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October 25, 2015
Connection 4308 W. Davis Street Conroe, Texas 77304-4284 936.756.3395
www.fumc-conroe.org Facebook FUMCConroe Twitter @FUMCConroe
The
Becoming disciples of Jesus Christ by knowing, loving and serving God
THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31
5:30 p.m. - 7 :00 p.m.
in our church parking lot
We’ll have Candy, Games, a Train, Texas Pets on Wheels,
Kona Ice, lots of Trunks & so much more !!!
It’s still not too late to sign up to help! If you would like to bring
your car, someone will be in the parking lot by 4:30 p.m. to show
you where to park. We would like to have everyone parked by
5:15 p.m. Please plan to stay parked from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
We don’t want anyone moving cars while the children are walking
around. By our best guess we had 400 children at our event last
year, if that helps plan for candy.
Decorate your trunks or back of your trucks to make it fun when
the children visit your car. Bring chairs so you can sit by your
cars. If you plan to be in costume, we ask that you remember you
are representing the church. Please no witches, devils or anything
that would not be appropriate for our church parking lot.
Sign up at the table in the narthex.
If you have any questions, please give Julie a call at 936-756-3395
or email her at [email protected].
GUEST REPORT
First Time Guests 13
Repeat Guests 68
———————————————
All Saints’ Sunday
Celebration of Holy Communion
8:30 a.m. - Sanctuary
Rev. Janet Stilwell
Inspiration Choir
———————————————
Contemporary Worship
9:45 a.m. - Faith Chapel
Rev. Mary Tumulty
FUMC Praise Team
———————————————
Traditional Worship
11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary
Rev. Janet Stilwell
Chancel Choir
———————————————
Culto de Adoración
11:00 a.m. - Capilla de Fe
Rev. Emigdio Rosales
Website
plain thoughts
caring ministry
2
So what about “So that . . . ?”
Over the past month there has been some attention made to the phrase, “so that . . .” We are placing emphasis on the “so that life” in contrast to the “so what life.” Open your bibles to almost any book in the New Testament and you will find the phrase, “so that” jumping out at you. In the Greek grammar a “so that” statement is a hina clause, which is a purpose clause used to affirm a purpose or result. Reflect on these promises for those who are followers of Christ.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4 (NIV)
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
It is easy to live a “so what” life. So what if I make the wrong choice, so what if I don’t respond in love, so what if I don’t forgive, so what if I chose my desire to do exactly as I want, so what, who cares and what difference does it make? Scripture tells us that to live “so that life”, is to choose a life of abundance and joy; a life that says yes to the promises and purposes of our Lord Jesus Christ. And dear friends, may you sense God’s presence and action in your lives today, so that you may respond to God and neighbor in love and compassion.
God’s Keeping,
Halloween Fun
Do you remember how you used to dress up for Halloween? I do! When I grew up there were no costumes that you purchased from the store. You just gathered items from around your house and created a certain look such as a long skirt, a peasant blouse, lots of beads and a kerchief to create a gypsy. The guys would wear an old pair of jeans with patches sewn on it, an oversized men’s shirt and they would carry a broomstick with a knapsack made out of a bandanna scarf tied on it to become a hobo. I remember knocking on my neighbors’ doors saying, “Trick or Treat” and hoping to get some good sweet candy!
Now fast forward to the 70’s and 80’s when my children dressed up for Halloween. At that particular time, almost every child had a store-bought plastic costume with a large mask that covered their entire face except two cut-outs for their little eyes. Some of the costumes that my boys wore were Super Mario Brothers, Popeye, and Darth Vader.
Halloween has become a huge cultural and commercial tradition, hasn’t it? You now even see adults that dress up and costumes for animals.
A really fun and exciting Halloween activity that I have participated in for the past ten years is “Trunk or Treat” which is held on the parking lot of our church. I believe it is one of the most important outreach activities that our church promotes for our community. You see this activity attracts between 300 - 400 parents and children from the city of Conroe, Willis, and Montgomery.
The participants decorate their car trunks and hand out candy. The event takes place from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. It is such a blessing to see so many little children and their parents gather at FUMC just to have fun and enjoy the fall evening in a safe and welcoming environment. When you come you will probably see little girls and boys dressed up as Princess Elsa, Super Heroes and Minions. I can guarantee that you will hear lots of laughter and see little children whose hearts are full of joy! Come and join us on October 31 in our church parking lot. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
~.Janet Cable.~
youth ministry
lifespan ministry
3
CHILDREN & FAMILY
Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 31 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sign up yourself and your trunk on the table in the narthex.
We will have candy, games, a train, Texas Pets on Wheels,
Kona Ice, lots of trunks & so much more!!
