Dear <<First Name>>,

It is so good to be back after spending a few weeks away. I had the opportunity to attend worship with my son on Father’s Day. The last two Sundays I attended worship at churches served by ministry friends. Yet while I enjoyed my time visiting family and relaxing, I truly missed being at First Methodist Carrollton on Sundays.

This Sunday, we begin a sermon series on Genesis called “Steadfast.” Over the next four weeks, we will deal with familiar characters from the Old Testament: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. These are ancient, ordinary individuals who, through faith, become extra-ordinary followers of God.

Some modern readers might say these characters have no real relevance to our situation today. I disagree! In many ways, their struggles are our struggles. Their stories are our stories. They are ordinary people with extraordinary challenges, bringing together life and faith with amazing results. Each week, we will look at these historic figures' stories and examine what we can learn about our own experiences with God. We will tie these timeless lessons back to the New Testament and our understanding of Jesus as the Christ, asking questions like:

• What does this story tell me about God?
• What does this story tell me about the relationship between God and humanity? And,
• How is this story my story?

This Sunday kicks off the series with Abraham as we look at Genesis 17:1-8. I look forward to seeing you. It makes such a difference when we make weekly worship a priority in our lives.
 
See you Sunday,
Pastor John Allen

P.S. Don’t forget… our second Lunch and Learn is this Sunday after the 10:30 worship service!