What if you threw a party and nobody came? Would you be disappointed, hurt, or mad? I suppose it all depends on how much money and trouble you went to, or how important the event was to you (i.e. birthday, wedding, graduation celebration, etc.) 

In Luke 14:15-24, Jesus tells a parable about just such an incident. A great banquet was thrown and all were invited - but no one came. The host is, understandably, quite upset; especially given the flimsy excuses offered by the declining persons. 

Of course, as is often the case with Jesus, there is more to the story. This is not a parable about mere social obligations or faux pas. Jesus is teaching us something about the Kingdom of God, and abundant life is as stake. 

I invite you to join me this Sunday in worship at 9:00 or 11:05 am as we go deeper into the lesson and join Jesus for the Great Banquet.

 

Peace,

Pastor Todd



Beginning this Sunday, September 1, we will be collecting boxes of instant cake mix and cans of cake frosting in support of our friends and partners at Mission Northeast to serve our local neighbors in need. Collection boxes are already set-up on the Missions Table in the Activity Hallway and will be there all month long.



Power. Fear. Violence. These three idols of Christian nationalism are corrupting American Christianity.

Andrew L. Whitehead is a leading scholar on Christian nationalism in America and speaks widely on its effects within Christian communities. In this book, he shares his journey and reveals how Christian nationalism threatens the spiritual lives of American Christians and the church.

Join our study leader, Carlos Ochoa, beginning on Sunday, September 8 as he leads this timely discussion. Register Now to reserve your spot and receive a free book.

Our neighbors at Friendship UMC in Porter are hosting this Lay Servant Ministries (LSM) Mixer on Saturday, September 14 for anyone who has already taken a basic or advanced course (or anyone thinking about taking a basic course) for lay servant/speaker. Please RSVP to Kelli Merritt on or before September 3.

The Walk to Emmaus develops Christian disciples and leaders by inspiring, challenging, and equipping active adult church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, workplaces, and communities.

If you are seeking to renew a relationship with God, grow spiritually, or discover firmer foundations for your life, contact Dick Danielson at 281-770-8138 for more information or to sign-up for the next local Emmaus Walk:

Men's Walk #121: September 19-22

Women's Walk #122: September 26-29



Mark your calendars for these two amazing Fall events! The first is our Trunk or Treat fellowship event on Saturday, October 26 and then we will serve for our annual Rise Against Hunger mission ministry on Sunday, November 3. More details - and the "Trunk or Treat" Trunk Host registration link - are coming soon!

Our next Kairos Prison Ministry Weekend is November 7-10. If you’d like to share the Love of Christ to those in desperate need, please contact Gary Buchler.



Do you know someone who is experiencing a long illness or recovery? Or maybe someone who is suffering a loss? If you think they would welcome an encouraging card from our church, please contact Pat Rogers (713-410-3557) and/or Margaret Sugarek (281-682-5335). You can also reach-out to our church secretary, Anne Blakely.

Don't suffer alone - our Stephen Ministry is here to help! Each one of our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers that are ready to listen, care for and encourage you, pray with and for you, and help you through a crisis or difficult time. This support is completely confidential. To find out more, please contact Dr. Bill Allen (361-739-5226) and/or Bev Puckett (832-428-4685).



If you or someone you know is homebound and you/they would like to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, please contact Ellen Cosio via text at (832) 514-0128 and/or Dr. Bill Allen at (361) 739-5226.

Please contact the church office (281-360-4500) during weekday office hours (Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Friday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm) to have your prayer concern(s) added to our Intercessory Prayer Team List.



Check-out all of our Adult Sunday School class offerings on our updated website!

Please don't miss our Strawbridge Kids Facebook Page or our most recent Children's/Mission 56 e-Newsletter or our Linktree Page for all upcoming events. Reach-out to Pastor Emily, for any further information!

Kids Sunday School classes begin at 10:05 am! Please be sure to check where your kiddo(s) should go! See the "Kids & 56 Sunday School" graphic above.

We use the KidCheck system for Sunday School sign-ins. All Kindergarteners through 4th graders need to be checked-in using this awesome system. All check-in machines are located just outside Room 109! If you don’t already have a KidCheck account, you can create an account here.

There are several music & arts programs available for anyone interested. For example, the Chancel Choir is rehearsing on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. Please contact Pastor Lindsay for any questions or details.