Saturday Night Live November 14
5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. / Bring your own dinner 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. / planned activities
18 months - 4th grade Sign up now in the church office.
20 children max $10.00 per child with $25.00 max per family
Advent Workshop Sunday, November 15, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Come make gifts or decorations while you enjoy an afternoon of fellowship with old and new friends.
Sign up in the narthex on Sundays or in the church office during the week
Deadline is Sunday, November 8
Adult Open Gym
Tuesday Nights 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Come join us for a pickup game of
basketball, volleyball, etc. . . . Nursery available
SENIOR ADULTS
Wednesday “42” Games begin at 9:00 a.m. in M-2.
Come join the group!
Amazing Grays - 1st Monday Fellowship November 2
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Dominos, Bridge, Uno… 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Mysteries by Elaine
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Elaine’s Book Review Sweets & Coffee
Come join us and bring a friend!!
SINGLE ADULTS
2nd Sunday Lunch November 8 at 12:15 p.m.
East Buffet 2104 N. Frazier St., Suite 160
Bring your friends!!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pumpkin Carving Contest Sunday, October 25 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Bring your own pumpkin to carve. Prizes will be awarded in several different categories.
Holiday Pie Sale
Next Sunday, November 1, will be the
beginning of our first fundraiser for the
Youth Ministry. We need Youth and Sixth
graders to sign up and work a time slot to
help sell tickets before and after each
worship service. This is your chance to start
earning money towards your summer
activities. Sign-up Sheet is on the bulletin
board downstairs.
Trunk-or-Treat Saturday, October 31 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
We need youth and parents to help with games and face painting for the children who attend. Sign up on the bulletin board. Contact Ms Ruth Ann for more information. fumc_conroe_youth Conroeyouth
music / worship ministries
hispanic ministry
4
A special thanks to the Chancel Bells for their lovely ringing. Thanks, Craig, for joining us on the
piano. We welcome our two newest Choral Interns into the choir: Myah Lerch and Cristian Ruiz.
Work continues on music for Christmas. Remember Betty Bashen and Judy Springer in your
prayers.
Circle Tuesday, October 27. Come enjoy a concert of choral music in our sanctuary with the
Conroe High School Choirs and their feeder programs from area intermediate school choirs and
Peet Jr. High School. There are two choices: 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and
dress is casual.
Children’s Music Ministry - We celebrate October birthdays this afternoon. Come in costume!
Heartwarmer for the week:
“Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank You for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow,
for the health, the work, the food,
and the bright skies that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth.
(Robert Louis Stevenson)
Una cosa es cumplir el
propósito de Dios, y
otra muy distinta es
utilizar el Nombre de
Dios para cumplir mis
propósitos.
No olvide leer la sección de niños y
jóvenes en el boletín, hay diversas
actividades para nuestros hijos.
¡Enseñémosles a estar involucrados en
las actividades que la iglesia organiza!
Hermano y hermana que llevas poco tiempo en esta iglesia; todos aquí y especialmente el pastor estamos muy contentos con tu presencia; es por eso que el domingo 15 de noviembre a las 9:30am en la biblioteca, el pastor estará compartiendo un desayuno con todo el que quiera saber más de la iglesia y conocerle mejor a él, este será un tiempo para conversar, reir y conocernos; es gratis, solo tienes que inscribirte. Por favor contacta directamente al pastor al finalizar el culto o través de su celular: 832-305-1533, también puedes hacerlo por correo electrónico a: [email protected]
Al despertar, los residentes de ciertos apartamentos de la Florida contemplaron por sus ventanas una visión aterradora: la calle situada frente a su edificio se había hundido literalmente, creando una enorme depresión. Al interior del precipicio, cada vez más hondo, se desplomaban automóviles, trozos de calzada, aceras y mobiliario de jardín. Obviamente, el edificio mismo no tardaría en seguir el mismo camino. Según los científicos, esos socavones ocurren cuando, durante épocas de sequía, las corrientes de agua subterráneas se secan haciendo que la su-perficie del terreno pierda su soporte. De repente todo se viene sencillamente abajo, dejando a la gente con una aterradora sospecha de que nada, ni siquiera la tierra que pisan, es seguro. Hay muchas personas cuya vida es como esos socavones. Muchos de nosotros hemos sentido alguna vez que nos encontrábamos al borde de un hundimiento. En ocasiones semejantes, nos parece que estamos al borde de un colapso que amenaza con arrastrar todo nuestro mundo, un abismo sin fondo. ¿Qué es lo que pasa? Si meditamos en ello durante mucho tiempo, tal vez descubramos la existencia de un espacio interno -nuestro mundo interior- que antes ignorábamos. Pero que quedará patente que, si lo descuidamos, ese mundo interior no resistirá la carga de los acontecimientos y presiones que pesan sobre él. Algunos individuos se sorprenden al caer en cuenta, de