Weekly Update: November 6, 2024
Word from the Pastor:
I pray this newsletter finds you doing well this week. I'm writing this from the basin of the Chisos Mountains, the night after Sarah and I's 25th wedding anniversary, the day after the election. I must have a knack for heading out of town during the election...I was reminded that exactly eight years ago yesterday, myself and my oldest three were camping on the Standing Rock Reservations during the North Dakota pipeline protests, serving Native Americans in their homeland.
This election cycle has been a media blitz from the right and left about the end of the world as we know it—eliciting fear and predicting the demise of civilization in the West. You had two choices in this election: to be a fascist or a communist. But I think, no matter where you landed, you were probably neither, you were probably an American exercising your civic duty and your right to make your voice heard. I mention Sarah and I being in the Chisos Mountains and the reservation camping to say this: no matter how this election result landed on you, sometimes ... often... it is best to unplug from these over-sensationalized echo chambers we live in to remind ourselves that life is so much bigger and precious than this one night that will fade into history.
Yesterday, as Sarah and I stood on the edge of the South Rim looking over the vast expanse of the Chisos mountains, I was reminded that this time in history is a blip on the radar of all that has come before and all that will come after. I was reminded that our job or call is to unplug and remind ourselves of what really matters - family, community, neighbor, and the more earthly matters of life.
I think, in this time, one of the best things I can do is recommend a book that has been hitting home for me, causing me to remember to turn my attention to what matters: The Need to Be Whole by Wendell Berry. The title says it all.
So, if your side won, congratulations, but may I remind you that as Christians, we are not to gloat or in some way read some sort of "God conquering evil" narrative over this very small moment in history. Remember, your chief call is to simply love your neighbor and enemy.
If your side lost, I'm sorry, but may I remind you that as a Christian, we are to remember that Jesus is lord, not Political heads. May I remind you not to read some sort of "evil has triumphed" narrative into this small moment in the history of our universe, and may I remind you that your divine call as a Christian is to spend your life loving neighbor and enemy?
I'll see you Sunday!
Matthew
Cell 512-787-2429 | Email mdh1199@gmail.com
Instagram @liveordinarywell | Facebook Matthew Hansen
Upcoming Events
Thanksgiving Dinner: Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 6:30 pm
Located at Driftwood Community Center directly behind the church. Bring a dish and come meet your neighbors as our congregation shares Thanksgiving dinner with our friends at the Driftwood Historical Conservation Society! The church will provide turkey and ham. Please click on the following link to RSVP with the number of people who will attend in your party and what you will bring so we can make sure we have plenty of ham, turkey, plates, etc. Please also let us know if you can help set up and clean up. This is your opportunity to serve!
Click here: Sign Up For Thanksgiving Dinner
Christmas Jam, Date TBD
The Gospel Band will be hosting a community wide Christmas Jam.
Christmas Tree Mittens
This Sunday, November 10th, the tree will be in the foyer of the church. Please be sure to take a mitten(s), as there is a limited time to buy your gift(s) and return them wrapped to the church. We will have more details at the tree.
Trustee Status Updates
Two trustee positions end in December. Susan White will be rotating off, along with Darrell Thomas, who was recently elected to fill the remainder of Jeff Smith’s position which also ends in December. We are taking nominations for these two positions through December 1. You can provide your nomination to any trustee, or write it on a piece of paper and drop it in the offering plate. Elections will be held Sunday, December 8 immediately following the Sunday morning service. Please be praying for God’s guidance as we fill these important positions.
Trustee Nominations and Elections: December 1 and 8, 2024
On December 1, we will be asking our members for nominations for two Trustee positions that will be open in January 2025. Following the nomination process, we will have elections on December 8. Please be praying for God’s guidance as we fill these important positions.
Social Hour: Sundays at 10:00 am
Our social hour is a great way to get to know each other over breakfast tacos! We meet in the Education Building at 10:00 a.m. before the 11:00 a.m. church service.
Volunteer Opportunity
Thanks to Ben Roberts for serving in the lector position! We continue to need volunteers for this position, preferably for monthly commitments at a minimum. Responsibilities on Sunday mornings include welcoming the congregation, announcements, leading the scripture reading and the Nicene Creed. Please be in prayer about this need for our church. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please complete this form or contact a trustee or the pastor.
Dripping Springs Helping Hands Pantry
October donation requests for the pantry are canned meat (Spam, tuna, chicken), boxed cereals, oatmeal (individual packets) and teas. We accept any non-perishable food items at any time, as well as diapers and wipes. You can place your donations in the bin in the Education building. The Pantry is very appreciative of our donations.
Concerns:
Volunteer needs for our church family
Dallas G. for healing
The Hansen family for clarity in finding a Driftwood home
The Shultz' family
Those affected by the hurricanes in Florida
Those suffering with illnesses
Those battling cancer
Israel
Praises:
Rain!
Steve’s successful foot procedure
Norman’s 95th birthday!!
Linda’s grandbaby is on the way
Grandson, Tony’s visit
Craig's mom's ankle is healing
Frank's daughter's completion of her PHD dissertation
Baby lambs
Special Music
Craig's dad, Bob, in remission
Our Nation
Gatherings & Neighbors
Family Reunions
Events where we can be "church" to others
We are sorry if we have missed any prayer needs. Please let us know by sending us an email. Your updates to the prayer list are appreciated.
Our trustees are Shelby Eckols, Craig Glanville, Darrell Thomas, Susan White and David Younger.
God's blessings and love to you,
Driftwood Community Church