Hi Friends,
I have to say, I am so proud of our church and the ways that we show up in and for the community. I had not yet arrived at Memorial last year for all the back-to-school festivities, and I was amazed to see the outpouring of support for our teachers in the community at this year’s teacher supply fair. When you see a line outside of Maxwell Hall before the event even starts, it tells you that teachers know they can find support from Memorial.
I heard from Justin that we had at least seventy-five teachers sign in, and there were certainly more in line than that. Remarkably, all the supplies were gone in twenty minutes! Likewise, we had a group of volunteers host breakfast for the teachers at Yulee Primary. You may not think that these are big things, but be reminded that the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. Your small acts of kindness and service may be the first encounter some have with Jesus. And those actions matter. Thank you for showing up in love for our teachers!
I hope you will join us this coming Sunday as we celebrate everything back-to-school. We will be blessing the backpacks and bags of students and teachers as they head off to school. I hope you will be praying with me that each teacher and student experiences a safe, healthy, learning-fueled and fun start to the year.
We will also be led in worship by Campus to City Wesley (CCW), the United Methodist campus ministry of North Florida. It is a gift to have them lead us in worship and a wonderful reminder that we continue to support our students well into their education and vocations after high school. I am also the greatest champion of our Wesley campus ministries across the state. Florida State University Wesley Foundation is the very reason that I am in ministry today. In supporting CCW we are supporting a ministry that not only embraces and grows students in their faith during a time when many have the biggest questions about God, but we are potentially playing a small role in the call story of the newest generation of clergy and church leaders. Once again, I say, the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed.
For all of you who are preparing this weekend for the new school year, know that you are in my prayers. May the early wake ups, the shift in routine, the transitions of schedules all go smoothly. Have a fabulous start to the year.
With Grace and peace,
Pastor Rachel
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