Greetings from Story Church and Twice Blessed Free Store
by Pastor Lisa Thomas of Story Church and Director of TBFS
July is shaping up to be a full and meaningful month at Story Church.
Our July sermon series is called “Dinner with Jesus,” with the theme “Pull Up a Chair: There’s Room at His Table.” Throughout the month, we will be looking at different moments in the Gospels when Jesus shared meals with people. Some were friends, some were outsiders, some were religious leaders, and some were people simply looking for hope.
What I love about these stories is that Jesus used ordinary tables to create extraordinary moments. Around food and conversation, people were seen, welcomed, challenged, loved, and changed. This series will invite us to think about what it means to sit with Jesus, make room for others, and experience grace in everyday life.
And maybe that is a message many of us need right now: There is still room for us, still grace for us, and still hope for whatever season we are walking through. No matter where we find ourselves, Jesus meets us with enough love for today and enough strength for tomorrow.
Along with the theme of coming together, we also have a wonderful community event coming up. On Sunday, July 12, the Cudell Community GardenWalk will take place, and our Story Church Community Garden will be one of the stops. We are excited to be part of this neighborhood event and to celebrate the beauty, care, and connection growing in our community.
Speaking of community, we can always use more help at Story Church, if you or someone you know is interested in helping out, we would love to talk with you. Please contact Ken Walker at kwalker@rrumc.org for more information or to volunteer!
Mosaic created during leadership event for Pieces of Peace.
And finally, I ask for your prayers as I will be in South Africa until July 15 for a cultural immersion class through my seminary at MTSO. I am grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and grow through this experience, and I look forward to sharing more with you when I return.
As we move through July, I hope you will join us for worship, community, and connection. There is always room at the table.
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