Weekly Update: March 5, 2025
Word from the Pastor:
I pray this weekly Newsletter finds you doing well. As you read this, my youngest, Elie, and I are on our way to the Dominican Republic to work with HELP One Now. For me, this trip is a really big deal. Almost 12 years ago I began a tradition with my children that is coming to an end this week.
In 2011, a close pastor friend felt called to leave church ministry to serve the world’s most vulnerable. We decided to support his calling and partnered with him to start a project in Haiti, as I was already focused on issues like human trafficking and the orphan crisis.
At the time, Sarah was busy with our young children, but I wanted someone from our family to witness the work firsthand. My oldest daughter, Serena, was 11—the same age as some of the children we had rescued from slavery. When I asked if she wanted to come, her adventurous spirit led her to say, "yes."
So, with a small team, we traveled to Ferrier, Haiti. I won’t go into all the stories from that trip here, but what began as a simple desire for my daughter to see my work ended up shaping how she saw the world. I realized this experience couldn’t be limited to just one of my children—it needed to be shared with each of them.
By age 11, my three oldest children had experienced ministry among the world’s most vulnerable. When it was Elie’s turn, COVID hit, making travel impossible and worsening conditions in the developing world. Then, our move back to Texas caused further delays. After settling in Austin, I reconnected with my friends at HELP One Now and realized the best way to complete this journey with my kids was to take one final trip with this organization that I love so much. So, in this newsletter, I want to ask you all to pray for a few things for us:
Safety: Protection in travel, in the field, and from illness.
Open Hearts: Pray that Elie gains a life-changing glimpse of Jesus in the world.
Connection: A unique opportunity for Elie and me to bond on a deeper level.
Future: This trip isn’t just an experience but a step toward ongoing involvement.
With love,
Matthew
Cell 512-787-2429 | Email mdh1199@gmail.com
Instagram @liveordinarywell | Facebook Matthew Hansen
Website
Here's a link to our church website. Be sure to check it for more information, podcasts, donation link and more.
https://www.driftwoodcommunitychurch.org
Upcoming Events
Church Clean-Up Days
Thank you to everyone for a great job working on organizing the church last Saturday! There's more work to do and we need anyone who is willing to help. The next clean up day is scheduled on March 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Volunteers Needed
Our church needs your support! If God is calling you and you are interested in a volunteer opportunity, please complete this form or contact one of the trustees or pastor. Thank you! https://forms.gle/K2AFU9b9fbeoiZyM7
The Board has a working list of volunteer needs relative to the church service and maintenance items at the church. Be on the lookout for this list and be in prayer about how you can help.
If you have a gift of organizing and/or managing, please consider the Hospitality Coordinator volunteer position. This is an organizational role responsible for recruiting and assigning volunteers for the Sunday Social Hour, 5th Sunday luncheon, holiday meals and general business meeting snacks, etc. Duties of the volunteers that you recruit would include set-up, clean-up, and keeping the kitchen stocked with supplies (coffee, sugar, creamer, paper goods, condiments, juice).
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.
Dripping Springs Helping Hands Pantry
Beginning the month of February, the 2nd Sunday of each month is designated for pantry donations. Please place your nonparishable food items in the blue barrel in the Education Building.
Matthew 25 Ministries
Norm encouraged everyone to bring empty plastic medicine bottles as a donation to this ministry. Bring them to Norm at church and he will take care of getting them donated.
Concerns:
David Wallace family
Pat J.
Susan’s mother
Jeff W.
Those grieving lost loved ones
Those suffering with illnesses
Those battling cancer
Israel
Praises:
Our church volunteers
Our church's beautiful new sign
Families, friends and neighbors!
Beautiful tree work on church grounds
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, Ben Roberts and David Younger.
God's blessings and love to you,
Driftwood Community Church