Weekly Update: July 2, 2025
Word from the Pastor:
I pray this weekly newsletter finds you well—and like my family preparing for a fun and relaxing 4th of July weekend.
One thing I never outgrew is the question: Why? As parents, we’re often amused by our kids’ curiosity—until the constant stream of “why” becomes exhausting. Eventually, many of us resort to the classic silencer: Because I told you to. I’ve used it myself. And while sometimes necessary, used too often, it quietly shuts down imagination. Yet why remains one of the most powerful questions we can ask.
It opens doors to discovery—and challenges long-held assumptions.
Maybe that instinct goes back to my school days in the ’80s, when kids like me—who learned differently or dealt with dyslexia—didn’t quite fit the system. While my peers were learning the material, I had to learn how to learn it. That experience shaped me into someone who questions systems, methods, and patterns.
Years ago, during one of my wife’s family Christmas gatherings, my father-in-law told a story that’s stuck with me. A holiday ham was served with both ends cut off. When someone asked why, the cook replied, “That’s how my mom taught me.” After tracing it back through the generations, they discovered the original reason: great-great-grandma didn’t have a pan big enough. What started as a practical solution had become an unquestioned tradition—one that ended up wasting perfectly good ham.
All because no one had asked why.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about that question in relation to the church—not just ours, but the Western church more broadly. Why do we do the things we do—singing, preaching, communion, offering, and so on? For many of us, it’s simply what we were handed. We inherited an ecclesial script and followed it. But asking why can do more than challenge old habits—it can breathe new life and meaning into the practices that were originally designed to form us into the likeness of Jesus.
So, let me pose the question to you: Why do you think we do the things we do at Driftwood Community Church?
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
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:
Talented musicians
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