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.

If you have not yet heard, our Annual Hamburger Dinner and School Supply Drive was a great success.  Many from the community came to share in good food and fellowship and many donations of school supplies were received as well as over $800 collected to benefit Bertram Elementary.   In the thank you note from the school, which is posted on our Missions bulletin board, Principal Dennison remarks that the monetary gift goes a long way toward helping our school children receive the things needed for a successful school year.  Stop and read it the next time you are on your way to Fellowship Hall.  You are being the hands and feet of Christ in your caring and in your generosity.

With the new year comes new classes as we continue to grow in our Christian faith.  Disciple II Bible Study begins Sept. 11th for any have already completed Disciple I.   And our Parents (Re)Group will gather again Sept. 19th for dinner, fellowship and a lesson on sharing life together. 

I look forward to all the ways that Christ will be made known to us in these next weeks and months and for the ways that Christ will be at work in and through us.

       Grace and peace,

        Pastor Chris