This week, church member David Cooley died. David had been diagnosed with cancer that was already in the advanced stages and was not with us very long after receiving that news. Prayers for David and his family and especially long term partner Mary Barr are appreciated.  We will have a Memorial Service to celebrate David’s life and offer him to God this Sunday, September 9 at 3:00 PM.

 

I have shared with you that my wife, Karla, is the new Pastor of the East Salinas Family Center at 995 North Madeira Street. Karla is splitting her time between the Hollister UMC and the East Salinas Family Center. Our congregation has historical connections with the East Salinas church. Now that Karla is pastoring the congregation, we would like to strengthen this connection between our churches since both churches doing exciting ministries in Salinas.

 

On Sunday, October 7, at 12:30 we are going to have a Bar-B-Q and pot-luck at the East Salinas Family Center. Our own Haati will be doing the Bar-B-Q and everyone else is encouraged to bring something to share (pot-luck). We will also have members of the Hollister UMC with us. This will be a great opportunity to fellowship with other Methodists in the area. Karla and I are excited because it helps us to connect the different groups that we each work with. Hope you will be a part of this.

 

Blessings,

 

Steve

I started reading the Bible when I was in high school. I fell in love with the New Testament Book of James. It is an often overlooked Epistle toward the back.While hardly ever mentioning the name of Jesus it captures the essence of much of his teaching. It is quick to point out hypocrisy and favoritism, and demands that faith be active in walking with those who live on the margins. 

 

This Sunday begins a 5 part sermon series on The Epistle of James. Take some time and read through it. The text this week is James 1: 17 – 27. We will talk about what makes for authentic religion. This month we will also celebrate the work of our Neighborhood Service Center. I think that the work we do here is a sign of authentic religious faith. What has our Neighborhood Service Center meant to you? Our Communion offering this Sunday will be for the Neighborhood Service Center.

 

Blessings,

 

Steve