A word from Senior Pastor, Rev. Brock Bomkamp

Dear FMC Goldthwaite Family,

As the beautiful Texas fall deepens, and we step into November, we are entering a season traditionally dedicated to reflection and thankfulness. This is a wonderful opportunity to pause and intentionally recognize the many gifts God has poured into our lives, and to live out the truth we read in Scripture: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." (1 Chronicles 16:34, NLT)

I especially loved the activity we shared with our children at the Harvest Fest. If your child participated, you'll remember they took home a special "Thankful Pumpkin." The goal was simple but profound: to write down one thing they are thankful for every single day this month. I encourage all of us to check on those pumpkins and join our kids in this simple, daily discipline. It is a powerful practice that trains our hearts to see and appreciate God's goodness in the small, everyday moments, cultivating a heart of continuous thanks.

This mindset of gratitude flows perfectly into the themes we have been exploring through the Book of Esther. Our deep dive into her story has been moving and challenging, reminding us that we are not here by accident. We've been captivated by how Esther was positioned by divine providence exactly where she needed to be to save her people. Mordecai's famous challenge to her echoes in our own call today: "Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14, KJV). This study is a profound reminder that we, the people of FMC Goldthwaite, have been called to this specific time and this specific place—our beloved community—for God's specific purpose. We are here, right now, with our unique gifts and passions. Let's live with Esther's courage and conviction, ready to act on the opportunities God gives us.

To fully equip us for the calling God has placed on our lives, we are engaged in a vital new series: Truth Rising. This study is crucial because it helps us understand the foundations of our faith and how to apply a biblical worldview to the culture around us. It starts from the necessary foundation that the Bible is the ultimate authority for our lives. The Bible is the foundation of our worldview. It is through the bible, along with reason, experience, and tradition, that we form our worldview. Still, the bible is the foundation, meaning if there is a perceived contradiction, the bible's teaching remains the foundation of truth.

If you missed the first session, it is not too late to catch up and join us for the remaining weeks! I strongly urge you not to miss this important conversation.

• Catch Up: You can watch the full, thought-provoking documentary that launched our series by following this link: [Insert Link to Documentary/Video Here].
• Join Us: We will meet for the next four weeks to unpack the themes and strengthen our collective understanding of God's unchanging truth in this ever-changing world.

I am so excited to see how God continues to grow and challenge us through thankfulness, courage, and a firm reliance on His Word.

In Christ,
Pastor Brock