The -ber months are upon us – September, October, November, and December! And for
those that don’t know, Fall is my absolutely most favorite season of all! I realize that I probably live
in the wrong area of the country to truly experience Fall as we have about 5.8 days of Fall-ish type
weather, but I love the cooler temperatures, nonetheless. For me, Fall is a gentle reminder that
change is a beautiful thing!
As we make our way into the last quarter of 2023 and before we dive into the holiday season,
I invite you to take a moment to reflect. As you look back over the previous months of 2023, what
stands out for you? Personally? Professionally? Spiritually? What are you most proud of? What do
you want to accomplish in the remainder of 2023? The year is not over and there is still ample
opportunity to do it! Go for it. Run, don’t walk!
As a community of faith, we have accomplished much thus far this year! We have worshipped together 35 times. We have shared several fellowship meals with one another including light bites and assembling sunshine baskets for our beloved members. We have worked together to serve others beyond our walls through Souper Bowl of Caring, CROP Walk, Hands on Housing, Mission Trip to Southwest Good Samaritan Center, Bethany Food Pantry, Kite Festival, and school supplies for Smith Elementary. We have added new staff to our roster with Monica Ross joining us in February as our Office Administrator and Mikhail (Misha) most recently joined us as our new organist and pianist. We’ve hosted multiple events and groups throughout the year; NAMI’s monthly support group, Iftar dinner with Dialogue of Austin, Mental Health Sunday with NAMI, Leading Out of Drama workshop, and numerous weddings with many more to come. I’m certain
I’m missing many things, but you get the idea. We are doing great things! And each and every one
of you is needed!
Wherever you find yourself this season, I hope you will join in all the ways that this
community of faith continues to worship, fellowship, and serve our neighbors. Your presence is
important. Your presence is powerful. Your presence matters in all things we do as church.
Shalom,
Pastor Heidi