Newsletter May 23 2026

“A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.”

— Ecclesiastes 7:1

As our nation pauses on this Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, the Foundations Class anchors our hearts in solemn gratitude for the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

In our ongoing study through the Book of Ecclesiastes, we have reflected deeply on what it means to build a legacy of true, lasting value. There is no earthly legacy more profound, nor any human sacrifice more reflective of Christ’s love, than giving up one’s tomorrow so that others may live in peace and freedom today.

Through these profound acts of selflessness, God has richly blessed our country—stretching a canopy of protection over our land, securing our freedoms to gather and worship, and preserving a heritage of liberty for generations to come. Their sacrifice echoes a greater truth: that the freedoms we enjoy are a sacred gift, sustained by those willing to lay down their lives for others.

Let us honor their memory by living lives of personal obedience, faith, and purposeful community.

★

May we never forget. May we always be worthy of the freedom they purchased.

---

Celebrating the Life of 

Michael "Mike" Fabian 

Wednesday May 27 11am 

HFBC Chapel

   

IN MEMORY OF

Michael "Mike" David Fabian

Houston, Texas  •  March 26, 1950 – May 6, 2026

Visit Memorial Page

---

What's Next: Galatians is Coming 

This Summer

Our class has voted — and freedom is on the horizon

Since the start of this year, our class has been walking through Ecclesiastes — wrestling with its honest, searching questions about life, meaning, and what truly matters under the sun. It has been a rich and rewarding journey together.

But as we look ahead to summer, we are excited to share what's coming next. Last Sunday, our class overwhelmingly voted to study the Book of Galatians — and we couldn't be more ready for it.

"You are free in Christ — don't go back."

Paul's letter to the Galatians cuts straight to the heart with a message as urgent today as ever. We'll explore grace, faith, and what it truly means to live by the Spirit.

Current series

Ecclesiastes

January 2026 — Summer 2026

Coming up next

Galatians

Beginning Summer 2026

Get the study guide

A study guide is available now to help you prepare. Start exploring before our first session this summer.

Access the Galatians Study Guide

Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and reminded of the freedom that is yours in Christ. See you in class!

---

---

Book of Job · Week 3 of 4

Moving from Why to Who

God doesn't always answer our "why" — but he always offers us himself.

May 17, 2026Job 38 & 40

The Oklahoma City bombing memorial marks three moments: 9:01 (before), 9:02 (the moment everything changed), and 9:03 (where healing begins). In this week's message, we saw God doing exactly that with Job — turning him from his 9:02 toward 9:03.

Job had been asking why. God responded with 70+ questions of his own — who laid the earth's foundations, who tells the sea where to stop, who calls the stars by name. The point wasn't to shame Job. It was to shift his focus from the why to the who.

The problem is not that God can't answer our questions — it's that we can't answer his.

We yearn for intellectual explanation. God yearns for spiritual transformation. As Job's "why" grows smaller in light of who God is, healing becomes possible.

5 Ways to Move from Why to Who

1

Walk with the Lord before you need to. Tend your faith in ordinary seasons so you don't come undone in extraordinary ones. Walk with Christ before the crisis.

2

Stand strong when it doesn't make sense. Job declared "Blessed be the name of the Lord" even after losing everything. That's what faith looks like.

3

Believe God over anyone else. Job's friends gave 33 chapters of mostly bad advice. Let God — not the crowd or culture — be your true north.

4

Take your questions to God. There's a difference between asking questions of God and questioning God. Bring your hurt. Ask for wisdom. But don't put God on trial.

5

Don't blame God to justify yourself. Job 40:8 — "Would you declare me guilty to justify yourself?" He is the potter; we are the clay.

Artemis 2 commander Reed Wisman orbited the moon — one of humanity's greatest achievements — and returned to Earth asking for a chaplain. When the man walked in wearing a cross, Wisman broke down in tears. Some things only God can hold.

"I may never tell you why — but I will turn you with who, and walk you slowly to 9:03."

Are you in 9:01, 9:02, or 9:03? Wherever you are, God sees it all at once. Trust the who. Join us for our special Memorial Day service this week, then we'll return to finish the book of Job.

