Greetings from Story Church and Twice Blessed Free Store
by Pastor Lisa Thomas of Story Church and Director of TBFS
As we transition into summer, I’m reflecting on Ecclesiastes 3:1 which reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
That is true in nature, and it is certainly true in life. Some seasons of life are joyous and full of growth while others are more demanding or feel uncertain. Ministry has seasons, too.
At Story Church and Twice Blessed Free Store, we have experienced seasons of planting, organizing, stretching, and progress. Some days are full of energy and excitement; others require patience, prayer, and a willingness to keep showing up faithfully. But through every season, we continue to see the same beautiful truth: Jesus is with us. He does not come and go depending on the weather of our lives. He remains faithful in the sunshine, in the rain, in the waiting, and in the harvest.
This June, our sermon series at Story Church is called Jesus in Every Season: Faith That Grows in Every Weather. Together, we will be reflecting on the spiritual rhythms of life and learning to recognize God’s presence in every season we face. Our prayer is that each person who worships with us will be reminded that no season is wasted when Jesus is walking through it with us.
That same message will come to life through our first Pieces of Peace Community Event where we will gather with neighbors, friends, volunteers, and community members for food, music, fellowship, and mosaic art.
I love the image of a mosaic. A mosaic is made up of many different pieces: some are bright, some are plain, some are smooth and others are rough around the edges. They may not look like much on their own but in the hands of an artist, each piece finds its place, and together they become part of something beautiful.
This reflects what God is doing at Story Church. God is bringing people together from different backgrounds, neighborhoods, languages, and stories, who may all be in different seasons of life. Each person brings something unique. Each person matters. Each person has a place. Little by little, God is creating a picture of grace, peace, welcome, and community.
Twice Blessed Free Store continues to be a part of that beautiful picture as well. Every donation, every volunteer hour, every shopper welcomed with kindness, every conversation, every prayer, and every act of generosity is one more piece of the mosaic. What may seem small by itself becomes meaningful when it is joined together with the faithful love of God’s people.
Thank you for continuing to support this ministry with your prayers, donations, encouragement, and time. We could not do this without the many hands and hearts that help make Story Church and Twice Blessed Free Store places of welcome and hope.
Please continue to pray for our community, for our first Pieces of Peace event, and for those who will come through our doors. Pray that every person would feel seen, valued, and reminded that their life is a meaningful piece of God’s larger story.
In every season, Jesus is present. In every piece, God can create beauty. And together, something beautiful is created.
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Lisa Thomas
We’re already excited for our next big gathering: our Annual Community Block Party on Saturday, August 15, from 12:30 - 3:30 PM.
Mark your calendars because we would love for you to be part of it!
The addition of our Praise Team has added such a beautiful dimension to our services. Frank Thomas, our Worship Leader, along with Toni Reno, have created something truly special.
Friends, God is moving in this place! And it is such a privilege to be part of it all together.
With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Lisa Thomas
LThomas@rrumc.org