Dear Church Family,

It's humbling to realize that God gives each of us opportunities to participate in what He is doing. Sometimes those opportunities are simple and personal: an encouraging conversation, an invitation to a neighbor, or a warm welcome that helps someone feel they belong. Other times, we are called to look ahead together, pray for wisdom, and make decisions that will help shape the future of our church, our city, our state, and our nation.

Both aspects of our lives matter. Our responsibilities as citizens and our involvement in the lives of others are opportunities to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

This past Monday night, we had a hearing before the Bellaire City Council about the pocket park we have planned for our CityRise Bellaire campus. During that meeting, one of our church members shared how CityRise Bellaire has been an integral part of his relationship with Jesus. He even invited the council members and the rest of the community to visit our church! In that moment, he had an opportunity to testify about Christ before an assembly of elected officials.

Over the years, we have appeared before various boards and councils in Bellaire and West University Place. With that familiarity, I can sometimes take for granted the important role these governing officials play in our communities. But Scripture reminds us of our responsibility to respect and honor those in authority.

In Romans 13:1–7, the Apostle Paul reminds us that governing authorities have been established by God and instructs us to give "respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed" (verse 7).

Every time we turn on the television right now, it seems we see one political ad after another. Too often, these ads focus on the negative qualities of opposing candidates. If we're not careful, that constant negativity can cause us to hold those seeking public office in contempt. But as followers of Christ, we have an opportunity to respond differently. We can pray for our leaders, treat them with respect, and take our responsibilities as citizens seriously.

One of the best ways we can participate in the future of our communities and nation is by voting. We have the privilege of using our influence to help shape what happens at various levels of leadership, and I want to encourage you to prayerfully and thoughtfully exercise that responsibility in this year's election.

You can find helpful election information at HarrisVotes.com. Also, my good friend Pastor Gregg Matte recently published Let Freedom Ring: A Guide for Christian Voters, The 6 P's of Voting. It's a helpful resource as you prayerfully consider your vote. You can learn more and download a digital copy at houstonsfirst.org/vote.

Tomorrow night, on the very campus where we hope to build the pocket park, we will welcome families from across our community to Fall Carnival! From 6–8P, there will be games, bounce houses, a chili cook-off, food trucks, music, and plenty of fun for everyone.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, this is a wonderful opportunity to extend a personal invitation to someone you know. There may be a neighbor, coworker, or family from your child's school who would enjoy an evening like this. We've made inviting someone easy at cityrise.org/textinvite, where you can send a prewritten text invitation or copy the message and make it your own.

The event is free, but wristband registration is required. You can register here. I hope you'll come and help us make our guests feel welcome.

Additionally, this coming Sunday, our church family will vote on the joint motion from the Executive Council and Finance Committee regarding bridge financing during the Pathways construction process.

This is an important decision for our church, and I encourage every eligible member to participate prayerfully and thoughtfully as we seek to steward well what God has entrusted to us.


Church family, thank you for the many ways you faithfully participate in what God is doing at CityRise. Whether we're welcoming families, making important decisions, or preparing spaces for future ministry, let's continue to pray for wisdom, serve with joy, and keep our eyes on the people God has called us to reach.

And let's remember to exercise our responsibility as citizens by getting out and voting in this year's election!


Expecting Greater,
Pastor Roger