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!

Summer time is also the time of mission trips, summer camps and Vacation Bible School.  I give thanks to God to all of our young people and the adult sponsors who said “YES!” to spending a week out of their summer to serve others in need at Southside Community’s River Camp  I give thanks for all of the volunteers who planned and prepared and implemented Vacation Bible School.  What an awesome way to remind our little ones (and not so little ones) of God’s love for each of us through Bible stories, music, science, recreation, crafts and worship.  We really shook things up!  Well done!  I give thanks for all of our Sprouts and the adult sponsors who will travel to Kerrville for the Austin District’s Pre-Teen camp.  They will be strengthening their relationships with God and one another through many fun activities.  I give thanks to Mary Gurno who is traveling to Malawi, Africa with the Drops of Grace ministry and for teaching the children of three villages the stories of God’s love.

I also give thanks to Sung Eun Roh and the gifts of music she has shared with us over the past four years.  Sung not only graced our church with her command of the piano, she also blessed our extended community in the recitals given in conjunction with her colleagues.  Thank you, Sung, for being a part of the FUMC family and for honoring God through your music in this place.

So, this summer, take a look at the ways that God is growing us up in the Christian faith.  What is being planted this summer will take root, bear much fruit, and sustain us in the weeks, months and years ahead.  All praise be to God!

       Grace and peace,

         Chris