---

Foundations Class · Ecclesiastes Study

Wisdom, Time & the Hidden Heart

A recap of our interactive lesson through Ecclesiastes 9:13–10:20

May 18, 2026Ecclesiastes 9:13 – 10:20Foundations Class

This Sunday's class took a creative approach — five table groups each unpacked a passage from Ecclesiastes 9 and 10, then connected it to a broader Bible story, delivering their findings in 90 seconds. The results were rich, practical, and deeply personal.

Key Themes from the Tables

1

Faithfulness matters more than recognition. (Eccl. 9:14-16) A poor wise man saved a city — and was immediately forgotten. Like Becky's powerful testimony of standing on God's promise through cancer, we are called to give our witness even when it feels foolish. What the Lord whispers, we are to speak out.

2

Small compromises carry big consequences. (Eccl. 10:1) Dead flies spoil perfume. Moses struck the rock in anger instead of speaking to it — one moment of frustration cost him entry into Canaan. Minor habits and lapses of character can outweigh years of wisdom and witness.

3

Sharpen the axe before you swing it. (Eccl. 10:10) A dull blade requires more effort and delivers less. Mary at the feet of Jesus was sharpening her axe; Martha was swinging a dull one. Spending time in God's word is not a pause from the work — it is the work.

4

God sees what we think is private. (Eccl. 10:2, 10:20) "A bird of the sky may carry the message." Gehazi thought his secret deal was safe — but Elisha's heart had already gone with him. Nothing is hidden. Our hearts must incline toward what is right even when no one is watching.

Two Voices on Time

The class also heard two brief audio clips that brought the Ecclesiastes theme of time and seasons into sharp focus.

"You are as much alone with him as if you were the only thing ever created. When Christ died, he died for you individually, just as much as if you were the only one." — C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis reminded us that God exists outside our linear experience of time — every moment, every prayer, is fully present to him. Then Alistair Begg pressed the practical point: each of us is credited with 86,400 seconds today. How are we investing them?

"The Lord tells us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." — Psalm 90:12

The Wisdom Scroll

Our teacher shared a personal digital project called Wisdom Scroll — a life-journal app built around the themes of Ecclesiastes. It tracks the days you've lived, marks milestones, stores photos and videos, and offers daily Ecclesiastes-based inspiration, prayer prompts, and legacy blessings for family members. A free QR code was shared with the class. Look for the link in your email if you'd like to try it.

---

Foundations Class · Special Lesson

Don't Miss This Sunday

A surprise Memorial Day lesson from a familiar face.

May 25, 2026Foundations Class

This Sunday, Bill Wright steps in with a special Memorial Day lesson crafted just for the occasion. We're keeping the topic a surprise — but if this weekend stirs gratitude or reflection in your heart, Bill's message will meet you right there.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." — John 15:13

Bring a friend and come ready to be surprised. We'll return to Ecclesiastes the following week for our final three lessons.

---

🎭 Hurry! Limited Tickets for a Foundations Class Meet-Up

Join your Foundations class friends for an unforgettable afternoon of fellowship, music, laughter, and inspiration as we gather to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The George Theater on Saturday, July 11, 2026!

This exciting event and special group-rate tickets have been made available through the Encore Ministry, giving our class a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this spectacular production together.

This vibrant, high-energy musical brings the story of Joseph to life with unforgettable songs, humor, heart, and a powerful message of faith and perseverance. After the matinee, the fun continues with dinner and fellowship at Christie’s Seafood & Steaks on Westheimer.

Tickets are very limited and selling quickly!
Group tickets are available for just $46, but seats within our reserved section are disappearing fast. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.

Meet up at The George Theater
5420 Westheimer Road, Houston
Saturday, July 11, 2026 • Matinee begins at 2:00 PM

Dinner and fellowship immediately following the show at Christie’s Seafood & Steaks on Westheimer.

Don’t miss this special Foundations Class Meet-Up filled with encouragement, connection, and a spectacular afternoon together. Secure your tickets soon before they are gone!

