Dear parents and students,
Shalom to you, and peace be with you. It is a strange time we live in - much like a science fiction movie. It has forced us to slow down and even give up some of the things that keep us busy. Maybe you feel it has given you too much free time.
I was walking in the Sanctuary the other day and admiring our stained glass windows. As I walked past the window of Jesus and the sisters Mary and Martha, I was reminded of how Jesus reminds us to slow down and take time for what is important. Mary stopped; she wanted to be with Jesus and hear his teachings. Martha on the other hand had things to do: prepare food, set the table, fold the linens, sweep the floor, etc. She did not have time to sit, but she missed something in being busy.
Martha was missing an opportunity to be with the Savior. Sometimes we can get caught up in the business of our lives and we don't recognize the good when we see it. There are places to go and things to do.
Jesus called Martha out. He reminded her that what he had to say was important. More important than being an impeccable hostess, a successful woman, or a busy bee. I hope with this country wide pause, each of us takes some time with what is important. Not only what is important for our physical health but also our spiritual health. Spend time in your backyard, spend time in prayer, have a family devotional, encourage your students to read or share a favorite story from the bible.
We will keep up to date information on our website, Facebook, and through email. We want to ensure everyone remains connected as a church family and stay in the loop. There are a couple of different programs sending church emails.
Please check your junk/spam folders to ensure that you do not miss any church emails. If you find these in your junk/spam folder, you may want to add the following emails to your "safe sender" or contact list:
communications@longviewfumc.org
noreply@shelbynexchms.com
jcrane@longviewfumc.org
AND
any church staff member email you recognize ending in "@longviewfumc.org" (please contact us if you are unsure if it is a legitimate church staff email).
If you have any changes to your contact information, or need additional help ensuring you receive our communications, please call the church office at 903-753-4463 and ask to speak with Ashley Fulton, and she can assist you! And as always, I am available to help you at 903-918-7801. I will be posting periodically on Instagram and SnapChat and contacting students to check on them.
In Christ,
Janice Crane
FUMC Youth Director
