In the music department we are busy, busy, busy planning for the Fall and, of course, Christmas, which includes the Christmas Cantata.

Matthew 7:7-8 "Seek and Ye shall find….." I am seeking someone who plays the accordion for the Christmas Cantata. Additionally I am looking for high school youth who might be interested in drumming in the Christmas Cantata; or at least someone who is young at heart, who would like to be a part of a drumming ensemble. Quite the combo, accordion and drumming! Pique your interest? I hope so!

Mark December 12-13 on your calendar for the Christmas Cantata! From today, there are only 128 days left! Begin the countdown...

Jennifer Sheldon

Director of Music & Worship

Organ Recital

My next organ recital at La Casa is coming up on Friday, September 25th at 7:00pm! For a sense of growth and renewal with all-things organ, I attended the American Guild of Organists national convention in St. Louis in July. My family and David McGahan also went. We saw a plethora of organ recitals and inspirational musical experiences. I was delighted to hear many new works and pieces that aren’t yet part of the “standard” repertoire.

Oh, do I have some ideas and musical treats for your ears! Several composers that were featured that I plan on learning more about are: Naji Hakim, Rachel Laurin, and Katharine Lucke. I haven’t yet finalized the repertoire for my recital, but it will surely be influenced by this national convention. Mark your calendar for September 25th!

Dr. Jeremy Peterman

Organist and Handbell Director

LA CASA | WOMEN

It is so easy to become exhausted by the demands of work, family, care giving, even aging, and the pressure to strive, accumulate, and achieve. We often believe that strength comes from trying harder, staying busier, or carrying our burdens in silence. Yet the Words of Nehemiah 8:10b still speak with remarkable relevance today: "…Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." When God's people heard His Word, they were overwhelmed by their shortcomings, but God called them to lift their eyes from their failures to His faithfulness. Strength was not found in self-reliance but in rejoicing in the God who had never abandoned them. The same is true for us. Our joy is rooted in the unchanging character of Christ, whose grace is new every morning.



One of the most overlooked truths of Scripture is that God designed His people to grow together. The Bible was written primarily to communities of believers, not isolated individuals. From Israel gathering to hear God's Word in Nehemiah's day to the early church devoted to fellowship, prayer, and breaking bread together, God's plan has always included Spiritual family. We were never meant to navigate faith alone. In a culture marked by loneliness and individualism, Christian community here at La Casa becomes a powerful testimony that we belong first to Christ and then to one another.

We invite you to take your next step by joining our Fall Women's Bible Study or our multigenerational MOMS/GrandMOMS ministry, perhaps even finding a place to serve. God has always intended for women to walk alongside one another, encouraging one another, bearing one another's burdens, praying together, and growing together in Christ. As you become rooted in His Word and connected to other women of faith, you'll experience the joy of belonging and His strength. What are you waiting for? Let me help you connect today!

XO Paula

Paula Webb

Director of Women's Ministry

As backpacks are zipped, lunchboxes are packed and alarm clocks are set a little earlier, a new school year begins with fresh opportunities, new friendships, and exciting adventures. While so much changes from year to year, one thing never does - Jesus goes with us wherever we go.

After an incredible week at VBX, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. We watched children worship with joy, learn about God's amazing love, and discover that Jesus is with them wherever life takes them. What a beautiful reminder as we head into a new school year!

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promises, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Whether your child is walking into preschool for the very first time, starting middle school, heading off to college, or returning as a teacher, coach, or parent, that promise is true. Jesus is already there.

As this school year begins, let's pray that our children would be kind, courageous, and confident-not because of who they are, but because of whose they are. May they be lights in their classrooms, hallways, lunchrooms and on the playground, sharing the love of Jesus through their words and actions.



Thank you to everyone who made VBX such an incredible week. Your prayers, generosity, and servant hearts made an impact to truly help others know Jesus. Now, as summer comes to a close, let's continue living out what we learned - sharing God's love wherever we go.

Staci Medina

Director of Children's Ministry



Our guest contributor, Angie, has this to say:

Parenting is hard. Parenting a teenager is very hard! Our number one priority as parents is to point our kids toward God. With that belief, there was no choice in attending church, Confirmation classes, and activities in the youth group at La Casa de Cristo for our four kids. We wanted them to know that faith was our number one priority, and soon to be their number one priority. They have now reached an age where it is no longer what mom and dad believe, but them taking ownership of their faith. La Casa Youth allows them to ask hard questions of themselves and God, while studying God’s Word in a setting that encourages a lifelong journey with Jesus, surrounded by friends and mentors. This is the most important relationship they will ever have!

The La Casa Youth program, Confirmation, events and summer trips have greatly impacted our kids. What a blessing this ministry is for our youth! Please have your kids join the La Casa Youth. It's the best decision you can make!

~Angie Campos

Suzan Scudder

Youth Director

When Comparison Roars in your Heart

“The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are CO-WORKERS in God’s service and you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:8-9

“You’re better than me” is a phrase that goes through my mind more often than I care to admit. I spent too many years comparing myself to other people and coming up short. It’s rooted in fear of rejection and insecurity, rather than addressing these issues through God’s eyes. Comparison pumps me up or tears me down depending on who I’m comparing myself to, and I finally heard God whispering, “That’s enough. Let me reveal the truth.”

The Lord pointed me to Paul and his letters to the Corinthians. One important thing to remember is that these letters address the kinds of problems churches can have when members remain “of the flesh” and do not distinguish themselves from the world through beliefs, behaviors and lifestyles. The comparison trap is one of those responses driven by the old self.

When we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, God works a newness in our lives. He replaces a heart of stone for a tender heart and transforms us through the renewing of our mind. At the same time, we still have free will to choose to sow seeds according to our OLD self or according to God’s spirit within us. Comparison sows the wrong kind of seeds and causes our way to be choked by weeds.

The key phrase in today’s passage reminds us that we are one. Each of God’s people fills a different role which is equally valid and significant for his purposes. When we aim all our efforts at the same purpose, it is God who brings people into a relationship with Him and develops him or her into who He wants them to be. One ministry is not greater than the other. Serving in the nursery is just as important as serving on the stage. Volunteering in youth and taking meals to those who are housebound accomplish the same purpose. The visible ministries in LCDC are not greater than the behind-the-scenes ministries.

Today’s passage paints a picture where each of us is vital to God’s ministry of bringing people to Him. Later in 1 Corinthians, Paul writes, “Therefore my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Our reward is not based on our gifts, talent, visibility, or successes, but related to our obedience. Let’s remember that each of us is vital to God’s ministry. We are companions, NOT RIVALS. We get the amazing opportunity to work with God. We cannot work without him, and he won’t work without us. He wants us to be working partners.

Jean Knowling, R.N.

Parish Nurse