Newsletter

September 11, 2024

Hello everyone!

Today is Patriot Day and the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th attacks, a heavy, devastating day in our nation. So I would like to open with this prayer: God of love we place in your loving arms the thousands of innocent lives that were lost on that unforgettable morning of September 11, 2001. We also remember the courage of the countless men and women who put their lives at risk in order to rescue, alleviate and bring solace to the afflicted. Help us to continue to work for a world free from every form of hatred, violence and ignorance. May terrorism -- in all its forms -- disappear from the face of the earth. Amen.
Cris and Ron have made it to Barcelona and have sent me some beautiful pictures of the trip so far! I definitely miss them but I’m so glad they get to finally go on this trip. I hope this month goes by fast for us, but slow for them!
I am in New Orleans for a conference this week, and when I arrived on Monday I learned about Hurricane Francine. Hurricanes change fast and Francine has gone back and forth from a tropical storm to a hurricane multiple times since I arrived. As I write this, I am hunkered down in my hotel room waiting for the storm to hit landfall. It is currently a Category 1 hurricane, which is the best case scenario if there is going to be a hurricane. The biggest concern right now is losing power, so I’m sending the newsletter today just in case I’m not able to tomorrow (I have been told by some locals that this area usually loses power). I am supposed to fly home tomorrow afternoon and the storm should be clear by tomorrow morning, so I covet your prayers for a safe, timely return home. In the meantime, I am safe, I have a flashlight and some food and water, and I am ready for whatever comes! 
If you need me, feel free to reach out via text or phone call, but please only reach out if it is urgent. I am leaving my phone on the charger as long as we have power, and avoiding being on my phone to conserve battery.
Our UMM will meet for their monthly breakfast at Erika’s Kitchen this Saturday (September 14th) at 9:00 AM. All men are welcome to attend! 
This Sunday (September 15th), we are going to re-start our series through Revelation! We went through Revelation in 2022, and I wanted to go through the series with Middleton UMC. I consulted with the SPRC, and it was agreed that Payette can benefit from going through the book again so the two churches will have the same sermons. Like we did last time, we will go through Revelation in sections and focus on different passages each week. You do not have to read along if you do not want to, but you’re invited to read along throughout the week. For September 15th, read Revelation chapters 1-3. I really enjoyed this series when we did it in 2022, and I’m looking forward to doing it again!
Monday afternoon coffee at Bordertown Coffee in Fruitland will resume this Monday (September 16th) from 2:00-5:00 PM. Stop by for a free coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or smoothie and a visit! I’d love to see you!
Our Fall Carnival is scheduled for Saturday, October 5th from 1:00-3:00 PM. We will have a bounce house, food, lawn games, and face painting. This event is a fun chance to spend some time with our neighbors, and it is a great chance for them to get to know us! If you would like to volunteer that day, there is a sign up sheet in the foyer. 
Our annual Charge Conference is scheduled for Monday, October 21st at 7:00 PM. Rev. Dr. Rob Walters from Nampa UMC will be our presiding elder. Charge conference is our yearly church meeting to discuss any changes in salary and to approve committee members for the following year. There are reports that Cris and I fill out ahead of time, and the meeting itself usually only lasts about 10-15 minutes. This meeting will be followed by our October Ad Council meeting.
We have some prayer requests this week. Please continue to pray for everyone impacted by the school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia. Also pray for our nation’s leaders and policymakers.
Brandon Baumler shared that his grandfather is in the hospital. Please pray for him and all hospital staff, that he may be comforted and they may find answers.
Bonnie Ney is in the hospital with heart problems and she has developed pneumonia. Keep her in prayer for healing.
Annie Crego’s truck was rear ended in a parking lot, and insurance has been…how insurance is. Please pray for the insurance company to be helpful, and pray for the Cregos as they navigate this not-fun situation!
This morning I was reminded of a beautiful thought, and I will leave you with it: There is no part of you unknown to your Creator; there is no part of you unloved by your Creator.
May the God of grace bless you, keep you, and give you peace.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Mary Beth Boesch (she/her/hers)