Bits from Beth – August 15, 2025

Dear Friends,

You may have seen more people wearing masks this month and that is because COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Arkansas. Our nursing homes are currently taking precautions. The variants most people have experienced this month are a very congested nasal variant and a variant nicknamed “razor throat” by an unpleasant sore throat. Let’s hope it goes away soon.

This Sunday is our last Round Robin service and we are the host church. We want to especially thank the choir who will be singing and coordinating the fellowship afterwards. Our preacher for the evening is Rev. Amanda Smith, the new pastor at First United Methodist Church in El Dorado. Attendance has grown over the past month so we are hoping for a great congregation on Sunday morning and Sunday night. We will continue our tradition of ending our Round Robin series with communion. What a joy it is to share the table with our brothers and sisters for area United Methodist churches.

Our offering Sunday night will go to help fund the Wesley Foundation at SAU.

Many people have talked about cleaning out their closets as school is starting. Our quarterly Sue’s Table Give-away will be September 8th & 15th. We do not take just clothes. You are welcome to bring kitchen items, books, toys, shoes, jewelry, and décor. You might be surprised what someone else deems treasure.

Please be in prayer as our preschool begins on September 2nd. We have two new teachers this year and many new students. Please keep Jill and her staff in your prayers as they get ready to welcome new students. Our preschool does such an amazing job preparing children to learn.

This Sunday we will take a little break from Isaiah readings to talk about mustard seeds and yeast. Sometimes we forget that God can do power things from just a little faith and trust. God can move mountains if we are willing to take a risk and you do not have to look any further than our own history to see this. You stepped forward to build the Great Hall even though you knew the closing of the paper will would be devastating to Camden. It was almost ten years ago that you stepped forward to start a dream, Sue’s Table, with no idea how you would continue the program once the initial money ran out. Come down any Monday evening and you will see neighbors from all walks of life caring for each other. Just a few years ago, we were worried about not have small children in the church and now, they fill our halls with laughter and our hearts with love. People were concerned about going to simplified structure and yet, it has been a wonderful experience of moving the church forward.

And the Holy Spirit is still moving and God is still doing miracles and people are still experiencing the love and grace of Christ. And God keeps pushing us. Doesn’t that warm your heart? So let’s celebrate Sunday – morning and night!

Grace and peace,

Beth