From the Pastor
Reflections
Open House & Reunion Sunday – We had such a wonderful worship time on September 6th. It was great to see people with us that we haven’t seen in a while! And oh my gosh, the potluck dinner was just delicious! Thank you to everyone who invited people to come and shared such wonderful food with everyone. 
Mission of Love – This year we decided to go into the community to let them know THEY MATTER. I asked for volunteers to bring goodies to make baskets for these community helpers. Of course, I received a resounding number of volunteers to bring them. With the goodies that were brought, we were able to overflow 6 different containers and 6 baskets of fruit for each of the places we brought items. We delivered goodies to 5 Fire Stations and the Police Department. Linda G., Jessica, Allen, Vicki, and myself had the privilege to drop off the items. We were all met with big smiles by them. Each of us were truly blessed as we gave the goodies and a card to each location.  Missions of Love are all about serving our neighbors. It is what Jesus tells us to do. By doing these activities, we are fulfilling the Scripture, our calling. I have shared pictures with Wendy and Tammy so they can post them on our Facebook page and our website. 
Church Activities
Hope reSTOREd – We will be open on October 7th and 21st.  Do you like to organize? Do you like to work as a team? Well, Kathy and the group are always in need of volunteers. The organizing is especially needed during these next two months as we prepare for the CHRISTmas Shoppe. Reach out to Kathy and please lend a helping hand. There are many ways to help. We served a higher number of families in September. This is our proof of the importance of this ongoing project. 

Meals with Manor – We will have the dinner on October 28th. If you are available on this day, please stop by and participate. We always can use an extra set of hands to help with set-up, serving food, bringing desserts, engaging with the families, and helping with clean up. I promise your heart will feel a little fuller after being a part of it. I promise!

Adult Sunday School Class – Our group continues to grow and that is EXCITING, but there is ALWAYS room for more. It’s such a pleasure to discuss the Scripture and learn together! Stop by any Sunday morning at 9am in the fellowship hall and join us.

Upcoming Events…
Family Fun Night on Oct. 10th – Please come and join your church family playing games together. We meet in the fellowship hall at 6 pm. Bring a game (or games) and a snack to share and spend time getting to know each other in your church family and having fun!  I do need a volunteer to open and close the fellowship hall this time because I am officiating a wedding out of town.

Old Fashion Fall Festival and Market Day on October 17th -  The event will run from 10am – 4pm, but we’ll need volunteers before and after the regular hours. The proceeds will go towards repair costs for our sanctuary. We are going to need A LOT of volunteers to make this a success. Tammy is the coordinator and needs all of us to participate in any way we can help. There is a flyer in the back of the church that gives you all the details about it, but please reach out to Tammy if you have any questions. 

Online Auction begins October 21st – Donations of items are needed. Please contact Jewell, the coordinator, about any details about this. This is a part of the Turkey Dinner scheduled for November 7th.

Mission of Love – We will not have a separate Mission of Love for October. This month will be spent preparing for the events in November and December.
They are: Coat Drive on 11-14, Thanksgiving Food Giveaway and Community Service on 11-21, CHRISTmas Shoppe and Christmas Caroling in the neighborhood on 12-12.

Scripture…
The Scripture for October is:
Psalm 143:8 (CEV) Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.

The List of Scriptures for October is below. I encourage you to read all the verses. Taking time with your Bible is time well spent. 
• Oct. 4 – Exodus 20:1-4, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4-14, Matthew 21:33-46 
• Oct. 11 – Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 106 :1-6, 19-23, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14
• Oct. 18 – Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 99, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22
• Oct. 25 – Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, 1Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46

Birthdays…
Our October birthdays are:
Sue –1st
Jerry – 13th
Judy – 19th
Rose C. – 20th
George – 25th 
Please make sure to share birthday greetings with them!

Closing… 
Let us remember to keep those in who are going through difficult times. Please lift up in prayer: Kathy, Charlotte, Misty, Eric, Sue, Linda C., Steve & Ida, Linda G., Jack, Pat & her family, Rose & Bill, Brandi, Brian & Samantha, Rob, Felix, and Lynda. Use your voice to lift them up to God. Prayers are powerful.

I have updated the calendar of events through December 2026. More details will be shared as the dates draw closer. Know that EVERYONE IS NEEDED for each of them. Let us remember to take time to pray for each of these. We want God’s blessings upon them and direction from Him to do His will. This only occurs through prayer and discernment.

Please pray for each.
• Saturday, October 10 – Game Night
• Saturday, October 17 – Old Fashioned Fall Festival and Market Day 
​• Wednesday, October 24 – Online Auction begins
• Saturday, November 7 – Annual Turkey Dinner 
• Saturday, November 14 - Coat Drive • Sunday, November 15 – Charge Conference at Bastrop FUMC
• Saturday, November 21 – Thanksgiving Food Giveaway and Community Thanksgiving Service following
• Sunday, November 29 – Hanging of the Greens 
• Saturday, December 12 - CHRISTmas Shoppe
• Saturday, December 12 - Christmas Caroling with Cade
• Wednesday, December 23 – Christmas Eve-Eve Service with Children’s Play

You are loved.
Pastor Joyce Ann