An organization called “Extreme Weather Survivors” has reached out to our church in hopes of making contact with people in our community who were affected by Hurricane Harvey. This group is trying to digitally connect survivors of disasters with others who are in the midst of dealing with the aftermath of extreme weather situations in order to provide information, advice and encouragement. If you would be interested in being part of a support group for people who are going through weather-related tragedies, you can email Arianna Standish at [email protected].  
 
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 
FRIENDS SUMMER OUTINGS
We had a blast today at our first Friends Summer Outings of 2025 down at Palm Beach in Moody Gardens! We hope that you will join us at one of our upcoming fun get togethers!

July 15th | Water day at the church playground from 10:00 – 11:30 AM! Families join us for a variety of water games. Ms. Tena will also have a tie-dye station open, so bring a white shirt with you to decorate. From 11:30 – Noon we will eat lunch in the outdoor picnic area. Pack a lunch if you would like to stay and join us.

July 22nd | Pool, Popsicles, and Pizza at the Barmore house from 10:00 – 11:30 AM. Families come swim and fellowship with friends will eating popsicles in the sun. We will have pizza for lunch from 11:30 – Noon.

July 29th | Open Gym! Families come beat the heat in the gym with fun and games from 10:00 – 11:30 AM.
 
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.