Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known
to everyone.  The Lord is near.  Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

Dear Friends,

What a blessing it has been these past few weeks to hear of the ways that you as individuals are living out your baptismal covenants to uphold our local congregation of the United Methodist Church in prayer, in presence, in giving, in service and in witness.  Hearing your stories of your commitments to Jesus Christ and to the church inspires me to reflect upon my own membership vows to the Southwest Texas Conference and the ways in which I am also living in covenant with the Lord in and through First United Methodist Church of Bertram.  What we do as the gathered community of faith matters in the up-building of the Kingdom of God.  What we do as the church is to offer the hope of Christ and new life to a hurting world.  If you have not considered the vows you have made to this local congregation in a while, ask yourselves these questions:

O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works.
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually.
Psalm 105:1-4 

Dear Friends,

What a fabulous summer we have shared together in the life of the church.  I give thanks for the many hands that helped with Vacation Bible School in large and small ways; I give thanks for the children who came to hear of God’s love for them.  I give thanks to our Mission Team who helped renovate a home in the San Marcos area.  I give thanks for the Sprouts and adult sponsors who spent time with the Lord at summer camp.  I give thanks for the opportunity to worship together.  I give thanks for the voices in the choir who lift up praise to the Lord each Sunday.   I give thanks for the many opportunities to gather in fellowship.  I give thanks for the ways we study the Word of God.   I give thanks for the ways we are involved in the community such as with the building of the sidewalk for an elderly woman in need and for the support of Bertram Elementary through our school supply drive and donations.  I give thanks for those who share their time with the residents of the Bertram Nursing Home.  I give thanks to God for being a part of a loving community of faith.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Romans 12:9-11

Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over!  I pray that you have had time to relax, enjoy time with family and friends, and are renewed in spirit for what seems to be the unofficial new year in the life of the church.

I recently took the opportunity to spend time in silence and prayer on a directed retreat at the Cenacle Retreat House in Houston.  It is a beautiful facility that is adjacent to the Buffalo Bayou hike and bike trail.  For me it was the perfect place to rest and renew my relationship with God.

O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Psalm 105:1-3

Dear Friends,

Rejoice!  There is something about summer that calls us to rejoice in all the ways that God is at work in the Church and in the world through our lives.  We began these summer months by celebrating our graduating seniors.  As the church, we pledge to nurture all who are baptized in the Christian faith.  When we are old enough to speak for ourselves, we confirm our Christian faith through our confirmation.  What a joy it was to celebrate our graduating seniors and reconnect with those who affirmed their faith in Christ in this church.  We look forward to hearing about your next steps!

 First UMC Bertram

Vacation Bible School

Where Kids Carry Out God's Recipes 

In this kid-friendly cafe full of chefs' hats and aprons, pots and pans, checkered tablecloths, and chalkboard menus, kids will explore the Bible as a cookbook filled with recipes for living out God's Word.  Through interactive lessons boys and girls will celebrate biblical festivals that reveal ingredients for being a follower of God.

June 27-July 1 from 5:30- 8:00 p.m. (a light supper will be served every evening)

Registration forms are available at the church or doubleclick the pdf icon now to download the registration form.  Registrations need to be turned in by Friday, June 17.

Bertram United Methodist Church

115 E. North St.

Bertram, TX 78605

512/355-3210