A Note from Pastor Roger
Good afternoon, Church Family!
This week's note is packed, so make sure to scroll through it all!
This past Sunday, we completed our series Rooted: Planting Seeds for a Life that Bears Fruit. It was a huge series. Apart from the weekly video lessons and daily Proverb devotionals (which will continue through Monday, May 15), we launched our CityRise app and marked the midpoint of our Deep & Wide Generosity Initiative with Commitment Sunday—this was a special time in which we promised to finish strong in our giving commitment, prayed about increasing our commitment, or pledged to join the vision for the first time and give over the next twelve months. If you missed Commitment Sunday and were unable to complete a Commitment Card, you can click here to fill it out digitally. (Below is a quick video about how to fill it out.) It has been a very exciting, busy, and fruitful four weeks!
This Sunday, we move into studying the book of Psalms, starting with Psalm 127. It is also Mother's Day! Love on your mom extra this weekend and remind her how important she is and how much she is loved.
If you are unable to join us in person, you're welcome to be with us online at one of our livestreamed services through the CityRise app or at youtube.com/cityriseorg.
This week's note is packed, so make sure to scroll through it all!
This past Sunday, we completed our series Rooted: Planting Seeds for a Life that Bears Fruit. It was a huge series. Apart from the weekly video lessons and daily Proverb devotionals (which will continue through Monday, May 15), we launched our CityRise app and marked the midpoint of our Deep & Wide Generosity Initiative with Commitment Sunday—this was a special time in which we promised to finish strong in our giving commitment, prayed about increasing our commitment, or pledged to join the vision for the first time and give over the next twelve months. If you missed Commitment Sunday and were unable to complete a Commitment Card, you can click here to fill it out digitally. (Below is a quick video about how to fill it out.) It has been a very exciting, busy, and fruitful four weeks!
This Sunday, we move into studying the book of Psalms, starting with Psalm 127. It is also Mother's Day! Love on your mom extra this weekend and remind her how important she is and how much she is loved.
If you are unable to join us in person, you're welcome to be with us online at one of our livestreamed services through the CityRise app or at youtube.com/cityriseorg.
Commitment Card Explanation Video (1:56)
A Debate, a Few Dates, and a Son Who Will Graduate
A Debate
Did you know that our own Dr. Jim Tour will debate Professor Dave Farina on Friday, May 19? These two men have been using their YouTube channels to debate one another on the origin of life. Now, they will be in the same room going toe-to-toe on the subject.
This is a first-come, first-served event at Keck Hall on the campus of Rice University, Friday, May 19 at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:00pm). Want to catch the livestream? Watch at jesusandscience.org/jamestour-vs-davefarina/.
Please lift Dr. Tour in prayer as he and Dave Farina engage in this debate.
Did you know that our own Dr. Jim Tour will debate Professor Dave Farina on Friday, May 19? These two men have been using their YouTube channels to debate one another on the origin of life. Now, they will be in the same room going toe-to-toe on the subject.
This is a first-come, first-served event at Keck Hall on the campus of Rice University, Friday, May 19 at 7:00pm (doors open at 6:00pm). Want to catch the livestream? Watch at jesusandscience.org/jamestour-vs-davefarina/.
Please lift Dr. Tour in prayer as he and Dave Farina engage in this debate.
A Few Dates
You may have heard that we have engaged Mortarstone to assist us in helping our flock through practical giving strategies. We are excited about this partnership, believing that Mortarstone offers an expertise to you that our pastoral staff and business office does not possess.
On Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21, we will host a workshop where Tim Deatrick, one of Mortarstone’ s Consultants, will walk you through their seminar called Tax-Smart Giving. This 1-hour and 15-minute workshop is designed to help you limit the amount of money given to the government so that you can maximize what you give to the Kingdom of God. The seminar is the same for both days, so choose the date that works best for you, Saturday or Sunday.
Additionally, just on Saturday morning, Tim will also offer a seminar called Raising Literate Heirs. With the great wealth transfer that will be taking place over the next twenty years, Mortarstone has developed this workshop to help address some of the fears, concerns, and challenges that come with passing on wealth to the next generation.
Our goal in working with Mortarstone is to help bring you closer to Jesus through your giving strategies. The church is incurring the cost, so please know that there is no ask coming from Mortarstone to you.
You may have heard that we have engaged Mortarstone to assist us in helping our flock through practical giving strategies. We are excited about this partnership, believing that Mortarstone offers an expertise to you that our pastoral staff and business office does not possess.
On Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21, we will host a workshop where Tim Deatrick, one of Mortarstone’ s Consultants, will walk you through their seminar called Tax-Smart Giving. This 1-hour and 15-minute workshop is designed to help you limit the amount of money given to the government so that you can maximize what you give to the Kingdom of God. The seminar is the same for both days, so choose the date that works best for you, Saturday or Sunday.
