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In an interview before he passed, Richard Pryor told of his lifelong struggle with drug addiction and depression. An interviewer asked him, “What do you dream of doing now?” Pryor answered, “I try not to dream. Dreaming is too painful for a man in my condition.” For about a year now, our congregation has been in the midst of what seems like a bad dream—some might call it a nightmare. COVID-19 is the root of our discontent. But added to that pandemic circumstance is the recent pipe breaking and flooding of two of our four church buildings. People are angry about this situation. We lash out—out of frustration. It appears that happenstance has derailed our dreams of autonomy and independence. We relish self-rule. Thus, we feel as if we must blame somebody for our interrupted dreams of being wholly in control! William Bennett wrote on what Isaiah, for example, saw in his 8th century nation: There is a coarseness, a callousness, a cynicism, a banality, and a vulgarity to our time. There are too many signs of a civilization gone rotten. And the worst of it has to do with our children: We are a culture that at times seems almost dedicated to the corruption of the young, to ensuring the loss of their innocence before their prime (Wall Street Journal, 10 December 1993, no page given). Like Israel, we too need a dream from beyond ourselves. We need a dream that we do not control. Rather we need realistic dreams reminding us what God’s word provides—a word that prophets declare to people like us: “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 43:14). Why do we need this holy word? Because after we have sung all the hymns and we have spent all our money; when we have experienced all the thrills and taken all the risks—we need a voice to tell us that we have a future. No future means living without hope—and hopeless people are as good as dead. Hope is not only dear to us—it also has great power. A dear woman in our congregation said some words we all need to remember if we truly believe in God: “This too shall pass.” I love her for saying this to me! Sincerely, your friend, David Mosser

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Watch your email and social media to participate in Dr. Mosser's Lectionary-Based Bible Study! If you've missed parts of the study, get caught up at saladoumc.org now!

Get caught up on all of the Children's Ministry videos on Salado UMC's YouTube Channel today! Contact KristenVG@saladoumc.org for questions of more information.

Watch Youth FourTwelve on Social Media for more opportunities! facebook.com/saladoumcym twitter.com/saladoumcym Instagram.com/saladoumcym Get caught up with SUMC Youth FourTwelve on YouTube today! Contact Paul Corder with questions or for more information.

This Lent, Salado UMC is encouraging everyone to participate in the “40-Day ‘Love Builds Up’ Family Challenge.” This Lent at home resource is the perfect way for families of all shapes and sizes to strengthen spiritual muscles and emotional health during Lent. View and download the family devotion here!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Open enrollment for the school year 2021/2022 is now open for current PDO families and SUMC church families. Enrollment will open to the public on February 18,2021. CDC is requiring us to limit our enrollment classes to ten students per class until further notice for the Fall semester. I encourage you to secure your child a place for the Fall of 2021 with the $200 per family, non-refundable enrollment fee and the 2021/2022 enrollment form, which you can request from the office. We are unable to HOLD your child’s spot without the money and enrollment form being received.

Contact the office at sumc@saladoumc.org or call 254-947-5482.

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Church Family Phyllis Holder, Elaine Ory, Wes Pershall, Marilyn Carper, Helen Hays, Marc Scheel, Elizabeth Willborn, Su Heflin, Arthur Wade Capps, Anne Beckett, JL Alley, Bob Stewart   Family & Friends Summer Nunn, Walker Family, Pat Meek, Levi Derton, Steve & Laurie Hill, Thomas Summerour, Gerry Snelson, Patsy Whitton, Gerald Turner, James, Gene Bingham, Charles McMorty, Megan, Janet Lyon, Jan Goode, Pat Goode, Pat and Cecil Jones, Monique Gobert, Nancy Preston, Julia Garrett, Andy Taylor, Beverly, Edna Weiss, Steve Green, Betty Shafer, Elijah, Alex & Sophie, Jenny Wilkinson, Steve Mitchell, Wes & Emma, Debbie Knight, Marcie Pitts, Brently Beaty, Lisa Wright, Georgia Turner, Carol Light, Jonathan Scott, Erika Shampo, Danielle Kingman, Danny Agee, Allan Cloud, Crawford Family, Barnes Family, Ron Boehm, Robin O'Neil, Laura Gould, Madison Burrows, Bobbie Eagle, Chance Richards, Joe, SUMC Committees   Military Pete Alderman, Gavin Radebaugh, Jeffery Barnes, Amy Cook, Gerald Montanona, Daniel Collins, George Robey, Oscar Fernandez, Jacob Nelson, Aaron Baker, Taylor Wood, J.J. Kelly, Ryan McDonald, Keary O’Connor, Michael Gordon, Jason Lowerey, Joshua Stearns, Jared Jarvis, Jake Bradshaw, Devan Patterson, Ben Smith, John Schook, MK2 Benjamin Perrin, Patrick Reinbold, Chris King, Dylan Dexter, John Hawkins, Adrian Escandon, Katie Kyle, Seaman Hall, Oscar Little, Clint Tracy, Anthony Maquinalez

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