Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr. will be visiting districts within CTC and NTC throughout the fall.  We invite clergy and laity will to join together in a time of worship and fellowship at the East District Gathering with Bishop Saenz on Saturday, October 14th at 10:00 am.  The event will take place at New World UMC (2201 N Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012).   Childcare will be available.  To reserve childcare for this event, please contact Melissa Shamburger no later than October 9th by email at [email protected] or call 817-945-6508. 

The Tarrant County Public Health Department reports that the risk of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community remains LOW.

However, if you live with a chronic illness or with a compromised immune system, please wear a mask while at church. We will make sure to have face masks and hand sanitizer available at the church entrances for your use.

If you think you might be sick, please stay at home and join us online.

Source: https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/public-health/disease-control—prevention/COVID-19.html

This Sunday

I read an article called “Five Historical Truths that Tell Us Jesus Never Existed.” It set me off.

Sermon title: “A Little Learning Is a Dangerous Thing.” Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

About the Concert

My e-mails all got bounced back over the weekend (too full) so I didn’t get word on attendance or income from the concert. But I know it was successful and the concerts are doing what we wanted them to do.

They are a lot of work from quite a number of people—but it looks like the work is worth it. They seem to be a great way to draw outsiders into our midst. And we have a really good time.

The next one will be September 9—my “one-man show.” The present title is “God, Grace and Gooseberry—the Musical.”

Personal News

I had an ultrasound on Monday and it appears there are no longer blood clots in my leg. I can discontinue the heavy blood thinner.

I hope by the time you get this Curtis Anderson is home from the hospital. He has had pneumonia.

I know Charlotte Holder is getting better.

Carleen Wheeler is scheduled for some surgery this week.

Tracy Maxwell missed last Sunday—again because of a painful back situation.

I know Carol Bennett will be glad to get through with the mess of moving.

We give thanks for the Lord’s work in the lives of our folk who are ill or dealing with any difficulty.

Great sermon from Mary last Sunday.

And great singing from Shannon.

Blake is back this Sunday.

Hey!—it lifts my heart to see you in a pew.

Be there this Sunday.

GOD BLESS—MB

Beloved Church and Friends,

I owe you an apology. My sermon on Sunday about the irrelevance of the church to most young people failed to include the very important point that without all of you, there wouldn’t be a church for them to find irrelevant. I would not be in church if not for you. And your love and life experience are just what these young souls are missing in their lives. I cannot wait to be in ministry WITH YOU as we show the next generations the blessings of being in fellowship with other people. I do not want to experience church without you! 

It looks like we have another week to ten days of this oppressive heat. I see some temperatures in the 70’s later next week, only reaching the 90’s. I am looking forward to getting back to double-digit temperatures. Continue to stay indoors unless it is absolutely necessary and drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated. If you need anything we are available to assist. Also, our nemesis COVID is back with a vengeance. Hospital admissions remain very low but the new variant is very dangerous. Please be sure and wash your hands, stay home and rest if you are sick, and wear a mask if your immune system is compromised. There will be a vaccine booster for this new strain coming soon. I will keep you up to date on what is happening.

My love to all! I ask for your prayers as I travel this week to Arkansas for the funeral of a dear, life-long family friend. My mother and I will be leaving Thursday afternoon and returning Saturday.

Blessings, Mary

Our story this week was about a Festival of Weeks. This is not something that we hear a lot about, but in looking closely, it resembles our Thanksgiving. The Israelites are instructed to celebrate with everyone. Their families, their servants, anyone who lives in their city, and immigrants among them, they were to remember the widows and orphans. Both the poor and the marginalized were included in this celebration and were allowed to enjoy and partake in the blessings of the land.

Today the festival is filled with prayers and thanksgiving to God for fruitfulness. Many people stayed up all night studying the Torah. The Book of Ruth is read during Shavuot. The story of Ruth reminds God’s people of Ruth’s sacrifices which were rewarded by God’s steadfast mercy and love. The words are familiar: “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” The primary purpose of this festival was for people to show gratitude for all they have.

This week, the kids enjoyed painting watering cans and next week we will fill them with painted flowers. This weather has taken a toll on our flowers, so we are painting wooden ones! See you Sunday.

Blessings