Saturday, May 2, 2026

Newsletter May 2 2026

Faith That Moves: 
When the Foundations Class Took Hope 
to the Streets

What happens when a Bible study class steps beyond the walls and into the real needs of the city?

On April 30, the Foundations Class answered that question—not with words alone, but with action. In partnership with Montrose Street Reach, the class moved from Sunday teaching to street-level ministry, serving nearly 150 people in downtown Houston with both physical provision and spiritual hope.

What may have looked like simple acts—handing out oranges, offering a honey bun, sharing a smile—became something far greater. These were not just supplies; they were intentional moments of connection, breaking down barriers and opening hearts. This impact was made possible not only by those present, but also by many who gave generously—providing pre-event snacks, clothing, and shoes that extended care and dignity to those in need.

As voices lifted in unified praise, Charlotte Duncan led a powerful time of worship, supported by class members whose choral presence helped transform the setting into a place of peace and reverence. Then, with clarity and conviction, Sam Gray delivered a stirring message of Truth—reminding every listener that their story is not finished and that hope is still within reach.

What is often a place of struggle became, even for a moment, a sanctuary. Class members didn’t stand on the sidelines—they stepped into conversations, offered prayer, and made the love of Christ personal and tangible. And in the process, something beautiful happened—the class was not only a blessing, but was deeply blessed by those they came to serve.

This wasn’t just an outreach event. It was faith in motion—carried by those who went and those who gave.
A reminder that the mission isn’t confined to a classroom—it lives wherever we are willing to go… and give.

Because sometimes the greatest impact happens… when we go.

Pictures at this link: CLICK HERE TO VIEW


After Class Lunch – May 3: Don’t Rush Off… Let’s Gather at the Table!

This Sunday, May 3, don’t let the conversation end when class does—let’s continue it over great food and even better fellowship at Los Tios, located at 5161 San Felipe, Houston, TX 77056!

There’s something special that happens when we slow down, share a meal, and connect beyond the classroom. Laughter gets louder, friendships grow deeper, and encouragement flows more freely.

Make plans now to join us right after class.
Bring a friend, pull up a chair, and be part of the joy that happens when our Foundations family gathers around the table.

You won’t want to miss it!


Staying Out of the Ditches: A Call to Humility and Discernment

In a moving lesson on Ecclesiastes 7:15-29 delivered on April 26, 2026, Rand Wall challenged the Foundations Class to pursue a life of balance. Using the metaphor of a narrow Texas highway, he described two dangerous "ditches" that can swallow up a believer's walk: Legalism (being self-righteous and judgmental) and License (living without restraint or wisdom).

Key Takeaways from the Lesson:

Life is Unfair: Even "good" people suffer, as seen in Debbie Wall’s recent injury and the Apostle Paul’s many trials.

Humility is Wisdom: True wisdom is found in dropping the "mask of perfection" and admitting when we are not okay.

Boldness Required: Being humble before God does not mean being timid in our faith; we are called to be bold and speak the truth in love.

The Goal is Excellence: While human perfection is unattainable, chasing after God’s holiness allows us to "catch excellence".

Ultimately, Rand reminded the class that we are not in control. By placing our lives in God's hands, we find the discernment to navigate trials and the grace to rest in His perfect will.

Pastor’s message April 26:

In this week’s powerful message, John Piper took us deep into the account of Lazarus in John 11 and challenged our understanding of love in a way that few passages do. Centered on the truth of Galatians 2:20, he reminded us that Christ’s love is not distant or general—but deeply personal: “He loved me and gave Himself for me.”

From there, the message unfolded a striking tension between love, death, and the glory of God. Jesus loved Lazarus—and yet delayed coming. That delay led to death. But it also revealed something greater: God’s glory. This “strange love,” as Piper described it, is not about preventing pain but about accomplishing something eternal through it.

The central takeaway was both sobering and freeing: true love gives us what we need most—not what we want most. And what we need most is not comfort, health, or even life itself—but a deeper vision of God’s glory that leads to lasting joy.

For many, this message meets us right where we live—in the middle space, between the pain we feel and the resolution we cannot yet see. It calls us to trust that even when God seems delayed, He is not absent. His love is still at work—shaping faith, deepening belief, and drawing us to treasure Him above all else.

In a world that defines love by ease and outcomes, this message invites us to redefine it through the lens of eternity:
Love does whatever it must to help us see, savor, and be satisfied in the glory of God.


When Life Doesn’t Make Sense: Finding Wisdom in an Unpredictable World

What do you do when life feels confusing… when the rules don’t seem to apply… and outcomes don’t seem fair?

This week, Carol Pierce leads us into one of the most honest and thought-provoking passages in Scripture—Ecclesiastes 8:1–17. In “Navigating an Unpredictable World,” we come face to face with a reality we all recognize: life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect.

Solomon wrestles with questions that still echo in our hearts today. Why do the wicked sometimes prosper while the righteous struggle? Why does justice seem delayed? Why can’t we fully understand what God is doing? As the passage reminds us, “man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun… even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.”

Yet, this is not a message of despair—it’s an invitation to deeper trust.

Carol will guide us to see that true wisdom is not about figuring everything out, but about learning how to live faithfully when we can’t. It’s about honoring God in uncertainty, trusting His timing when justice seems delayed, and embracing the simple gifts He gives along the way. As Solomon concludes, even in the mystery, there is grace: to eat, drink, and find joy in the life God has given.

In a world that often feels unpredictable, this lesson calls us to something steady and unshakable—a reverent fear of God, a surrendered heart, and a quiet confidence that He is at work, even when we cannot see it.

Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and reminded:
You may not understand everything—but you can trust the One who does.


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


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


Newsletter May 2 2026

Faith That Moves:  When the Foundations Class Took Hope  to the Streets What happens when a Bible study class steps beyond the walls and int...