que han invertido la mayor parte de su tiempo y de su energía en establecer su vida en el nivel visible de la superficie. Con frecuencia, uno descubre casi demasiado tarde que su mundo interior se halla en un estado de confusión o debilidad, y cuan-do ese es el caso siempre existe la posibilidad de caer en el síndrome del socavón. Debemos llegar a comprender que vivimos en dos mun-dos muy distintos a la vez, nuestro mundo exterior o público y nuestro mundo interior de una naturaleza espiritual. A la mayoría de nosotros se nos ha enseñado a administrar bien nuestro mundo público pero Dios quiere que tambien prestemos atención a nuestro mundo espiritual para que nuestro mundo exterior pueda permanecer en pie (Pr 4:23) y sea un instrumento para mostrar la Gloria de Dios. Tomado y adaptado del libro: Ponga orden en su mundo interior de Gordon Macdonald
discipleship
missions and community outreach ministries
5
Discipleship is the practice of being a Christ-follower through worship, prayer, study and acts of compassion and justice found in
witness and service. We become disciples as we practice living out our lives through knowing, loving and serving God in the world.
We live together in harmony so that . . . they may know we are Christians by our love.
God’s desire through Jesus Christ is that we live in harmony with one another and Jesus stated that clearly in John 13:34,35:
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you,
you also should love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
As a member of the church we have a responsibility to become a unifying presence.
Living in unity is not the same as being uniform or thinking or acting the same. Being a source of unity is to love one another without conditions. We can certainly agree to
disagree and to live in unity means that we first and foremost demonstrate love towards
one another.
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:14
Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of
Samaritans Purse headed by Franklin Graham,
has distributed shoe boxes to over 100 million
children in over 130 countries in the last twenty
years. Last year our church and day school
contributed 448 and was the collection point for
2,539.
Please make plans to fill a box for a child who
may have never received a gift in their life.
Plastic boxes are available in the narthex and by
the chapel today and for the next two Sundays.
Brochures are available which list appropriate
items to put in the box. Boxes will be gathered
at all services on November 15. A contribution
of $1 per box is requested to help expenses.
FOURTH SUNDAY
BUDDY BACK PACK
FOOD COLLECTION
If you forgot to bring your back pack food today,
you can still drop it by the church office next
week. Every fourth Sunday, you are encouraged
to drop off your food donations in the marked
barrels. Lists of requested food items for the back
packs are available (pick up a list in the office or
go to www.fumc-conroe.org/missionoutreach/
food collection for the list).
6
Can You Bake a Cake,
Pie, or Cookies for the
Military Ministry
Bake Sale?
Bake Sale planned for Sunday,
November 15. If you can make
a baked good, call Jim Payne at
936-756-6947.
UPWARD BASKETBALL
REGISTRATION
Early registration for Upward Basketball has begun! Sign up your lst - 6th graders between now and November 12. This year there are two options for registering:
Register online at http://registration.upward.org/UPW59945. Payment can be made online with a credit card, or bring a check at the time of evaluations.
OR Pick up a registration form at the church office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Payment can be made at the time of evaluations or may be dropped off with the registration form at the church office.
The early registration cost per child is $65. There is a $10 discount for each additional child in a family during early registration (now through November 12). After November 12, the cost is $75.
Evaluation Dates: Every player must attend one basketball evaluation in the gym at First United Methodist Church, as follows:
1st and 2nd Grade Boys/Girls Monday, November 9, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
3rd and 4th Grade Boys/Girl Tuesday, November 10 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
5th and 6th Grade Boys/Girls Thursday, November 12 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The deadline for late registrations is December 1, with late registration evaluations being held December 1 in the gym between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Contact Julie Medved at the church office for more details.
Would you like to volunteer to
send greeting cards to our
homebound members? Call
Janet Cable at 936.756.3395.
Volunteers Needed
MILITARY SERVICE
MINISTRY
Please help us keep our lists of
military service personnel and
their addresses current. Contact
Charlene and Jim Payne at
936.756.6947.
Grief Support Ministry
Tomorrow
Monday, October 26
5:30 p.m.
Susanna Room
For more information,
call Chris Gritzmacher
936.273.1214
Care Quilt Ministry
This Tuesday, October 27
(Meets the last Tuesday of each month)
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Room M-2
(by the choir room)
For more information,
Call Marty Lopez, 936.756.3076
Board of Stewards Meeting
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
6:30 p.m. in the Wesley Room
Come join us and see what’s
happening in the life of the
Church! Guest Speaker, Rev.
