Weekly Update: June 18, 2025
Word from the Pastor:
I pray this weekly newsletter finds you well—and maybe even enjoying these “cooler” summer temperatures.
I’m writing from Iowa, and I can’t help but reflect on the turmoil in our world right now—both globally and close to home. The headlines feel heavy once again, especially with the growing conflict between Israel and Iran.
An old friend of mine, an archaeologist, is currently stranded overseas because of flight shutdowns. He’s now trying to make his way through Egypt just to get home to Houston. In moments like this, my heart turns to the citizens in both Israel and Iran—the women, the children, the everyday people who don’t represent their governments, but simply long for the kind of quiet, stable lives many of us get to live without thinking twice.
I know, locally, many in our community are traveling, both near and far. Others are facing big transitions. Some are walking through grief or change, or simply sitting in the discomfort of not knowing what comes next. Even if this isn’t your current season, I’m sure someone close to you is feeling the weight of it all.
Several years ago, during another season of deep national unrest—riots, protests, loud voices—I found myself shaken in a way I didn’t expect. (sad how that description still seems to fit today.) At the time, Sarah and I owned a small brewery in west-central Illinois. Something happened in the world—not directly to me—but it hit me at such a deep level that I simply couldn’t function. I had to stop. I needed space to mourn, to sit in the silence, and to feel the weight of what was happening. What I needed most was peace—not a shallow comfort, but a kind of peace that didn’t make sense. A peace that rose up from somewhere deep inside, deeper than the chaos, deeper than the headlines. A peace that held me steady when nothing else could.
I don't know what you are being affected by right now - is it the weight of global turmoil? Maybe the loss of a loved one? Maybe the unknown future of a job, finances, or residence? Health issues? Or, maybe you are being invited to share the burden of someone else, to weep with them, struggle with them? Give yourself the space to stop. Allow yourself the need to mourn. Sit in the silence. Feel the weight of what was happening, and invite the Holy Spirit to sit with you until you feel the deep peace offered by God.
I want to invite you all to have pre-read the passage for this next week. It's a passage many of us are all too familiar with, the story of Lazarus, HERE. This is a very long passage, and we won't take the time to read all 44 verses in service, so please take a few minutes to read it (a couple times).
See you Sunday.
Matthew
Cell 512-787-2429 | Email mdh1199@gmail.com
Instagram @liveordinarywell | Facebook Matthew Hansen
Website
Here's a link to our church website. Be sure to check it for more information, podcasts, donation link and more.
https://www.driftwoodcommunitychurch.org
Upcoming Events
Fifth Sunday Gospel Music - Sunday, June 29, 11:00 am
Make sure to mark your calendars and be here for our gospel music and great musicians. We will gather in the Community Center behind the church after the service for our meal. Remember to bring a side dish! Fried chicken will be provided. We need a volunteer to pick up the chicken, and other volunteers to help with setting up and cleaning afterwards.
First Fridays - Friday, July 11, 5:00 pm
Matthew and Sarah will be at Hays City Store from 5-6:30 pm. and everyone is welcome to join. There's no set agenda—just a time to connect and enjoy good company.
Volunteers Needed
Our church needs your support! If God is calling you and you are interested in a volunteer opportunity, please complete this form or contact one of the trustees or pastor. Thank you! https://forms.gle/K2AFU9b9fbeoiZyM7
The Board has a working list of volunteer needs relative to the church service and maintenance items at the church. Be on the lookout for this list and be in prayer about how you can help.
If you have a gift of organizing and/or managing, please consider the Hospitality Coordinator volunteer position. This is an organizational role responsible for recruiting and assigning volunteers for the Sunday Social Hour, 5th Sunday luncheon, holiday meals and general business meeting snacks, etc. Duties of the volunteers that you recruit would include set-up, clean-up, and keeping the kitchen stocked with supplies (coffee, sugar, creamer, paper goods, condiments, juice).
Social Hour: Sundays at 10:00 am
Our social hour is a great way to get to know each other over breakfast tacos! We meet in the Education Building at 10:00 a.m. before the 11:00 a.m. church service.
Dripping Springs Helping Hands Pantry
The 2nd Sunday of each month is designated for pantry donations. Please place your nonparishable food items in the blue barrel in the Education Building.
Concerns:
Caregivers of the hurting
Those grieving lost loved ones
Those suffering with illnesses
Those battling cancer
Israel
Praises:
Our church volunteers
Our church's beautiful new sign
Families, friends and neighbors!
Beautiful tree work on church grounds
Our Nation
Gatherings & Neighbors
Family Reunions
Events where we can be "church" to others
We are sorry if we have missed any prayer needs. Please let us know by sending us an email. Your updates to the prayer list are appreciated.
Our trustees are Shelby Eckols, Craig Glanville, Darrell Thomas, Ben Roberts and David Younger.
God's blessings and love to you,
Driftwood Community Church