Pastor’s Report for August 2024

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NURUTURE, OUTREACH AND WITNESS

  • We hosted a one-day Vacation Bible School event on Saturday, July 27th. Special thanks to Pam Martinez for organizing the event.
  • The United Women in Faith hosted a program titled “Reach Out and Touch” on August 3rd.
  • We confirmed four Kelsey Youth (Gael, Leyla, Emily and Katia) on Sunday, August 5th. I’ve asked Letticia Lopez and Gina Marez to help me determine the best approach for our youth Sunday school class. Who can lead it? What curriculum do we use?
  • On Confirmation Sunday, we also welcomed the Lopez family (David, Letticia and Emily) as full members of the congregation.
  • Eight people attended our Liturgist Training Session. We now have over a dozen people available to serve as a weekly liturgist. The session was recorded and can be reviewed on our website: https://kelseymemorial.org/archives/192867
  • On Sunday, August 11th we hosted a Blessing of the Backpacks. Before the blessing for students, teachers and staff, we recognized several Kelsey Kids moving to the Kelsey Youth. We gave Bibles to Kelsey Kids going into 3-5th grade. Everyone received a Jesus slap bracelet as a reminder that God goes with them.
  • This year, since we haven’t had a Kelsey’s 1st Day event, we hope to use funds to support Communities In Schools. There is a particular need for clothes at Miller High School.
  • We opened our Education building to Angelita Lopez. Her husband died and the family needed a place to host a fundraiser. The funeral for Aniceto Torres Jr was Saturday, August 17.
  • Our online Bible study resumed Wednesday, August 14th. We are starting an eight-session look at the Psalms. There is an online Bible study schedule for the remainder of 2024 on our website: https://kelseymemorial.org/archives/192837
  • The choir has resumed their weekly rehearsals. They meet Sundays at 4:30pm.
  • I am willing to lead a Disciple 1 Bible Study class. To make the class, we need 8-10 people able to participate. I’ve been unable to get enough participation in the past.
  • We’ve resumed our Instagram activity (instagram.com/kelseymemorialumc). We share pictures from our congregation’s worship and ministry activities. Rose Hernandez provides the most photos. We’d welcome your photos as well. Take pictures—lot of pictures.
  • I am in conversation with another Corpus Christi UM congregation about hosting a worship gathering at the beach. This event would be for our youth and hosted in September.
  • Our July average in-person worship attendance was 87. Through August 18th, our August average in person Sunday worship attendance is 107—August included Confirmation Sunday & Blessing of the Backpacks. Our YTD average is 95.

MINISTRY INFORMATION

Gloria and I have registered for the Leadership Institute at Church of the Resurrection. I had planned to attend in person, but my doctors advised me against is. So, I’ll be attending online.

The conference has scheduled a first onboarding event with Bishop Cynthia Harvey. Recall that Bishop Robert Schnase retired, and Bishop Harvey begins her tenure as Bishop of the Rio Texas Annual Conference on September 1. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 7thin San Antonio. I plan to attend.

Who doesn’t want our church to grow and reach new people? To that end, I’d like your help in encouraging members from Kelsey to participate in the Academy for Congregational & Community Transformation. It is hosted by the Transformational Communities Network (Through the support of the Rio Texas Annual Conference and Methodist Healthcare Ministries). There are several trainings available meant to equip members with practical tools to further our church’s ministry. Find more information at tcnriotx.org.

If you are planning a ministry event, please check the church calendar first. We want to prevent double booking and ensure you have everything you need to host your event. Also, provide me with as much detail about your event(s) so I can help you communicate throughout our communication channels. View our monthly calendar on our website: https://kelseymemorial.org/calendar

Demolitions always get my attention. There are two buildings in town that are currently being demolished. Every time I drive by them, I have to remember to keep my eyes on the road. I’m not sure why I’m drawn to the experience. Watching a building go up is amazing, but watching it come down has its own excitement. If there were a ministry takeaway from that, I suppose it would be that demolitions aren’t swift. There is real, serious work that goes into properly demolishing a building. And it’s necessary work that prepares for what’s next.

As Christians, we aren’t afraid of demolition. In fact, Jesus calls us to the ultimate form of demolition—death to self. That’s a tear down that is serious and life giving. Of course, we believe in resurrection. So, we know that what is buried with Christ is also raised with Christ. May it be God gives us courage to know what needs to be demolished in order to come alive again for God’s glory.

Blessed Beyond Belief,

John Fletcher

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