| Hello, Friends! When I was a child, summer represented the opportunity for a break from responsibilities and the opportunity to rest and have fun. We looked forward all year to summer! My mom was a teacher, and that meant that not only were we off during the summer from school, but she (generally) was as well. We did things together as a family and enjoyed the break from day-in, day-out work at school. As years passed and I grew older, summer meant different things. As I got into Junior High and High School, summer became about church camps, mission trips, conferences, and workouts for sports. In High School, summer jobs were added so that I could afford a car. In college, summer became the opportunity to work to add funds for the year to pay for school and expenses while also interning at the church, exploring a potential call to ministry. As a parent now, summer is often trying to figure out how to care for kids and spend time with them. There is a frustrating tension as parents who both work try to juggle childcare when kids are out of school while also taking advantage of the opportunities to spend extra time together. For us, this usually results in staying up way too late at night and letting them sleep in! In the church, summer means a break from our usual patterns. Our weekly activities change or suspend for two months. Student groups head to camps or on mission trips. Our churches in Mid America have our “Yearly Meeting” in July together in Kansas. Individuals, families, and couples take vacations. There are still sports and activities that happen across the summer. All in all, we—especially adults—tend to see one another in the church a little less often in the summer than the rest of the year as attendance patterns change and people travel. None of these realities need to mean that this is a season lacking in spiritual growth or maturity, or in connection to God or one another. Our student groups do a great job of providing opportunities to have impactful encounters with God. Dude Camp was a great opportunity, and we pray for Quaker Haven and the great group of Jr. and Sr. High students that are heading that way over the next week. For the rest of us, what steps are we taking to intentionally place ourselves in a position this summer to grow in our faith and with the Lord? In John 15, Jesus compares himself to a vine and his disciples to branches. He says this to his disciples: “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch can’t produce fruit by itself, but must remain in the vine. Likewise, you can’t produce fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything…As the Father loved me, I too have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” This summer, I pray that all of us find ways to stay connected to Jesus and to draw close to Him. Take time for a personal retreat. Read a new book that encourages your spiritual growth. Set aside time for daily prayer and study. And in this season where we are often “with” one another less as adults, let’s check in with each other and love each other well as we intentionally stay connected to the vine. I love each of you and pray that you take the invitation this summer to draw near to God! Bobby Kirkpatrick |
| Beautification Award |
| Last week the church was presented with the Beautification Award from Keep Friendswood Beautiful. We are thankful for the work of those who maintain our campus appearances such as Marvin and Scott Lee of Lees Landscaping, Don Powell and the Facilities team, our custodians Milka and Elisabeth, and many others. Also, thank you to Keep Friendswood Beautiful for recognizing our campus. |
| Summer Sundays |
| Coffee Cafe Conversations |
| We had our first Coffee Cafe Conversations this Sunday, and it was awesome to see families from different seasons of life sharing conversations on how we see the light of Jesus overcome the darkness of the world. Each week there will be different topics discussed and opportunities to get to know someone new. We hope you can make it to Coffee Cafe Conversations on Sunday mornings this Summer at 9:00 AM! |
| Summer Activities |
| Friends on the Patio Men and Women are invited to join us on June 18th at Dunn Bros Coffee to enjoy each other’s company in conversation and music. We would love to know what you want to discuss, please fill out the suggestion form by clicking below. Topic Suggestions Friends Summer Outings We had such a great time at today’s service project and building Shower Ministry Kits to be distributed to the homeless downtown. Next week’s event is a little different. Families, we will meet at Palm Beach on WEDNESDAY, June 12th. Ms. Tena plans to rent a cabana for us to have a central place to meet. If you plan to join us, RSVP by email by Monday, June 10th. The cost is $15/person and tickets can be purchased here. Hope to see you there! Visit our website for the full summer schedule. Friends Summer Outings Weekly Information |
| Camp Quaker Haven |
| Our high school students leave tomorrow morning for Camp Quaker Haven. Be praying for their travels and their camp experience. May this week away be a formative marker on their faith journey. Also, be praying for Katelyn as she is directing camps over the next few weeks. |
| Bridal Shower |
| Please join us as we celebrate Elaina Roher and her upcoming wedding to Daniel Hixon at a bridal shower on Sunday, June 30th in the Coffee Cafe from 3:00-5:00 pm. A link to their registry can be found below. Elaina and Daniel’s Registry |
| With Sympathy |
| Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the family of Llewelyn (Lou) Padilla. Lou passed away last week following a long illness. A memorial service will be held in the Chapel this Saturday, June 8th at 11 am. Visitation with the family will take place in the Chapel from 10-11 am. Please remember Lou’s family in your prayers during this difficult time. |
| Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 |
