As the new school year approaches, this season always seems to bring a mix of excitement and anxiousness. Part of that, for me, is realizing just how quickly Emerson is growing up. We want our children to mature, to discover their gifts, and to become all that God has created them to be. Yet when those milestones begin to arrive, it's hard not to wonder where the time has gone. This year will be Emerson's first experience at a new school. As the first day has drawn closer, she has shared some of the doubts and worries that naturally come with stepping into the unknown. We have reminded her again and again, "You're going to be okay. You make friends easily, and God has given you the ability to do great things." Her questions have made me wonder if the disciples felt something similar when Jesus called them into a deeper life of ministry. Did they ever wonder if they were ready? Did they question whether they were capable of what Jesus was asking of them? Perhaps they, too, found themselves praying, "Lord, help us." The good news is that Jesus never calls us to walk alone. He equips us, strengthens us, and walks beside us every step of the way. This Sunday, we will reflect on what it means for all of us—students, parents, teachers, school staff, and our entire church family—to continue living as disciples of Jesus throughout this school year. I look forward to seeing many smiling faces as our children bring their backpacks forward for our annual Blessing of the Backpacks.

There continues to be great progress at the parsonage as we move closer and closer to having a completed kitchen. We even cooked our first meal on the new stove—after carefully reading the instructions, of course! The trim work has been completed, and the ceiling repairs are finished. Thank you to everyone who has given their time, talents, and energy to this remodeling project. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.

Our ministries continue to make a meaningful impact in our community. Last week, our food pantry served approximately 125 families, offering not only food but also the love and compassion of Christ. We also had the privilege of blessing our teachers, school staff, and administrators as they began preparing for the new school year. Please continue to keep all of our schools in your prayers as students, educators, and families begin this new chapter. This Wednesday morning, we will host our Senior Breakfast before school. We especially lift up our graduating seniors and their families as they begin this exciting and emotional final year of high school. May God grant them wisdom, courage, and joy in the months ahead. Beginning next week, our Monday evening Bible study will resume following Sue's Table. We will be reading The Story of God, The Story of Us by Sean Gladding. If you would like to participate, please let me know so I can order a book for you. I believe this study will be a meaningful and engaging way for us to grow together in faith. Round Robin worship will be held this week at First United Methodist Church in El Dorado at 6:00 p.m. We will hear a message from Reverend Tim Rushing, pastor of Greer's Chapel in Magnolia, Lewisville, and the SAU Wesley Foundation. We hope you will join us for this special evening of worship and fellowship.

Finally, mark your calendars for Round Robin in Camden on August 9th! We will have a bounce house for the children, barbecue with all the trimmings, and an informal informational meeting for youth and their families as we prepare for a new year of youth ministry. If you know a student entering sixth grade or older, please invite them to join us.

Thank you for continuing to be a beacon of hope and the hands and feet of Christ in our community. Your faithfulness, generosity, and willingness to serve are making a difference every day.

My prayers remain with each of you. Grace and peace,

Ryan