Our bible story for the week was about Esther, who lived with her older cousin, Mordecai. The King chooses Ester to be his new queen and brings her to the palace to live. Queen Esther is Jewish, but her husband the king does not know this. The king’s helper, Haman, doesn’t like the Jewish people. So he tricks the king into making a law that will have all the Jewish people killed.

Mordecai convinces Queen Esther to intervene with the King to save her people. Esther approaches the king and tells him that she is a Jew and that Haman wants to kill all her people. She begs the King not to allow this to happen. The King is upset with Haman. The King doesn’t want Esther or her people to be killed, so he makes a new law to keep Queen Esther and her people safe. As an elite woman, it would have been easy for Queen Esther to remain silent and allow her people to be killed, but Esther put her own life at risk to save and bring peace to the Jewish people. Sometimes it is hard to be a peacemaker in difficult circumstances; but with the help of God, we can all do this.

It was a little late for Father’s Day, but we took this opportunity to show Dad how much he is loved. Each one glued small stones around a heart made of wood and wrote “Dad, you rock!” on the heart.

Hope he loved it! See you in church on Sunday. Blessings

Love and Prayers

Ronnie Sullivan’s mom passed away last weekend. She was 90 and had been in poor health for a long time. She spent these last years in the home with Ronnie and Mary and under their care. This is a big change in their lives and a deep loss.

The service will be later in Abilene.

The Pastoral Knee

I went to the orthopedic doctor Monday. Nothing is broken or torn. The doctor surmised a bone spur broke loose, affecting the arthritis. The knee seems to be healing slowly. I may be on a walker and preaching from a stool for a few weeks, but not permanently.

Things happen after 40.

And I’ve been “after 40” for some time now.

Breakfast This Sunday

It’s a “We-bring Sunday.”

My pigs will be in blankets.

Food and fellowship at 10:30.

This Sunday

“Accosted By the Truth”—that’s my sermon Sunday. What happens when an atheist is suddenly confronted by God? I’ll share two stories with you.

Last Sunday I felt the need to do a little educational work—filling you in on the way the United Methodist Church is put together and telling you a little about our recent Annual Conference.

We are in the “Horizon Conference” now, under Bishop Ruben Saenz.

And we’re proud of it.

A Good Time

DeWayne and Sheila Taylor’s 50th wedding celebration was a joyful occasion. We give thanks for them and their family.

Beautiful duet from Blake and Shannon last week: Good, Good Father. Julian sings this Sunday.

Prepare your hearts. We will worship the Lord.

God Bless—MB