Exciting Improvements

Greetings in the Name of Christ,

I just got back to the office this week after vacation, and I had a wonderful time away with Amy and our family. It is great to be back! Even though I was not gone long, I missed seeing you. I am excited to worship with you this Sunday.

These are exciting days at Stonebridge UMC. Summer is usually a slower season around the church, with people traveling and kids out of school—but not this year. The energy around the church is incredible! The work in Celebration Hall is almost complete. Most of the new technology has been installed, the painting is finished, and the new carpet and choir loft expansion will be completed next week. You are going to love the improvements!

Even more exciting is the way the improvements in Celebration Hall have inspired generosity, service, and fresh involvement throughout the church. While I was on vacation, one member had the Bride’s Room and Chapel painted and reorganized. This week, another group painted three upstairs rooms—262, 263, and 264—that needed a fresh look. One of our Sunday school classes has volunteered to underwrite and renovate the Quad Room. A volunteer cleaned the upstairs carpets, and others have been reorganizing our storage areas so our resources are easier to access. Work on the prayer garden labyrinth is also well underway. We have another volunteer morning coming up on Saturday, August 22, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Give just two hours that morning before it gets too hot, and you can be part of the momentum!

Way to go, Church!

Our Annual Back to School Prayer Walk this Sunday is already covered by at least one prayer warrior at every school—but there is always room for more people to pray! If you have not signed up, you can still choose a school and spend time Sunday praying over the students, teachers, support staff, and administrators by walking or driving around a local school in your area. The prayer guide is available on our website, and printed copies can be picked up in each worship area foyer.

Wow—your response has been amazing!

This Sunday, I begin a new sermon series called Mastermind. I will share how changing the way I think about problems has changed my life. Life is a reflection of our thoughts. Too often, we can feel trapped by the voices in our minds—the ones telling us to worry, that we are not good enough, or that we will never change. The Mastermind message series will shine a light on the strongholds that hold us down. By looking at the mind of Christ, we will explore practical tools to break free. Through the healing power of Christ and simple applications for everyday life, we can begin to rewire our thinking and become the people God designed us to be.

I cannot wait to see you Sunday. Invite someone to join you—it is going to be an awesome day!

Pastor John Allen