July 21, 2019
The West District of the Central Texas Conference have two exciting mission trip opportunities coming up. Graham First United Methodist is going to Costa Rica to participate in a fresh water well drilling program. They plan to work in an eye clinic or help with VBS. The dates are 10-26 to 11-02. The cost of lodging and food is $800, and the airfare is $500.
There is a Kenya trip coming on 01-9 to 01-22-2020. There will be opportunities to participate in medical, construction, and worship programs. This trip to Africa will cost $2820 to $2960.
See what connected churches can accomplish. All the “old time” denominations have built hospitals, universities, children’s homes and sent missionaries all over the earth.
This past Sunday I served as Worship Leader and Jorden Cardoza was our acolyte. Jorden’s dad, Steven, operated the power point for us. We appreciate everyone who “steps up” to help out at church. Many of the routine helpers were out on vacation or wrangling grandchildren so their kids could get a break.
Pastor Ken and I fed the cattle last week for our grown kids. It was more fun than a chore, but we could get back in our air-conditioned truck and go home.
Betty Lusk shared a wonderful celebration with us, her nephew, Colonel Craig Le Flore, was the Commander in Chief of the US Marine Base at San Diego, Cal. Col. Le Flore recently retired after 26 of service to his country. Through his service Col. Le Flore was able to travel extensively around the world.
Neva Smith told us her neighbor is in the hospital and not doing well. This gentleman is on our prayer list.
We continue to pray for Ray La Baume and Ola Mae also.
Julia Broussard blessed us with a powerful solo presentation of “Amazing Grace.” Leta Sage accompanied Julia on the piano. Oh, how thankful we were to hear this special. I will add this, attending church is not a chore or a duty, but a wonderful privilege, when we worship the Lord as we did this past Sunday!
Our Scripture reading was Colossians 1:15-28.
Rev. Ken Lunsford took his lesson from the words of Paul in Colossians.
Paul tells us that Jesus is the firstborn of all creation; for in Him all things in heaven and on earth were created. Paul says, He Himself is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Jesus has rescued us, and many of us were headed down the wrong road - with bad habits, bad attitudes, or maybe a bad marriage. Christ came into our lives and transformed us. He saved us from the darkness! He took us into the Kingdom of God where we have redemption.
Is there a more blessed word than “Forgiven?” You can hurt the people you love, but out of their love for you they forgive you. You hurt God, but there is a cross on Calvary that says you are forgiven. Are you still walking in darkness? Christ says, “turn around,” come into the light. Come into Christ’s Kingdom, begin living like Jesus. Seek redemption and salvation.
Our atrium garden is a quite a place to pray. The street-side gate is unlocked. Come, be welcome.
OPEN HEARTS, OPEN DOORS, OPEN MINDS