On Sunday evenings, Josh and I lead a Bible study that is open to any who want to come! We meet in the Coffee Café from 5-6 pm and are having great conversations together as we work our way through the gospel of Luke. Because of the Thanksgiving Dinner at the church this Sunday, we will be “off” this week but will meet again the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

This week, one of the passages that we studied is from the end of the 10th chapter of Luke. I think it is poignant for this time of year, especially for those who are preparing to host family or friends for a Thanksgiving gathering or meal. This is Luke 10:38-42:

Now as they were traveling along, (Jesus) entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.  She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.  But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Martha was serving others, making necessary preparations to host, and taking care of the things that needed “doing.” These are good things! I love the way that our church engages in service in so many capacities: Family Promise, Mentoring Students, the Shower Ministry to the homeless, our Undie Sunday drive recently, and lots of efforts through engagement in community organizations. This list isn’t exhaustive for us, either, and many of you are naturally caring for one another and the needy during this time of year in ways that are often unsung. Additionally, I think that many of us can relate to the “to-do’s” of hosting people in our homes at this time of year.

In a season that can often be busy serving others (as it should be, and as is needed), may we also find time to rest at Jesus’ feet and reflect on his life and ministry to us. May we remember to also choose the “good part,” learning from Jesus and looking to God for rest and renewal!

I hope each of you has a blessed week this week!

Bobby Kirkpatrick

Family Promise

We begin hosting families with Family Promise this Sunday. We are so thankful for the many of you who have agreed to volunteer next week to host meals and stay overnight. If you are willing and able to briefly stay after the service on Sunday, November 19 to help set up beds for the four families staying with us, we would be very grateful.

Annual Thanksgiving Meal

Today is the last day to order Thanksgiving Dinner Tickets. We hope to see you at the annual Thanksgiving Meal catered by Cracker Barrel on Sunday, November 19th at 5:00 PM. Tickets are available by following this link.

Bible Quiz Pie Sale

We want to share a huge thank you to Becky and Jim Wilber for their pie-baking. Their generosity is so sweet, much like their apple pies! The quiz bakers are also excitedly filling pie orders and will have your pies ready for pick on November 19 after the service. Thank you for supporting the Bible Quiz Team!

Choir

If you would like to participate with the choir in singing on December 17, there will be two rehearsal days, December 3 and December 10 at 5:00 pm. We would love for you to join us. Contact Bobby Kirkpatrick if you have questions or would like more information.

Christmas Décor Volunteers

Do you have a love for holiday decorating? Sunday, November 26 we will bring the Christmas decorations down and would welcome decorators to help with the layout and fluffing of wreaths and trees. If this sounds like something you would be interested in participating in, please contact the church office.

Financial Update

In order to provide financial transparency, monthly financial statements will be updated and posted on the website. The financial statement for October is complete and can be found by following this link.

If you have questions about church finance or would like more detailed information, contact Joyce Byrne at the church office. 

Missions Auction

The Missions Team will be hosting a silent auction over the next few weeks featuring a beautiful quilt donated by the Bee Pieceful Quilters and a beautifully refinished pew from the chapel. Stop by the Missions table in the Coffee Café on November 19, November 26, and December 3 to make your bids.

Christmas Carol Hayride

Join us for a fun evening of caroling and Christmas fun on Tuesday, December 5 at 5:00 PM. We will meet in the Coffee Café for pizza and then load up for a hayride through Friendswood. We will carol to the elderly spreading Christmas cheer, singing loud for all to hear. There will be a final stop at the Brown Museum to join in their Christmas Tree Lighting. We hope you plan to join us as we sing and laugh on the Christmas Carol Hayride.

Women’s Ministry Cookie Exchange

Ladies, join us on Wednesday, December 6 from 6-8 PM at 412 Fieldcreek Dr. for our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange. Bring two dozen of your favorite cookies to share and you will leave with two tins of mixed cookies, one for you and one to share. Contact Kody Shepherd to RSVP.

Children’s Church Choir

Ms. Tena is excited to work with your children in preparing a few songs for the children to sing during the Worship Service on December 17. She and Deborah Morris will rehearse with the kids during Children’s Church for the next few weeks. Be looking for an email with music, so you can sing along with your kids at home.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalms 23:6