Dear Family and Friends of First UMC of Torrance,
What is our priority these days? What do we really care for? During the month of August, while we are still enjoying the edge of summer, let’s remember and encourage ourselves to be who we are and what we really care for.
Apostle Paul encouraged the faith community in the Philippi, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (4:4). We all know that is easy to do when everything is going well. But, there is another text that underscores the insistence of rejoicing always: “Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, nevertheless I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation” Habakkuk (3:17,18).
In spite of all, we give thanks. In season and out of season, God calls us to praise and worship as a community of God’s people. Worship is at the heart of our life together as Torrance First UMC. We can make no better investment than in the worship life of this congregation. It is God’s will that we continually give thanks.
The month of August is a time when we get together as a worship community to give a boost to our children as they begin a new school year. On the second Sunday of this month (13th), we will have the Blessing of the Backpacks during the worship service. We as the people of God have the authority and privilege to pass the blessings to others and the second Sunday we will exercise our authority to bless our children. It will be a joyful celebration of worship and our God will be pleased and will pour out abundant blessings to our children. “Praise the Lord!”
With great joy in being a child of God,
Pastor Jacob