Scripture of the Week:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Hello,
This Sunday we got to consecrate a new baptismal font and celebrate our first 2 baptisms. I’m so grateful for the ministry of Rev. Ann Spears and Ruthie Estes whose ministry is honored with this new font. As our children’s director, Courtney, was preparing Children’s Church, she realized this was a rare opportunity. She set aside the lesson she had prepared, and instead, spent the time teaching about baptism. Then each of the kids got to design their own baptismal font. She said she hadn’t been sure how it would go over, but the kids got really into it and loved the chance to put their own theology and faith into the meaning of one of our sacraments. I loved hearing that one family’s decision to celebrate a spiritual milestone in the life of their children led to faith formation sprouting up amongst the kids of our church. You never know how God will use one act of obedience in your life to deepen the faith life of someone else! I encourage you to invite the Holy Spirit to carry out that work in your life this week.
This Sunday we’re having the first potluck lunch our church has had since the pandemic! We’ll be hosting it on the 6th floor, so come to church, drop your food off at the cafe, attend Sunday School and worship, and then join us for a potluck lunch in the youth room and the packing of Thanksgiving in a Bag. This is a mission project that folks of all ages can participate in, and it starts the holiday season with joyful service. NIA would also love to have some church volunteers come out to their center in Port Houston to serve in the Thanksgiving Feast that begins at 5pm Sunday evening.
Be on the lookout for a Financial Update email this Friday. West Fest is a fall festival Quillian is putting on this Saturday; they’d love to have you! As an update on our First Fruits commitments, we are still short about $555,000 in pledges to make next year’s budget. If you haven’t pledged, you can just click here to fill out our online pledge. We’ll be making some follow up calls and trying to wrap this up in the next week. Thank you to everyone who has responded, and especially for all those who have committed to serve and worship in various ways next year. We are abundantly blessed!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Lindsay Kirkpatrick
Senior Pastor
First Houston United Methodist Church
[email protected]