When school gets back into motion each year, it seems more and more inevitable that we enter annually into a new “season.” This new “season” is not Autumn despite businesses like Starbucks attempting to tell us that it’s time for pumpkins. I’ve seen the forecast, and we aren’t nearly there, yet!
No, this new “season” that has developed is the one where we pass around viruses, and everyone seems to cycle illness through their households at some point. RSV, Covid, Flu, Strep, Common Cold types, and sometimes all of the above are back, and I’ve heard from several of you that are having to take time out—like I did two weeks ago—as you recover right now.
In the gospels, one of the ways that Jesus cared for others was through his healing ministry. His miraculous healings were some of the “signs and wonders” that gospel writers pointed toward to validate Jesus’s divinity and identity as Messiah. In one instance, in response to the healing of Peter’s mother by Jesus, Luke 4 states that “when the sun was setting, everyone brought to Jesus their relatives and acquaintances with all kinds of diseases. Placing his hands on each of them, he healed them.” In his travels and ministry, one of the main identities that Jesus carried was that he was known as a great healer, even as far as having power over death by bringing people back from the dead!
Jesus extended this beyond merely physical healing to spiritual and salvific healing. In chapter 2 of Mark’s gospel, after being questioned for sharing a meal with “tax collectors and sinners,” Jesus responds “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.” Jesus’ healing ministry is more than just physical; he offers a way to heal the sickness of sin.
Whether physically or spiritually ill, the sick came to Jesus. In this season, whether we are routinely dealing with common sickness or struggling with more, let us pray to God for healing for ourselves and for one another, trusting that God is able to heal and is with us in our pain. And always, let us recognize our own need for spiritual healing and come to Jesus, the one who saves and gives us life.
I love you and pray you have a great week!
Bobby Kirkpatrick
Tweens:
Tweens is a time for 5th graders to make new friends and have fun while learning how to Make Jesus Choices and how to cope with preteen issues. We meet in the Friends Center on Thursdays, from right after school until 4:30 PM, for snacks, games, and a brief devotional. 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. This program reaches kids across our community and is always a great time. The first Tweens meeting is September 14 and meets weekly through May 2. For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering time or snacks, contact Tena Roher.
Gym Kids:
Gym Kids returns on September 22. Gym Kids is a structured time for preschool 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 on Fridays from 9:00-10:00 AM. Tuition is $25 a month; follow the link to register or contact Ms. Tena for additional information.
Women’s Bible Study
Ladies, join us on Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 AM for our Fall Bible Study. We begin next Wednesday, September 13. Kody Shepherd and Jennifer Sitton will be co-teaching a 10-week study out of the book Better- A Study of Hebrews by Jen Wilkin. Follow the link to purchase 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 and reach out to the church office if you need childcare.
High School Volleyball Tournament:
Our high schoolers are hosting a community volleyball tournament on September 17th from 7:30-9:00 for students in grades 9-12. The entry fee is 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.
Fall Potluck:
Plan to stay after the service this Sunday, September 10 to enjoy a meal and fellowship at the Fall Potluck in the Coffee Café. Follow the link to sign up to provide a dish or to volunteer to set up or clean up after the meal.
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. More details are posted on the church website and brochures can be found in the foyer of the Worship Center. If you would like to attend the retreat you can follow the link to register here.
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.
“Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in honoring your name. Please give success to your servant today and grant him favor in the presence of this man!” Nehemiah 1:11