A Note from Pastor Roger

Dear Church Family,
 
There are three things I am excited to share with you today: my upcoming time on mission in Kenya, an update on some recent staff realignment, and English and Spanish VBS options starting next week at our Missouri City campus.

Pastor Chuck Oak and I leave for Kenya this Sunday, June 2. Please pray for the two of us as well as our ministry hosts, Onesmus and Joyce Weru. I will have the privilege of teaching three all-day leadership seminars to approximately 600 pastors and church leaders in three cities—Nairobi (June 4), Bungoma (June 6), and El Doret (June 7). My flight returns on June 8, and I plan to preach on June 9. Petition the Father on our behalf that He would go before us, that His Word will go out and not return void, that many Christian leaders will be strengthened and encouraged, and that, because of this investment of time and resource, many will come into the Kingdom for years to come. In addition to this, please pray for our families while we are away.

In our 2024 Vision Book, I forecasted a staff realignment that would position our team members to maximize their talents and gifts, create efficiencies, clarify reporting relationships, and more. We realigned our senior staff to adequately lead both ministries and shared services, and we worked on clarity at every level. For more details on that, please watch the video below from me and Executive Pastor Kirby Follis. We are excited to share some details that were rolled out to our team in May and that will formally take place on June 1.

We have also had a recent transition from our staff. Ms. Patina Sehorn has served our church as the Director of A Children’s Village preschool over the past ten years. I’d like to share a note from her to you, as many of you had children come through her program and were blessed by her ministry.
              
Dear ACV Families,

First and foremost, I want to thank you all for allowing me the privilege of being a part of your children's lives, getting to watch them grow and thrive.

I wanted to inform you all that I have resigned from my position as Director of ACV. Initially, I headed into this job thinking this was an opportunity to merge my background in education with my love of ministry, but it quickly turned into the most amazing ten years. Now, I look forward to the next chapter where I can continue working in areas of development and encouraging families.

When I first entered this building almost a decade ago, I was full of hopes and dreams of growing the preschool and the church's ministry. I am proud to say that, with the support of your loving families and my wonderful staff, I've been able to accomplish those goals.

Over the years, you and your children have become so important, and you've become like family to me. 

Please know that I have enjoyed our days together and will miss you all!

I know the Lord has your sweet babies in His care, and I pray for all the best for you and for them. Wishing you all a wonderful summer!

Sincerely and with Love,
Patina Sehorn
              
I am thankful for our ongoing relationship with Patina. There is a good chance that you will see her on campus at one of our worship services. I am sure she would love to connect with you there and see how your child is growing.

One of the most fun, compelling, and far-reaching ministries we offer each year is Vacation Bible School (VBS). Starting this Monday, June 3, we will begin a week of VBS at our Missouri City campus. English VBS will take place there June 3–7 from 9am–12pm each day, and we will also offer a Spanish EBV each evening June 3–6 from 6–8pm. Both of these events are free! Please pray for children to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. If you would be willing to volunteer for either of these, please contact campus pastors Mark Edworthy (mark.edworthy@cityrise.org) or Justo Robinson (justo.robinson@cityrise.org) so they can get you plugged in.

This is the start of a very busy summer at CityRise. We can’t wait to see what the Lord will do as we make ourselves available to Him!

Expecting Greater Things,
Pastor Roger

If you are unable to join us this Sunday in person, you're welcome to be with us online at one of our livestreamed services through the following ways:

CityRise App • Livestreams Page • CityRise YouTube