Jeff Olive, will discuss the
possibilities of a Second Church
Campus that Rev. Bagley shared
his thoughts on at the various
Cottage Meetings.
7
PRAYER REQUEST OR PRAISE REPORT?
E-mail to: [email protected] - or call (936) 756-3395 - or visit our website at www.fumc-conroe.org
hospital PLEASE PRAY FOR . . . OUR KNOWN HOSPITALIZED
RECENTLY RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL John Wiesner
If you or someone you love has been in the hospital for 24 hours and you haven’t heard from the church, we don’t know you're there. Please call and let us know. Call Janet Cable at 936.756.3395.
Conroe Health Care Center Ordy Blair
Conroe Regional Medical Center Eve Hoffman, Robert “Bob” Reed, Mary Margaret Vick
We are in urgent need of volunteers to visit our nursing home residents. Please prayerfully consider offering your service. Call the church office for more information.
The Methodist Day School is
collecting Box Tops again! Please
check your pantry and bring all Box
Tops for Education clippings to
either the Day School Office or to the
Church Office and mark them for the
Day School. All money earned will
fund playground improvements and
other new equipment needed for the
children. Box Tops will be redeemed
in October and February.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Yolanda and David Croucher
Park Manor - Conroe Jay Blume, Sr.
Today you can learn
about Upward Basketball.
Then, ask yourself the
question below.
Holiday Pie Sale Youth Fundraiser
Our Youth will be selling pie tickets from Montgomery Bakehouse on November 1 - 22. The cost for each ticket is $15 for an 8” pie of your choice. Tickets can be purchased before and after worship, in the church office during the week or by one of our youth. The proceeds from this sale will help our youth participate in upcoming events. Thank you for supporting our Youth and the Youth Ministry!
We are a
Stephen Ministry
Congregation.
If you are caught between aging parents and your children, then you need to read The Sandwich Years by Dennis and
Ruth Gibson. The authors hope to foster reconciliation between generations.
This week’s featured book from our own church library:
HealthSouth Vision Park - Shenandoah
James “Jim” Jackson
Sunday, October 25
7:00 am—Sunday Morning Men’s Coffee Fellowship/Library (101) 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 am—Worship Services/ Sanctuary & Faith Chapel 9:30 am—Small Groups for Youth/Upper Room 9:45 am—Small Groups for All Ages/All Classrooms 11:00 am—Children’s Sunday School (Bilingual)/102 11:00 am—Small Groups for Adults/Asbury Room, Susanna Room (100) & 109 11:00 am—Why? Making Sense of God’s Will/ 111 4:00 pm—Inspiration Choir/M-1 & M-2 4:00 pm—New Hope Handbells/Sanctuary 5:00 pm—Children’s Choirs/Junior Choir/M-1, M-2 & Sanctuary 5:00 pm—Y.O.U.T.H. Group/Gym, Upper Room & Sports Field
Monday, October 26
9:00 am—Day School/Children’s Area & Gym 9:30 am—Financial Peace University/Asbury Room 5:30 pm—Grief Support Group/Susanna Room (100) 6:30 pm—Disciple I Bible Study/113 7:00 pm—Boy Scout Troop 143/Wesley Room & 131 7:00 pm—Montgomery County Choral Society/ M-1 & M-2
Tuesday, October 27
6:20 am—Morning Devotional for Montgomery Jr. High and Sr. High/Whataburger 7:00 am—Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study/ Wesley Room 9:00 am—Care Quilt Ministry/M-2 9:00 am—Identification Recovery Team/MCEA 9:00 am—Day School/Children’s Area & Gym 9:15 am—Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study/111 10:00 am—Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood/113 5:30 pm—Conroe High School Choir Concert/ Sanctuary 6:00 pm—Day School Board Finance/113 6:30 pm—Day School Board/113 6:30 pm—Financial Peace University/Asbury Room 6:30 pm—Open Gym/Gym 7:00 pm—Basic ESL Classes/111 7:00 pm—Conroe High School Choir Concert/ Sanctuary
Wednesday, October 28
6:20 am—Morning Devotional for Willis ISD Chick-fil-A 9:00 am—Morning “42” Gang/M-2 9:00 am—Day School/Children’s Area & Gym 9:30 am—Disciple I Bible Study Fast Track/ 113 10:00 am—Rose Hunt’s Bridge Group/131
Wednesday, October 28 (continued)
12:00 pm—Brown Bag Bible Study/Wesley Room 6:00 pm—Chancel Bells/Sanctuary 6:00 pm—Singles’ Bible Study/Library (101) 6:00 pm—Family, Fellowship & Fun/Wesley Room 6:00 pm—Y.O.U.T.H. Group/Gym, Upper Room & Sports Field 7:00 pm—Chancel Choir/M-1 7:00 pm—Estudio Biblico/111
