Vol 5 No 25 - To What Are You Coming?

This is a week of starts around our congregation - the start of a new conference year, the start of our newest staff member, and the start of our summer worship series (Favorite Music of Pharr Chapel).

As most of you are aware, the Louisiana Annual Conference held it's annual session this week at Centenary College in Shreveport.  It was a joy to be with friends, colleagues, and laity from around our great state as we celebrate the mission and ministry of United Methodists.  We were reminded once again of the wonder of our connection, and how we go forth working hand in hand to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Like any organization, there are issues to deal with and areas of disagreement; at the end of the day I come back hopeful of our future.  Pharr Chapel was well-represented by your lay delegate, Burt Adams, and as part of our district youth contingent Kristin and Angie Champine.  Within the next few weeks, Burt will be speaking during morning worship to bring us the highlights of the week.

In last week's Mid-Week Message, I talked about the interviewing process for our secretary position.  I am pleased to announce that we had a great response to our position, and that Kristen Schaefer will be starting tomorrow (Friday) as the latest member of our staff.  Kristen comes to us with over 19 years experience in administrative and accounting areas, and I am confident that she will be a great addition to our church family.  She is moving here from the New Orleans area and will be getting married sometime later this year to Sam Autrey.  As you come through our offices over the next few weeks, take a moment to stop in and welcome Kristen.

Finally, don't forget that we start our Favorite Music of Pharr Chapel summer worship series this week.  We are going to start with something you might not expect as we look at Charles Wesley's great hymn, "O Come, All Ye Faithful."  You might be surprised to find out this classic which is considered strictly an Advent/Christmas Hymn has just as much relevance to us now (if not more) than if we limit it just to one season of the year.  Keep in mind this question as you come to worship this Sunday - To who or what are you coming when you gather with the body of Christ?

See You Soon!

Lamar