| This past week at FUSE we talked about peer pressure. As I prepared this lesson, I thought about how we as adults are also surrounded by peer pressure. Peer pressure isn’t something that only affects young people. As adults, we can also feel the subtle, or not-so-subtle, pressure to meet the expectations of others – whether in our workplaces, social circles, families, or communities. The desire to fit in, to be accepted, or to avoid conflict can sometimes push us to make choices that don’t align with our faith and values. In Galatians 1:10, Paul makes a bold statement: seeking to please people can hinder our ability to fully serve Christ. This doesn’t mean we don’t care about others or live in harmony with them, but it means our ultimate loyalty is to God. As adults, navigating the balance between human approval and God’s will is part of our spiritual growth. One of the hardest aspects of adult peer pressure is the subtle expectation to conform to social or professional norms. Whether it’s compromising values to advance in a career, adjusting to social expectations, or even conforming to family pressures, the temptation to seek approval from others can be strong. In Galatians, Paul asks us to consider whose approval we are truly seeking: are we living to please others, or are we living to please God? This is an important question because the opinions of others can shift and change, but God remains constant. While peer pressure can lead us away from God’s will, we can also surround ourselves with godly influences that encourage us to grow in faith. The relationships we invest in as adults shape us. Choosing to walk closely with others who share our faith can help us resist negative peer pressure and stand firm in God’s truth. Are there people in your life who challenge or inspire you to live out your faith more fully? How can you intentionally cultivate those relationships? Blessings on your week! Katelyn |
| Fall Potluck |
| There will be Fall Potluck on September 29th after the service. We are excited to gather and share a meal together. There is a link to sign up below, or look for paper sign ups in the Coffee Cafe on Sunday. |
| Potluck Sign Up |
| Meet the Friends |
| There will be a Meet the Friends class after the service on September 22nd for anyone interested in learning more about the Friends Church. We would love for you to join us! |
| Family Promise Celebration |
| Many of you were able to serve and bless Saundra and her two children, Stephanie (7 years) and Dexter (4 years) during our two weeks of hosting Family Promise in May and August. Saundra and her children moved into their apartment this past weekend, and we wanted to let everyone know that there will be a GRADUATION CELEBRATION this coming Sunday, September 22nd 3:30-4:30 at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Friendswood. If you would like to contribute to a house warming, a link to their Walmart Wishlist is included below. |
| Walmart Wish List |
| Shower Ministry |
| The Shower Ministry for the Homeless is in need of donations. If you are cleaning out your closets or interested in blessing this ministry, there is a specific need for new or used men’s pants and shorts, and women’s leggings or pants. There is always a need for belts, undergarments, toiletries, and shoes. We are thankful for your continued support of this ministry. |
| Christian Faith and Beliefs |
| Josh is leading a Christian Faith and Beliefs class at the Bunce household on Wednesday nights at 7 PM. This class is open to all adults. Whether you’re new to the faith or a more seasoned follower, this class is for you if you’re looking for a community of people who want to journey together in becoming deeper disciples of Jesus. Josh and Marcy and family live at 1303 Yorkshire Dr in Friendswood. We hope you feel welcome to journey with us. |
| Sunday Evening Activities |
| All Sunday Evening Activities have resumed at their normal times and locations. |
| Student Ministries Update |
| Save the Date |
| What is Bible Quiz? Junior High Bible Quiz is a fun, challenging, and in-depth way for 7th and 8th-grade students to study and memorize Scripture. Churches in our denomination meet 4-5 times in the spring to compete with one another. Team identity, competition, study, and travel all unite in Bible Quiz to create a tight-knit community between students and adult leaders. Not to mention memories that last a lifetime! |
| Join us for a Parent Informational meeting on Sunday, September 29 in the Friends Center Kitchen area immediately following FUSE at 7:00 pm. |
| FISD Students |
| Students at FJH and FHS have the opportunity to gather with friends at school for breakfast and devotions led by local youth pastors starting in September. This before-school opportunity is brought to you by Club One! What’s Next | FJH | 2nd & 4th Monday each month | 8:00 AM Right Now | FHS | 3rd Tuesday each month | 8:00 AM Registration through FISD Community Ed is not required to attend but does help ensure that there will be enough breakfast for everyone. Use the buttons below to register for the year! |
| What’s Next and Right Now Registration |
| Children’s Ministry Update |
| “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 In this Sunday’s lesson we learned God promised to give Abraham a large family and land for his family. One night, God led Abraham outside and said “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you can,” God said. “Your family will be that BIG, that numerous,” God promised. Abraham believed and TRUSTED God, and God was pleased! God teaches us to have the kind of faith and TRUST that Abraham and Sarah had. God wants us to believe He will fulfill His promises even when it looks like there’s no way He can keep His promises. Here are a few fun things to do at home with your kids at home this week: Name and count the people in your family. Help your child name two or three things each person does to show love to the others, or tell one thing about each family member that you love, then thank God for your family. Tell your child how you felt when you knew he or she would become part of your family and how you announced you were pregnant. And/or tell the story of when they were born or how you came up with their name. |
| August 2024 Financial Update |
| August Income: $49,341.47 August Expense: $86,627.37 Cash flow deficit for August: $-37,285.90 Year-to-date Income (as of 8/31): $600,873.60 Year-to-date Expense: $670,076.16 Year-to-date Cash flow deficit: $-69,202.56 Thank you for your faithful giving to the ministries of the church! If you ever have questions about church finance or would like more detailed information, contact Joyce Byrne at the church office. |
| Bell Friends: Regular rehearsal times are Thursdays 12:30-2:00 PM. |
| But you, dear friends: build each other up on the foundation of your most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep each other in the love of God, wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will give you eternal life. Jude 1:20-21 |
