This past week I was sitting in a staff meeting about a new website that is in the works for our church, and just like our current website, the words “Love, Learn, and Listen” take center stage. Many of you know exactly why that is, but I needed some education. I was told the history of these words comes from an identity document that was made by and for Friendswood Friends about a decade ago. I was given a copy of this identity statement to read, and Friends, I truly love this document. If you would like to check it out for yourself, it is listed under the “About Us” tab and then under the “Our Commitments” tab on our current website.
The document is broken down into three commitments:
1. “We commit ourselves to LOVE God with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength—and our neighbors as ourselves.”
2. “We commit ourselves to LEARN how to follow Jesus.”
3. “We commit ourselves to LISTEN carefully and intentionally.”
Under each section, there are several bullet points on how we live each of these commitments out.
I asked Joyce Byrne, our most senior staff member if this document was created to reflect who we are or who we want to be. Her reply was essentially both, in which she said the document is “prescriptive and descriptive.” Friends, to be a faith community that aspires to love, learn, and listen in these ways is such a beautiful framework for pursuing allegiance to Jesus together. Personally, I’m excited to have such a Kingdom-focused calling set before us as a church. I’m hopeful that we will keep this pledge close to our hearts, frequently revisiting it, as we navigate how we move forward in new seasons together.
Joshua
Women’s Morning Bible Study:
Kody Shepherd and Jennifer Sitton will be co-teaching a 10-week study on Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 AM. The first class begins tomorrow, September 13. The group will dive into the book, Better- A Study of Hebrews by Jen Wilkin. Follow the link to purchase the book or contact the church office if you need assistance in ordering the book. We look forward to exploring with you how God “provided something better for us in the person Jesus Christ” (Heb. 11:40). Contact Kody Shepherd for more information. Child care will be available.
Women’s Evening Bible Study:
A Wednesday evening bible study for women will be starting on September 20th in the home of Susan Tam at 6:30 PM. The study is from the book The Epic of Eden: Isaiah, by Sandra Richter, which can be purchased by following the link. Contact the church office for assistance in ordering the book or for more information.
Children’s Ministry Contact Information
It is a blessing to see so many children in our services! Ms. Tena is overjoyed to share the love of Jesus with your children. To help celebrate birthdays, and send personalized invitations to events throughout the year, we want to make sure we are reaching every child and every family personally with correct contact information. If you have children in nursery-5th grade, would you take a few minutes to fill out this informational contact form? Thank you so much for trusting us with your children each week.
Tweens:
Tweens is a time for 5th graders to make new friends and have fun while also learning how to cope with some of the issues that preteens face, such as handling peer pressure. We meet in the Friends Center on Thursdays, from 3:15-4:30, for snacks, games, and a brief devotional. All 5th graders are welcome! Follow the link to get your 5th grader signed up. If you don’t have a 5th grader but have a neighbor or friend who may be interested in joining us, even for just one week, please pass the registration information along. The first Tweens meeting is this Thursday! Be praying for the Tweens and the volunteers serving. For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering time or snacks, contact Tena Roher.
High School Volleyball Tournament:
Our high schoolers are hosting a community volleyball tournament this Sunday, September 17th from 7:30-9:00 PM for students in grades 9-12. Entry fees are new or used tennis shoes to be donated to the Shower Ministry. Co-ed teams are required, and costumes are highly encouraged! Katelyn is looking for volunteers to help serve as line judges, hand out snacks, check-in teams, keep scores, take pictures, and hang out with high school students. If you would be interested in volunteering, please reach out to Katelyn.
Church Office Closed on September 18:
For your planning purposes, the Church Office will be closed on Monday, September 18th. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 19th.
Gym Kids:
Gym Kids returns on September 22. Gym Kids is a structured time for kids. Moms are free to take a break while their kids are busy using their gross motor skills and learning about Jesus. We welcome potty-trained children aged 3-5 years old. Ms. Tena and Ms. Grace Kirkpatrick will be leading classes every Friday from 9:00-10:00 AM. Tuition is $25 a month; follow the link to register or contact Ms. Tena for additional information.
Meet the Friends:
Meet the Friends is an informational and introductory class for anyone interested in learning about the church’s history, what it means to be a Quaker, or get to know our pastors. It is also a great way to interact with others new to the church family. The next Meet the Friends meeting will take place on September 24th in the Coffee Café after the service. Childcare is provided. We would love to see you there.
Friends Women Fall Retreat:
The Friends Women Fellowship is holding its “Call on Me” Friends Women Retreat in League City on October 13th – 15th. Registration closes this Friday. If you would like to attend the retreat you can follow the link to register here.
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:8-11