---

The Midweek Refreshment of Shared Prayer

Join our community as we pause together for the Sweet Hour of Prayer every Wednesday at noon. Please send your prayer requests to Karen at 713-204-8384 by Tuesday so they may be included.

---

Walking Together Through Future Grace

This month we pause to review Section I from February and look ahead to Section II: Free and Future Grace for March. Together we are learning that grace is not only God’s gift for the past, but His strength for the days still ahead.

March’s reading points us toward deeper dependence on the Lord, reminding us that His grace is sufficient for weary hearts, humble faith, and every step yet to come.

Read Future Grace Online at This Link

---

Connecting Through Encore Activities

For Encore information: Click Here

---

Stay Connected — Or Quietly Step Back. You're in Control with Our Foundations GroupMe

We’ve created a Foundations Class GroupMe message center as a convenient, real-time way to share prayer requests, announcements, and encouraging messages.

Join or leave anytime—no pressure. Mute notifications if you prefer silence or jump into the conversation when something grabs your heart.

Sign up here: https://3zs8.short.gy/FoundationsGM

---

Click for Information

Newsletter May 16 2026

Trail Boss Richard Announces Another BBQ Trail Ride!

The smoke signals have been spotted once again… Trail Boss Richard has officially called the men of Foundations Class back to the trail!

The next stop on the legendary Men's BBQ Trail will be The Brisket House, known throughout Houston for mouthwatering brisket, smoked favorites, and legendary sandwiches. Men, prepare your appetites and your best barbecue opinions as the fellowship continues around the table.

The Brisket House
5775 Woodway Dr., Houston, TX
Thursday, May 21
11:21 AM

As always, expect good food, great laughs, meaningful fellowship, and at least one spirited discussion about who truly has the best brisket in Texas.

No tickets. No speeches. Just men, meat, and memories in the making. Saddle up and join the trail!

---

Lights, Camera, Fellowship!

Movie Night at The Butcher's Was a Smashing Hit

Friday, May 15, 2026

🎥 Solo Mia  ·  🌭 Hot Dogs  ·  🍿 PopCorn  ·  Concessions  ·  🎂 Custom Cake by Ron

Friday night at The Butcher's was nothing short of a celebration! The Foundations Class came together for a memorable Movie Night featuring the film Solo Mio, and from the first bite to the final credits, the evening delivered on every level.

The concession spread was on point — hot dogs, chips, and all the classic movie night fixings kept everyone fueled and happy throughout the show. But the true scene-stealer of the evening was the stunning custom Movie Night cake hand-crafted by the incredibly talented Ron Chow.

Ron Chow cuts into his custom-crafted Movie Night cake — a showstopper surrounded by the evening's full concession spread.

It was a work of art that had everyone talking before they even took a bite! Look at that spread — Haribo, Milk Duds, Nerds, animal crackers, and more — no one went home hungry!

Solo Mio set the perfect stage for an evening filled with laughter, great conversation, and the warm fellowship that makes Foundations Class events so special.

Great film. Great food. Great people. Movie Night at The Butcher's was everything a night out with the Foundations Class should be — and then some!

Stay tuned for the next Foundations Class event — you won't want to miss what's coming! 

---

🎭 Hurry! Limited Tickets for a Foundations Class Meet-Up

Join your Foundations class friends for an unforgettable afternoon of fellowship, music, laughter, and inspiration as we gather to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The George Theater on Saturday, July 11, 2026!

This exciting event and special group-rate tickets have been made available through the Encore Ministry, giving our class a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this spectacular production together.

This vibrant, high-energy musical brings the story of Joseph to life with unforgettable songs, humor, heart, and a powerful message of faith and perseverance. After the matinee, the fun continues with dinner and fellowship at Christie’s Seafood & Steaks on Westheimer.

Tickets are very limited and selling quickly!
Group tickets are available for just $46, but seats within our reserved section are disappearing fast. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.

Meet up at The George Theater
5420 Westheimer Road, Houston
Saturday, July 11, 2026 • Matinee begins at 2:00 PM

Dinner and fellowship immediately following the show at Christie’s Seafood & Steaks on Westheimer.

