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

Hello, dear family and friends of the church,

I am profoundly grateful for all of you and for the outpouring of love on Sunday. You always know the right things to say, or not say. Grief is a hard thing to handle alone, but it does not require a lot of words. Just making space for someone to feel what they are feeling is enough. We are programmed to “do” the gospel, bring food, clothes, water, give money and time, volunteer at the church, sing in the choir… But walking with someone through grief only requires presence. I can confidently say that you are all skilled at conveying your love with your eyes, your hugs, and your presence. You bring me great comfort. I talked to someone on Sunday about a grief support group at the church. Nothing formal, and we can offer a virtual option along with the option to meet at the church. Please let me know if you are interested and we will find a day/date that works.

Don’t forget our concert on June 29th! The doors open at 6:30 pm and the music will begin at 7:00 pm sharp. Get there early for a seat. Bring a friend. Our musicians, Nicholas and Cassandra, will be singing music in honor of LBGTQ+ Pride month. It will be a great time. We will fellowship for a short time afterward with light refreshments, aka “snacks.” 😊

The funeral mass for Ronnie’s mother, Crispina Monrrial, takes place on Monday, July 1st at 10 am in Abilene, Texas at Saint Vincent Catholic Church, 2525 Westview, Abilene. Crispina’s daughters make our Eastside Community Assistance enchilada dinner every year in December to raise money for outreach. Please do not feel obligated to travel to Abilene. Just your thoughts and love are greatly appreciated.  Ronnie will be back in church when she is ready to see everyone. She sends thanks for your prayers and support through this difficult time. 

May the Lord be with you, Mary

Our lesson Sunday was one of my favorites from when I was a child. I can remember my Mom reciting it to me. It represents God as a shepherd who is always with us. He protects the sheep and keeps us on a proper path in God’s good name. When we are in distress, God uses his rod and staff to protect us as he uses these to protect the sheep as a shepherd. This reminds us that God is always with us, even in times of trouble. God cares for every one of us and will always be with us.

We had a wonderful craft ready for Father’s Day, but to our dismay, we were missing kids! I enjoyed having Bridget there to help us with our craft. Hopefully, we will see you in church on Sunday. Blessings…

Good Service Last Sunday

Beverly Tye’s parting sermon was fine and gracious. Already we are looking forward to her first visit back after her move.

Lovely duet from Blake and Shannon—but what’s new?

I’m writing this hurriedly on Sunday afternoon just before I leave for the Annual Conference in Round Rock. It’s not so easy a trip, considering my bum knee. But it’s not that hard either.

Get back on Wednesday afternoon.

I will be preaching on Sunday.

Big Event!

Dwayne and Sheila Taylor—in this church for 31 years—will renew their vows in a service this Saturday—June 15—at 2:00 in the afternoon.

You—all of you—are invited.

Light refreshments after.

And lots of joy.

It’s 50 years together.

And we give thanks.

(Shannon will bring the music.)

Breakfast This Sunday

It’s a “Winston Sunday.”

Food and fellowship at 10:30.

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday and Sunday.

Hope you are with us for worship.

Don’t make me have to come looking for you.

God Bless—MB

ON MY MIND—the folks we love who are sick and others who have lost loved ones. May God’s grace and comfort be with those who need it most.

We said “so long” on Sunday to our dear friend, mentor, and retired pastor, Beverly Tye. While it was difficult to see her leave, I know it is temporary. She is a short drive by Texas standards, only four hours to Blanco, Texas. We will miss Beverly, but she has promised to visit and to keep in touch. Reverend Tye’s sermon on Sunday morning was meaningful to me. I had not considered myself someone called to ‘kiss a frog.’ She was spot on in her description of frogs and in their place in the minds of humans, not very attractive, do not invoke joy, etc. But the sound made by the tree frogs in my yard just after the sun goes down is very soothing to me. It is a sound I can listen to for hours as I let the stress of my day peel away. Maybe God intended frogs to be heard and not seen. 

We have our first summer concert scheduled at Saint Matthew on June 29^th at 6:30 pm. Musicians Cassandra Kirby and Nicholas Garza will be performing for us. Cassandra and Nicholas are great friends of Blake’s and are well-known artists in the local music scene. The concert is free of charge and an offering will be collected to support the ministries of Saint Matthew.

Don’t forget the ladies’ luncheon tomorrow with crafting beginning at 10 am and lunch at 11:30. Blessings to all, Mary