Mary’s Corner

Dearest church,

I have completed my interview process today with the Horizon Texas Board of Ordained Ministry. I am very disappointed to inform you that I have been held over for another year at the district level. I was not approved for ordination. I can interview again in 2026. I will receive written instructions and comments from the BOM in a couple of weeks. Until then I have been encouraged to dig deeper and to work harder. The BOM offers support and continued encouragement to stay the course.
I am tired right now and will have more later.
My love to all of you. Thank you for your prayers and love. I will be studying for next year. And you know that means that so will you! Mary

Kids’ News – Peter’s Great Escape!

King Herod was not a good man. He wanted to stop the followers of Jesus, so he ordered the death of James, the brother of John. When he saw that this made the people happy, he arrested Peter too.

Peter was put in a prison with chains on his hands, surrounded by two guards and even more soldiers outside. Herod planned to put him on trial after the Passover feast. But God had other plans!

That night, as Peter slept in his cell, something amazing happened—a bright light filled the room, and an angel appeared. The angel nudged Peter awake and said, “Get up quickly!” Right away, the chains fell off his hands.

The angel told Peter to get dressed and follow him. As they walked, no one stopped them—even though they passed two sets of guards! Then they reached a big iron gate leading out to the city. And guess what? It opened all by itself!

Once Peter was safely outside, the angel disappeared. That’s when Peter realized—this wasn’t a dream! God had really rescued him!

Peter hurried to Mary’s house, where his friends were praying for his safety. He knocked on the door, and a girl named Rhoda answered. She was so shocked to hear Peter’s voice that she ran to tell the others—but forgot to open the door!

At first, no one believed her. They thought she was imagining things. But Peter kept knocking, and when they finally opened the door, they were amazed!

Peter told them how God had saved him and then he left for a safe place.

What We Learned

This story reminds us that God hears our prayers—even when we don’t see answers right away. Just like Peter’s friends prayed for him, we can pray for others too!

How do you like to pray? Do you pray before bed? Before meals? Do you pray when you’re scared? This week, let’s remember that Jesus is always with us, and we can talk to Him anytime!

Hope to see you in church Sunday!

Blessings…

Max’s Corner

Take Note!

Choir practice resumes at 9:30 AM this Sunday. Just practice—performances will resume next week.

A Breakthrough

My Friday’s Word this week reflects a spiritual breakthrough. I don’t have to carry the burden of what will happen in our country and the world over the next few years. I only have to do my part—what God calls me to do.

The weight of it all had left me feeling immobilized. Now, I can move on. Thanks be to God.

Discovering God

Things are about to get a little crazy in class this week (and for the next few weeks). We’ll explore some truly unusual experiences that reveal the deep connection between religion and science.

We will discover that the world is far different than it appears—and that science will someday realize it cannot avoid God.

Class meets at 9:45 AM, followed by breakfast. This Sunday is a Winston Sunday—feel free to bring something to share.

Doctor’s Verdict

I’ll be getting stronger shots in my knees soon. In a couple of months, we’ll discuss knee replacement surgery.

This Sunday

Sermon: Life is Difficult. Paul’s life was full of hardships. This Sunday, we’ll take a closer look at just how difficult it was.

Mary had a powerful sermon for our present times last Sunday. Julian’s solo was moving. Julian also shaved his beard.

Blake still has his. Have we ever seen him without one? I don’t think so.

It will be 62 degrees and sunny on Sunday—come for the joy of it.

This is Communion Sunday. The All-Council meeting will be held after church.

God Bless,
MB

Mary’s Corner

Hello, dear church family, and the sacred body of Christ,

I have been busy studying and preparing for my ordination interview next Tuesday. Our ordination class has been blessed with wisdom, advice, and prayers from members of the Board of Ordained Ministry, who have guided us through this process. Their support has made me feel much more confident going into this year’s interview compared to last year.

On Sunday, I visited Patsy Reeves. Other than a few stitches to her head and a broken collarbone, she was in good spirits and not in much pain. She sends her love and well wishes to everyone.

I also spoke with Bruce Butterfield, Keith’s son. There is a room available at Parkwood where we could gather to celebrate Keith’s birthday. I’m hoping to do something after church this Sunday around 2:00 PM. Since space is limited, we’ll need to take turns spending time with Keith. If you’d like to participate, please let me know by email, text, or in person at church this Sunday.

My love to all of you. Step outside and enjoy the weather—they say another cold front is on the way!

Blessings,
Mary

Kids’ News

This Sunday, we reviewed Matthew 17:5, where God spoke during Jesus’ baptism: “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him.” These words remind us of Jesus’ divine purpose on earth as He began His ministry leading to the cross. Moments like this help us understand the significance of the Resurrection when Easter arrives.

With Ian getting baptized, many of our other children have expressed interest in baptism as well. Miss Vicky has purchased lessons on baptism from the Christian bookstore to guide them. If your child is interested in learning about baptism, please bring them to church, and they will be included in our Children’s Church. What a wonderful day it will be when our young ones take this important step in their faith!

A quick reminder: it’s almost time to start collecting eggs for our Easter Egg Hunt! If you’d like to help, let us know. We usually fill lots of eggs with goodies and would appreciate your support. See you in church on Sunday—blessings to all!