Don’t miss this special Foundations Class Meet-Up filled with encouragement, connection, and a spectacular afternoon together. Secure your tickets soon before they are gone!

---

PASTOR'S  MESSAGE RECAP · MAY 9, 2026

Four Ways to Walk Into Someone's Hurt

A Mother's Day Message from the Book of Job

Job 2  ·  Series: The Book of Job  ·  Houston First

On Mother's Day Sunday, our pastor brought a timely and practical word from Job chapter 2, drawing four powerful principles on how to truly show up for people in pain — whether a friend, a spouse, or your own child. Anchored in the story of Job and his three friends, the message reminded us that how we enter someone's hurt matters just as much as showing up at all.

The pastor opened with a thought that set the tone for everything that followed:

"Just because you think it doesn't mean you should say it."

The Four Principles:

1. Be a Person of Hope — Speak Life Into Their Hurts. Rather than piling on or glossing over pain, we are called to speak words of genuine hope. As the pastor reminded us, "You are going to make it through this" and "The clouds are always moving" are two of the most powerful things you can say to someone in a dark moment.

2. Meet Them Where They Are — Not Where You Want Them to Be. Job's three friends left their own homes and traveled to Job. That's the model. Whether it means picking up the phone instead of sending a text, or showing up at the door, we are called to move toward hurting people — not wait for them to come to us.

3. Sit and Shush — Listen Long and Counsel Short. The friends sat in silence with Job for seven full days. That is the ministry of presence. Before we open our mouths, we must open our ears. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "The first service that we owe to anyone is to listen."

4. Wait for the Heart to Speak. Don't rush the conversation. When someone is ready to open up — let them. And when they do, don't be shocked. Create a safe enough space that they can say anything, so that you can respond with wisdom, grace, and truth. Look for a seed of faith you can water with the Word.

The pastor closed with a reminder that Jesus himself is the perfect model of all four principles — the ultimate person of hope, who meets us where we are, hears every prayer, and waits patiently for our hearts to speak to him.

If you missed the message or want to share it with someone who needs it, you can find it at houstonfirst.org.

"I know that my redeemer lives." — Job 19:25

---

FOUNDATIONS CLASS · SUNDAY SCHOOL RECAP · MAY 9, 2026

Death, Joy, and the Priority of Today

Nancy Crownover Leads the Class Through Ecclesiastes 9:1–12

Ecclesiastes 9:1–12  ·  Teacher: Nancy Crownover  ·  Foundations Class

In a refreshingly honest and heartfelt presentation, Nancy Crownover led the Foundations Class through one of Scripture's most challenging passages — Ecclesiastes 9:1–12. With characteristic warmth and humility, Nancy admitted upfront that Ecclesiastes had always been a tough book for her, comparing the experience of digging through it to "trying to dig through hard pan with a spoon." That honesty set the perfect tone for a rich and lively class discussion.

Nancy walked the class through the first eight chapters of Ecclesiastes to set the stage, showing how Solomon — writing from a place of unmatched wealth, wisdom, and experience — repeatedly concluded that everything pursued apart from God amounts to chasing the wind. She noted the distinction between the worldly wisdom Solomon often employed and the deeper spiritual wisdom that only emerges fully by the end of the book.

"The righteous and the wise, and what they do, are in God's hands." — Ecclesiastes 9:1

From chapter 9, Nancy drew out three sobering but ultimately hopeful truths:

1. We Are in God's Hands. Though life can seem random and unfair — the righteous suffering while the wicked prosper — Solomon affirms that the works of the righteous and wise are under God's special protection and guidance. As Matthew Henry put it, all their affairs are managed by God for their good, whether love or hardship awaits them.

2. Death Is the Great Equalizer. Using a vivid chessboard metaphor, Nancy illustrated how every person — regardless of power, wealth, or position — shares the same earthly fate. No chess piece keeps its rank when the game ends and the pieces go into the box. Death levels us all. But for those in Christ, the King lifts the lid and welcomes us into his realm — where we are all queens.

