Our Blog

Dear friends: July 15

This summer I have been encouraging parents, grandparents, and anyone with children in their lives to read Meredith Miller's book, Woven. (shameless plug: Meredith Miller will be here on August 23 from 4:30-6 p.m. Click here to learn more and register.) Throughout the book, Meredith describes faith as a web that is woven over time through relationships, experiences, and moments that help us know God's love. The hope is that if one strand of that web is stretched or even broken at some point in life, the rest of the web remains strong enough to hold us. We don't place the weight of faith on a single experience, person, or moment. Instead, we help our children build a lifelong web of connections that continually remind them that they belong to God and to a community of faith.

That image has stayed with me as I think about the way we shape children's ministry at First Pres. Our goal isn't simply to create one unforgettable event. Rather, we seek to weave together countless opportunities for children to encounter God through meaningful relationships, time in creation, serving others, making music, going on hikes, acting out Bible stories, worshiping together, and discovering that church is a place where they are known and loved. Every experience becomes another strand in the web of faith that is being formed.

As summer continues, I give thanks for every person who helps weave those strands. Whether you volunteer in Church School, serve at VBS or as a Grandfriend at Mission on the Move, sponsor a retreat, pray for our children, greet kids on Sunday mornings, or simply take the time to listen to a child, you are helping build a web of faith. Thank you for being part of the beautiful web God is weaving through the children of First Pres.

Ann Nielsen
Director of Children & Family Ministries

Dear friends: July 8

Summer in Texas reminds us just how important shade, cool air, and a place to rest can be. While many of us move from one air-conditioned space to another without much thought, our unhoused neighbors often spend long days in dangerous heat.

As disciples of Jesus, our church community provides shade and shelter in our summer ministries as an expression of God’s care. Throughout July and August, we open our gym every Monday evening for Room in the Inn, welcoming men who can enjoy a meal, fellowship, and a safe night's sleep in air-conditioned comfort. Through the middle of September, in addition to our regular service hours at Community Crossroads on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, we partner with the City of Fort Worth to provide Cooling Station hours from 3–6 p.m. on those days, providing a place to rest, enjoy snacks, recharge, and find relief from the afternoon heat.

These ministries are simple but real reminders that hospitality is holy work. A cool room, a welcoming smile, a conversation over a meal, or a game of dominoes can become a tangible sign of God's love. We welcome volunteers to offer activities during the cooling station (especially Mondays and Thursdays) and to provide hospitality on Monday evenings at Room in the Inn. Whether you can serve regularly or just once, your presence can make a meaningful difference. I am grateful for the countless ways you as the church show up with generosity, hospitality, and love every week.

Peace,
Robyn Michalove
Associate Pastor of Mission & Family Ministries