Thursday, October 29
6:20 am—Morning Devotional for Conroe Sr. High/Chick fil-A 9:00 am—Identification Recovery Team/ MCEA 9:00 am—Day School/Children’s Area & Gym 9:30 am—Disciple III Bible Study/Asbury Room & A-1 6:30 pm—Thursday Night Group/Lindstrom’s 7:00 pm—Basic ESL Classes/111
Friday, October 30
FUMC Serving Lunch/Salvation Army 12:00 pm—Church Office Closes
Saturday, October 31
5:00 pm—Soccer/Sports Field 5:30 pm—Trunk or Treat/North Parking Area
week at a glance
Flowers in the Sanctuary
In honor of all who hosted and attended
Cottage Meetings, by Karen and Bert Bagley
Happy Birthday on October 24 to my lovely wonderful
wife and outstanding Mother, Gerri Snider, from your
loving husband R. Larry Snider & grateful family
Daylight Savings Time
ends November 1 this
year. Remember to set
your clocks back one
hour on Saturday night
for next Sunday’s
services.
Consecration Sunday
Sunday, October 25, 2015 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Hearing devices are available upon request. *Please stand as you are able.
Prelude
Welcome
*Expressions of Loving Hospitality
W.H.U.T. - Upward Basketball
*Call to Worship 8:30 a.m. - Doug Bieniek 11:00 a.m. - Ann Paxton
Leader: This is the day the Lord has made!
People: I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Leader: I was glad when they said unto me,
All: “let us go into the house of the Lord!”
*Hymns of Praise Matthew Newhouse, Song Leader * Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus, No. 514, Verses 1, 3 & 4 * Standing on the Promises, No. 374, Verses 1, 3 & 4
****
Call to Prayer “Bless This House”, Brahe
Pastoral Prayer 8:30 a.m. - Rev. Mary Tumulty 11:00 a.m. - Rev. Janet Stilwell
The Lord’s Prayer No. 895 Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Morning Offering “How Great Thou Art”, arr. Forrest Inspiration / Chancel Choirs
*Doxology No. 95 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Time for our Children Rev. Janet Stilwell
*Scripture John 6:1-13
Message “We Respond, So That the World Might Know God’s Love”, Rev. Bert Bagley
A Time of Consecration
*Hymn of Invitation “Marching to Zion”, No. 733, Verses 1, 2 & 4
*Benediction
*Choral Benediction “Marching to Zion”, No. 733 (Refrain)
*Postlude “Jubilation”, Leavitt
(*Those who are comfortable to stand, please do so.)
**** If you are visiting First United Methodist Church-Conroe for the first time, we are glad you are here! We hope you will register the gift of your presence on our attendance pads which the ushers will collect during the singing of the second hymn.
ACOLYTES: 8:30 a.m. - Josefina Christensen, Trace Moore 11:00 a.m. - Addison Blanks, Taylor Thomas
Flowers in the Sanctuary
In honor of all who hosted and attended Cottage Meetings, by Karen and Bert Bagley
Happy Birthday on October 24 to my lovely wonderful wife and outstanding Mother, Gerri Snider, from your loving husband R. Larry Snider & grateful family
Contemporary Worship
22nd Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, October 25, 2015 9:45 a.m.
Opening Song Hello My Name Is
Welcome & Greeting We would be grateful if you let us know you’re here by filling out the next blank form in the red books in the pews.
Praise/Worship Song Song of Hope
Message “We Respond So That…” Rev. Mike Lindstrom
John 6:1-13
Time of Prayer & Response As the band plays, those who are in worship are invited to come forward to place their offering of commitment before the Lord (simply set it in the basket). You are also invited to spend time in prayer at the rail in in your seat.
Acknowledging together our call and commitment
Praise/Worship Song All Who Are Thirsty
Prayer
Offering
Closing Song No Turning Back
Blessing for the days ahead
Welcome to the Contemporary Worship service at FUMC-Conroe. This is a time established for people of faith to join together and give thanks and praise to God, to learn from God’s Holy Word, and to be reminded of our connection to one another. We’re glad you’re here and hope that you experience the fullness of God’s love and grace during your time with us. If you are new to First United Methodist, please be sure to stop by after the service and speak with the pastor. It’s a great way for us to connect with new friends and to answer any questions you might have.