3. Joy Is the Right Response — Today. Rather than leaving the class in despair, Solomon pivots to a call for intentional, joyful living. Eat with gladness. Love your spouse. Pour yourself into your work. Celebrate every moment God has given you — because life, no matter the circumstance, holds the gift of opportunity. We cannot control our circumstances, but we can always control our choice to trust God in them.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again — rejoice." — Philippians 4:4

The class came alive with discussion — touching on God's sovereignty and free will, Solomon's tragic arc from wisdom to wandering, and the faithful thread of God's pursuit of his people throughout all of Scripture. Nancy also shared a powerful testimony from her volunteer work with Bridges to Life, about a man who spent 19 years in prison for a crime he did not commit — and who found a deeper, truer relationship with God in that very suffering.

The class closed on a beautiful note, singing the hymn Trust and Obey a cappella — a perfect summary of everything Ecclesiastes ultimately calls us to. "For there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Thank you, Nancy, for your humility, your diligence, and your heart for God's Word. What a gift to the Foundations Class!

---

FOUNDATIONS CLASS · COMING THIS SUNDAY May 17, 2026

 Don't Be the Dead Fly in the Ointment!

This Sunday's Class Gets Interactive — and Solomon Has Something to Say to All of Us

Ecclesiastes 9:13–10:20  ·  "Folly vs. Wisdom"

📖 Ecclesiastes 9:13–10:20  ·  Interactive Lesson  ·  Foundations Class

Solomon opens chapter 10 with a vivid warning: "Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench — so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor." In other words, it only takes one bad decision, one careless word, one moment of foolishness to undo a reputation built over a lifetime. Sound familiar? This Sunday, the Foundations Class dives headfirst into one of Ecclesiastes' most practical and pointed stretches of Scripture.

Building on last week's powerful foundation from Nancy Crownover, we continue our journey through Ecclesiastes with an interactive lesson drawn from Ecclesiastes 9:13–10:20. Solomon lays out a sharp and sometimes humorous contrast between the way of wisdom and the way of folly — and the differences are more recognizable than we might like to admit.

"The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him." — Ecclesiastes 10:12

From the poor wise man who saved an entire city but was promptly forgotten (Ecclesiastes 9:14–15), to the fool who can't even find his way to town (10:15), Solomon paints a picture of two very different ways to move through life. He takes on leaders, laborers, loose lips, and lazy hands — and pulls no punches along the way. A few highlights of what we'll dig into together:

· Wisdom overlooked — A poor man's wisdom saves a city, yet no one remembers him. Does wisdom still matter when the world doesn't notice?

· Words that build or destroy — The wise win favor through quiet words; the fool multiplies words and ends in madness. How are we stewarding our speech?

· Work with a sharp blade — "If the iron is blunt and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength — but wisdom helps one to succeed." (10:10) Are we working harder or working smarter?

· Even your thoughts have ears — Solomon closes with a timeless caution: "Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king… for a bird of the air will carry your voice." (10:20) Some things never change.

This Sunday's class time will be multi-purposed and interactive — come ready to engage, discuss, and bring your own thoughts to the table. This is not a Sunday to sit on the sidelines!

---

Whether you feel more like the wise man or — if you're being honest — a little more like the fool this week, Solomon has a word for you. Come ready to dig in, laugh a little, and walk away sharper than when you arrived.

We'll see you Sunday. Don't be the dead fly. 

---

The Midweek Refreshment of Shared Prayer

Join our community as we pause together for the Sweet Hour of Prayer every Wednesday at noon. Please send your prayer requests to Karen at 713-204-8384 by Tuesday so they may be included.

---

Walking Together Through Future Grace

This month we pause to review Section I from February and look ahead to Section II: Free and Future Grace for March. Together we are learning that grace is not only God’s gift for the past, but His strength for the days still ahead.

March’s reading points us toward deeper dependence on the Lord, reminding us that His grace is sufficient for weary hearts, humble faith, and every step yet to come.

Read Future Grace Online at This Link

---

Connecting Through Encore Activities

For Encore information: Click Here

---

Stay Connected — Or Quietly Step Back. You're in Control with Our Foundations GroupMe

We’ve created a Foundations Class GroupMe message center as a convenient, real-time way to share prayer requests, announcements, and encouraging messages.

