Greetings, Topeka First UMC,

I hope you've had a wonderful week and have experienced God's presence in meaningful ways. As I wrap up my first month here at Topeka First United Methodist Church, I simply want to say thank you for the warm and gracious welcome so many of you have extended to me. I am truly grateful to be serving alongside you, and each week I become even more excited by the many ways this congregation lives out its faith and our mission.

I also want to celebrate the wonderful growth of our Sack Lunch Ministry. Each week we are blessed to welcome more of our neighbors, and this past week we served 75 people. What a beautiful reminder that even a simple meal can become an expression of Christ's love. A heartfelt thank you to Laura Reiman and to everyone who has generously shared your time, energy, and financial support. Because of your generosity, we have enough funding to continue this ministry for a couple more weeks. With additional donations and volunteers, however, we can continue meeting this very real need in our community. If you feel called to help keep this ministry going, I invite you to make a donation using this link or write "Sack Lunch Ministry" in the memo of your check. Better yet, consider signing up at the Connection Desk to help distribute sack lunches. It's a simple act of kindness that can brighten someone's day in a profound way. When God's people come together in love, extraordinary things happen. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ and for making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors.

Speaking of celebrations, what an incredible week we had with Vacation Bible School! A total of 44 children participated as they learned about God's love through stories, music, crafts, games, and friendships. Heartfelt gratitude to our outstanding staff and more than 50 volunteers who gave so generously of themselves to make the week such a joyful and meaningful experience. Your enthusiasm and servant hearts helped create memories that will last well beyond this summer.

While Pastor Brad catches a well-deserved break, this Sunday I'll be preaching a message titled "Living Between Already and Not Yet." Together we'll explore what it means to trust the Master Gardener with the unfinished and tangled places in our lives, living faithfully between what God has already promised and what we are still waiting to see.

I hope you'll join us for worship this Sunday at 8:15, 9:30, or 10:45 a.m. If you're traveling or unable to be with us in person, I'd love to have you  join us through our live stream at 9:30 am or 10:45 am. To help hand out bulletins or serve communion on Sunday mornings  please use this link.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Pat