| This past week, we had a team of 13 that visited our brothers and sisters in Nueva Rosita at Refugio en Dios. During our morning devotion on day 2, we read from Ephesians 4. On day 3, while having breakfast with the group from Haviland, their youth pastor had the group read through Ephesians 4 not knowing we had just spent time in that passage the day before. The Lord continued to nudge our group with this passage. A student referenced this passage as she shared at the celebration service on the final night about how God had been working in her life and on Sunday, Marcy shared Ephesians 4 with our Friendswood Friends family. I felt like the Lord was speaking to our team through this passage and would love to share it with you all! In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul emphasizes the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. He highlights the importance of maintaining the bond of peace and working together in love. Christian community is essential for our spiritual growth. On a trip like Spring Connection that removes you from your normal day-to-day context and culture, it seems almost easy to be in community with one another due to the circumstances of the experience. Throughout our trip, our team was reminded that we were each uniquely handpicked by God to spend a week at Refugio en Dios and that we each had our own role to play. Just as the human body has many parts with different functions, so too does the body of Christ. Each member plays a unique role, contributing to the overall health and vitality of the church (Ephesians 4:16). Our diversity should not divide us but rather unite us in our shared faith and mission. In community, we learn to appreciate and celebrate our differences, recognizing that they enrich our collective experience. Christian community provides a nurturing environment for spiritual growth. Through fellowship, prayer, and the study of God’s Word, we are encouraged to grow in our faith and maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13). In community, we find accountability and support, helping us to persevere in our journey of discipleship. Life can be challenging and filled with trials. In times of joy and sorrow, Christian community offers a network of love and support (Ephesians 4:29). We bear one another’s burdens, sharing in each other’s joys and sorrows. Through our words and actions, we uplift and encourage one another, pointing each other towards Christ. When we live in harmony and love with one another, we reflect the love of Christ to a watching world. Our unity becomes a compelling testimony to the truth of the gospel and the reality of God’s kingdom. Coming off what some might call a mountain-top experience, I am reminded that Jesus did not stay on the mountain. Jesus came down from the mountain and continued in ministry. There is work to be done and experiences to be had beyond the mountain. As I leave an intentional experience of Christian community such as Spring Connection, I am asking myself questions such as, what does my Christian community at Friendswood Friends look like? Who is it that I share life with, that holds me accountable, supports me, and helps me grow? Do I have a deep relationship with those that I sit next to on Sunday morning beyond the walls of the physical church building? As I continue to reflect on Ephesians 4 and the importance of Christian community, I pray that we may be inspired to cultivate deeper relationships within the body of Christ, to grow in our faith, and to shine the light of Christ in a darkened world. With love, Katelyn Children’s Palm Sunday This Sunday, March 24th, is Palm Sunday! Children 3 years old – 5th grade are welcome to join us at 9:00 AM in the chapel to practice our “Hosannas!” that we will sing during the worship service. Then we will head outside to the petting zoo. The petting zoo will be available during the Sunday School hour and during Children’s Church time. Women’s Bible Study Opportunities Women’s Morning Bible Study Ladies, join us on Wednesdays from 9:30-11:00 am for a bible study. We will be looking at the three enemies that sabotage our peace and what God says about recognizing them and resisting them. All you need is a bible, but if you would like to dive deeper you can grab John Mark Comer’s book “Live No Lies” but it’s not necessary. Women’s Evening Bible Study The evening bible study is currently wrapping up the study over the book “Fight Like Jesus” by Jason Porterfield. This study will conclude in two weeks and the group will begin the study over “Ruth” on April 10. The evening bible study meets in Susan Tam’s home: 1916 Lundy Lane. Contact the church office if you have any questions. Purchase “Ruth” Bible Study Book Here Missions Reception with Dave Thomas Join us after the service this Sunday, March 24th, for a reception with Dave Thomas. Dave serves as a mentor to missionaries throughout Rwanda, Burundi, and Thailand. We hope you will stay to enjoy some light refreshments and speak with Dave about his important work. We also appreciate your prayers over Dave and the missionaries he works with. Holy Week Special Services Join us March 28th for communion in a Maundy Thursday service and March 29th for a Good Friday service, both at 7:00 pm in the Chapel and nursery will be available. The Easter Sunday Sunrise Service will begin at 6:45 am on March 31. Then worship with us at 10:00 am on Easter Sunday to celebrate our risen Savior. Handbell Rehearsals Bell Friends will be holding rehearsals on Thursdays at 12:30 pm in the Worship Center. Contact Nancy Hansen for more details. Birthday Celebration Join us on March 23 in the Coffee Cafe from 1-3 PM to celebrate Linn Eignus’ 100th Birthday! In lieu of gifts bring memories to share! Sunday Evening Schedule March 24 | Evening Activities at Normal Times and Locations; Choir Practice 5:00 PM March 31 | Easter Sunday No Evening Activities May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 |