Additionally, just on Saturday morning, Tim will also offer a seminar called Raising Literate Heirs. With the great wealth transfer that will be taking place over the next twenty years, Mortarstone has developed this workshop to help address some of the fears, concerns, and challenges that come with passing on wealth to the next generation.
Our goal in working with Mortarstone is to help bring you closer to Jesus through your giving strategies. The church is incurring the cost, so please know that there is no ask coming from Mortarstone to you.
Saturday, May 20
8:30am • Breakfast
9:00-10:15am • Seminar: Tax-Smart Giving
10:30-11:45am • Seminar: Raising Literate Heirs
Sunday, May 21
12:30pm • Lunch
1:00-2:15pm • Seminar: Tax-Smart Giving Seminar
Both seminars will take place at West U Baptist, Room 208/209
8:30am • Breakfast
9:00-10:15am • Seminar: Tax-Smart Giving
10:30-11:45am • Seminar: Raising Literate Heirs
Sunday, May 21
12:30pm • Lunch
1:00-2:15pm • Seminar: Tax-Smart Giving Seminar
Both seminars will take place at West U Baptist, Room 208/209
RSVP by sending an email to Liana Fairbanks. At a future date, Mortarstone will be offering seminars on planned giving as well. Stay tuned!
A Son Who Will Graduate
On Saturday, May 12, our oldest son, Brady, will receive his diploma from the Hankamer Business School at Baylor University. We are so proud of his efforts at Baylor, and we can’t believe he has already finished college.
We will be celebrating him this weekend and moving him out of his apartment on Sunday, so we will miss being with you this Mother’s Day weekend. We are excited for the next chapter for Brady as he moves east to Atlanta. More on that later.
On Saturday, May 12, our oldest son, Brady, will receive his diploma from the Hankamer Business School at Baylor University. We are so proud of his efforts at Baylor, and we can’t believe he has already finished college.
We will be celebrating him this weekend and moving him out of his apartment on Sunday, so we will miss being with you this Mother’s Day weekend. We are excited for the next chapter for Brady as he moves east to Atlanta. More on that later.
For now, Happy Mother's Day and Sic 'Em!
Pastor Roger
Pastor Roger
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2026
January
40 Days of Faith: Day 1A Note from Pastor Roger40 Days of Faith: Day 2Three Ways Satan Tries to Attack You40 Days of Faith: Day 340 Days of Faith: Day 440 Days of Faith: Day 5Because You Give: Year in ReviewFaith That Offers Its Best: Lessons From Cain and Abel40 Days of Faith: Day 640 Days of Faith: Day 740 Days of Faith: Day 8A Note from Pastor RogerGod-Sized Dreams40 Days of Faith: Day 940 Days of Faith: Day 1040 Days of Faith: Day 11Because You Give: Christmas Eve Recap40 Days of Faith: Day 12Walking With God: The Life and Legacy of Enoch40 Days of Faith: Day 13Pathways Create: West U Baptist Choir SuitePathways Create: West U Baptist Children's RenovationPathways Create: CityRise BellairePathways Create: Missouri City Parking LotPathways Create: West U Baptist PlaygroundsPathways Create: West U Baptist GalleryPathways Create: West U Baptist SanctuaryPathways Create: Missouri City Building RenovationPathways Create: West U Baptist Teaching TheaterPathways Create: West U Baptist Access Ramp and Front PlaygroundPathways Create: West U Baptist Fowler ChapelPathways Extend: Neighbors & NationsPathways Honor: Centennial Gift40 Days of Faith: Day 1440 Days of Faith: Day 15A Note from Pastor RogerStanding on Their ShouldersHow to Walk in FaithFirstfruits Giving40 Days of Faith: Day 16Paying it Forward40 Days of Faith: Day 1740 Days of Faith: Day 18Because You Give: Discipleship UThe Heart Behind GivingCommunity and GenerosityThe Power of a MealTest Me in ThisInvesting in What is Next40 Days of Faith: Day 19Multiplying Generosity40 Days of Faith: Day 2040 Days of Faith: Day 21A Note from Pastor Roger40 Days of Faith: Day 22How to Have Faith That is Certain40 Days of Faith: Day 23January 25 Services: Online Only & Pathways Kicks Off40 Days of Faith: Day 24How to Watch CityRise Online This MorningBecause You Give: Kids Ministry40 Days of Faith: Day 25The Pathway of Legacy40 Days of Faith: Day 2640 Days of Faith: Day 2740 Days of Faith: Day 28A Note from Pastor Roger40 Days of Faith: Day 2940 Days of Faith: Day 3040 Days of Faith: Day 31
2025
January
February
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