Join or leave anytime—no pressure. Mute notifications if you prefer silence or jump into the conversation when something grabs your heart.

Sign up here: https://3zs8.short.gy/FoundationsGM

---

Click for Information

Newsletter May 9 2026

Remembering Mike Fabian 

A Faithful Friend and Servant

Our Foundations class family is deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Mike Fabian, yet thankful for the lasting impact of his life and testimony. Mike was a treasured part of our class family—faithfully participating in discussions, encouraging others with wisdom and kindness, and carrying a well-worn Bible that reflected a life grounded in God’s Word.

Mike and his wife, Lisa, graciously opened their home for Foundations class events, including one of our most memorable class Christmas parties filled with fellowship, laughter, and warm memories. Mike also faithfully joined fellow class members in ministry through the Montrose Street Reach Street Church outreach, serving others with compassion, humility, and a servant’s heart.

Mike’s steady faith and genuine love for people reflected the hope he had in Christ.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9

Please continue to keep Lisa and the Fabian family in your prayers during this difficult season. As additional details become available, they will be shared with our Foundations class family. Mike will be greatly missed, but his faithful example will long be remembered.

---

🎭 Hurry! Limited Tickets for a Foundations Class Meet-Up

Join your Foundations class friends for an unforgettable afternoon of fellowship, music, laughter, and inspiration as we gather to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The George Theater on Saturday, July 11, 2026!

This exciting event and special group-rate tickets have been made available through the Encore Ministry, giving our class a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this spectacular production together.

This vibrant, high-energy musical brings the story of Joseph to life with unforgettable songs, humor, heart, and a powerful message of faith and perseverance. After the matinee, the fun continues with dinner and fellowship at Christie’s Seafood & Steaks on Westheimer.

Tickets are very limited and selling quickly!
Group tickets are available for just $46, but seats within our reserved section are disappearing fast. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS.

Meet up at The George Theater
5420 Westheimer Road, Houston
Saturday, July 11, 2026 • Matinee begins at 2:00 PM

Dinner and fellowship immediately following the show at Christie’s Seafood & Steaks on Westheimer.

Don’t miss this special Foundations Class Meet-Up filled with encouragement, connection, and a spectacular afternoon together. Secure your tickets soon before they are gone!

---

Movie Night: Don’t Go Solo… It’s Solo Mio!

A quiet night alone? Not this time! Solo Mio is all about the unexpected—and it’s even better when shared.

Join us at the Butchers’ for a relaxed, laughter-filled Movie Night featuring Solo Mio. We’ll have hot dogs, popcorn, and great fellowship—the perfect recipe for a fun evening together.

Friday, May 15 | 6:30 PM | @ the Butchers’ Home | Contact Karen @ 713-204-8384 for details and RSVP

---

Trail Boss Richard Announces 

Another BBQ Trail Ride!

The smoke signals have been spotted once again… Trail Boss Richard has officially called the men of Foundations Class back to the trail!

The next stop on the legendary Men’s BBQ Trail will be The Brisket House, known throughout Houston for mouthwatering brisket, smoked favorites, and legendary sandwiches. Men, prepare your appetites and your best barbecue opinions as the fellowship continues around the table.

The Brisket House
5775 Woodway Dr., Houston, TX
Thursday, May 21
11:21 AM

As always, expect good food, great laughs, meaningful fellowship, and at least one spirited discussion about who truly has the best brisket in Texas.

No tickets. No speeches. Just men, meat, and memories in the making. Saddle up and join the trail!

---

Pastor’s message May 3:

Job: Faith When Life Crashes

Pastor Greg Matte opened a powerful new series from the book of Job, reminding us that suffering is part of every life journey—even for the faithful. Using the moving illustration of the Oklahoma City Memorial’s “901, 902, and 903” gates, he described how life can suddenly shift from peace and normalcy (901), into moments of heartbreak and loss (902), before ultimately leading toward healing and hope through God (903).

Drawing from Job’s devastating losses and unwavering worship, Pastor Greg challenged us not to numb our pain, but to walk through it with God. Through tears, grief, and uncertainty, Job declared, “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” showing that faith does not remove suffering—but it does sustain us through it. The message ultimately pointed to Christ, whose suffering on the cross became humanity’s pathway to resurrection hope and healing. 

---

Navigating an Unpredictable World 

Finding Joy, Wisdom, and Trust 

When Life Doesn’t Seem Fair

In this week’s Foundations Bible Study lesson, Carol Pierce guided the class through Ecclesiastes 8:1–17 with a heartfelt and deeply practical message on living faithfully in a world that often feels uncertain and unfair.

Carol reminded us that while human wisdom has limits, God’s wisdom never fails. From navigating authority and trusting God’s timing to wrestling with grief, injustice, and unanswered questions, the lesson challenged us to stop trying to control life’s unpredictability and instead walk closely with the Lord through it.

One of the strongest takeaways came as Carol emphasized that “life is not fair—but God is still faithful.” Rather than becoming bitter over life’s hardships, believers are called to live with joy, humility, and trust, knowing that God ultimately brings order out of seeming chaos. The lesson concluded with a powerful encouragement to seek wisdom through Scripture, prayer, and daily dependence on the Holy Spirit as we learn to faithfully navigate an unpredictable world.

---

Death, Joy, and the Priority of Today 

What If Today Matters 

More Than You Think?

This Sunday, May 11, 2026 Nancy Crownover leads Foundations Class through one of the most honest and eye-opening passages in Ecclesiastes. In “Death, Joy, and the Priority of Today” from Ecclesiastes 9:1–12, Solomon confronts the reality that life is uncertain, time moves quickly, and no one knows what tomorrow holds.

But instead of leading us into fear, this powerful lesson points us toward something surprising: joy, purpose, gratitude, and living fully for God today. From enjoying the blessings God has given to making every moment count, this study will challenge us to stop drifting through life and start embracing the days God has placed in our hands right now.

Don’t miss this timely and encouraging lesson as we discover how wisdom helps us live with urgency, hope, and eternal perspective in an unpredictable world.

---

Seek First: 

Foundations Q2 Scripture Memory Song 

Is Here! Catch the rhythm. 

Hide the Word in your heart.

Our Foundations Class Scripture Memory Verse for Q2 2026 — Matthew 6:33 — has now come alive in song! This uplifting class anthem is designed to help us memorize God’s Word through music, joy, and repetition.

With a powerful chorus of “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” this song is more than a tune — it’s a reminder to keep Christ first in a world full of distractions, worry, and hurry.

Don’t miss it!
Listen to the song, sing along, and let Scripture stay with you throughout the week. You may find yourself humming the verse long after the music ends!

---

Another Scripture Memory Tool we can use, hit the play button and toggle the eye button on and off to see the scripture and turn off the scripture reciting by heart: 

---

A Resource to Share

We created this landing page as something you can send to someone without having to explain everything—just pass it along.

👉 Share this with someone who needs encouragement.

---

The Midweek Refreshment of Shared Prayer

Join our community as we pause together for the Sweet Hour of Prayer every Wednesday at noon. Please send your prayer requests to Karen at 713-204-8384 by Tuesday so they may be included.

---

Walking Together Through Future Grace

This month we pause to review Section I from February and look ahead to Section II: Free and Future Grace for March. Together we are learning that grace is not only God’s gift for the past, but His strength for the days still ahead.

March’s reading points us toward deeper dependence on the Lord, reminding us that His grace is sufficient for weary hearts, humble faith, and every step yet to come.

Read Future Grace Online at This Link

---

Connecting Through Encore Activities

For Encore information: Click Here

---

Stay Connected — Or Quietly Step Back. You're in Control with Our Foundations GroupMe

We’ve created a Foundations Class GroupMe message center as a convenient, real-time way to share prayer requests, announcements, and encouraging messages.

Join or leave anytime—no pressure. Mute notifications if you prefer silence or jump into the conversation when something grabs your heart.

Sign up here: https://3zs8.short.gy/FoundationsGM

---

Click for Information