Prayer of Dedication for New Altar Cross

Christopher Everson • Sr. Pastor
August 23, 2026

3 Minute Read



Holy and loving God,

We are reminded that through the generations You have been faithful to Your people. We take time out of this service today to remember how you have shown your faithfulness to the people of Royse City Methodist Church in a sanctuary that was built for your glory, others’ gain, and our good. We remember the times we gathered to worship, pray, celebrate, and grieve. Within those walls, lives were changed, prayers were answered, people were baptized, married, and we placed saints into Your never-ending love and care.

Today, we see that from the stained glass windows that once filled that holy space, a new cross has been fashioned. The multi-colored glass that once stood out as a sign of your love and grace now stands before us as a testimony of your never-ending presence.

So, today. We dedicate this cross to Your glory.

May it remind us that we carry on the story of Your people. Though buildings change and seasons pass, Your love remains steadfast. As the colored glass once caught the sunlight and reflected beauty into our sanctuary, may this cross reflect the light of Christ into our lives and into the world.

Lord Jesus Christ, as we look upon this cross. We ask that you draw our hearts and minds again to your saving grace. Let us be reminded of Your sacrifice for us. But let it also remind us how You are victorious over the power of sin and death. And that we now have the task to proclaim the hope we have, because of Your resurrection.

We pray blessings over all who look upon this cross. May it inspire them to recognize the faithful love You have shown not only to the members of Royse City Methodist Church but also to the entire community, and to give our lives fully to You. May it encourage our faith in the midst of doubt, comfort in the midst of grief, and courage to take the next steps of faith, and joy for all who serve and seek You. As this cross carries within it pieces of our past, may it also point us toward the future You are preparing for us. Unite us as one people, rooted in cherished memories, strengthened by Your presence, and committed to Your mission, so we may serve together, to be renewed and rooted in Christ.
We dedicate this cross in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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August 23, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Prayer of Dedication for New Altar Cross
Holy and loving God, We are reminded that through the generations You have been faithful to Your people. We take time out of this service today to remember how you have shown your faithfulness to the people of Royse City Methodist Church in a sanctuary that was built for your glory, others’ gain, and our good. We remember the times we gathered to worship, pray, celebrate, and grieve. Within those walls, lives were changed, prayers were answered, people were baptized, married, and we placed saints into Your never-ending love and care. Today, we see that from the stained glass windows that once filled that holy space, a new cross has been fashioned. The multi-colored glass that once stood out as a sign of your love and grace now stands before us as a testimony of your never-ending presence. So, today. We dedicate this cross to Your glory. May it remind us that we carry on the story of Your people. Though buildings change and seasons pass, Your love remains steadfast. As the colored glass once caught the sunlight and reflected beauty into our sanctuary, may this cross reflect the light of Christ into our lives and into the world. Lord Jesus Christ, as we look upon this cross. We ask that you draw our hearts and minds again to your saving grace. Let us be reminded of Your sacrifice for us. But let it also remind us how You are victorious over the power of sin and death. And that we now have the task to proclaim the hope we have, because of Your resurrection. We pray blessings over all who look upon this cross. May it inspire them to recognize the faithful love You have shown not only to the members of Royse City Methodist Church but also to the entire community, and to give our lives fully to You. May it encourage our faith in the midst of doubt, comfort in the midst of grief, and courage to take the next steps of faith, and joy for all who serve and seek You. As this cross carries within it pieces of our past, may it also point us toward the future You are preparing for us. Unite us as one people, rooted in cherished memories, strengthened by Your presence, and committed to Your mission, so we may serve together, to be renewed and rooted in Christ. We dedicate this cross in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Christopher Everson

Sr. Pastor

August 20, 2026 • 6 Minute Read
You Can Do This! It Will Be Worth It!
Church Family, We are in the middle of a long journey together, and I know there are moments when it may feel like nothing is happening. But let me assure you, a tremendous amount of work is taking place behind the scenes as we prepare for where God is calling us to build our new campus. Have you driven by the new HEB site at I-30 and FM 2642 lately? Massive earth-moving equipment is constantly reshaping the landscape. Truckloads of dirt are being moved every day as crews prepare not only for HEB, but for several businesses that will serve Royse City for years to come. Right now, it may not look like much more than dirt and machinery, but with construction scheduled to begin in January, it's amazing to imagine what will soon stand there. In many ways, that's where we are as a church. There may not yet be walls going up or a steeple reaching toward the sky, but important groundwork is being laid. Your Leadership Board has been working diligently to prepare for the exciting days ahead. As you've heard from our Leadership Board Chair, Pam Davis, we now have a fully executed Letter of Intent on six acres of land for our future campus. During our most recent board meeting, several important decisions were made to help move us toward a church vote regarding this property. 1. We Have Entered Phase 2 of Discovery The board approved moving forward with Phase 2 of discovery with Beck Architecture to further evaluate the six-acre property. This phase also includes contracting with Urban Strategy to conduct the civil engineering work necessary to understand the site's opportunities and limitations. Once this process is complete, we will share the findings with the entire church so everyone can clearly understand the next steps in the journey. 2. The Concept Design Team Is Returning The board voted to re-engage our Concept Design Team (formerly known as the Charette Team). Their role is incredibly important. As Beck Architecture begins imagining our future campus, they need guidance regarding the ministries and priorities that matter most to our church family. The team will take a fresh look at all of our current ministries, while also dreaming about future opportunities God may place before us. Most importantly, this will not be done in isolation. We will provide regular updates throughout the process, before and after meetings with Beck, so that you can share your thoughts and help shape the future home of Royse City Methodist Church. 3. Ministry Leadership Updates The board also approved a new job description for Pastor Jay Durton as he assumes leadership of our Youth Ministry, while also approving a revised job description for our Administrative Assistant position following Michelle's departure. These adjustments help ensure that our staff is prepared to meet the needs of our church today while positioning us for tomorrow. These are just a few of the highlights from our recent meeting, and I can tell you with confidence that there is much more to come. A Pastoral Word of Thanks I also want to simply say thank you. The past year and a half has not been easy. There have been questions, uncertainties, challenges, and moments when the road ahead seemed difficult to see. Yet every Sunday, as we worship, pray, laugh, serve, and fellowship together at Glenda Arnold ECLC, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for each and every one of you. Your faithfulness, generosity, and commitment to Christ continue to inspire me. Peter wrote: "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." 1 Peter 1:6 I know many of you are wondering what comes next. That's natural. We all want to see the finished product. We all want to arrive at the destination. But this week, during a conversation with a pastor friend, I received a simple encouragement that I want to pass along to all of you: YOU CAN DO THIS! We do not give up because we know that proclaiming Jesus Christ is still the most important work we can do, even in challenging seasons. IT WILL BE WORTH IT! When I think about our journey, I keep going back to the HEB example. Many of us remember when the Rockwall HEB was under construction. It was messy. It was inconvenient. It seemed to take forever. But last Friday, Richard Davis, our Food Pantry Coordinator, and another servant from Our Daily Bread invited me to visit that HEB to pick up food for families served by our food pantry. As I watched the operation behind the scenes and saw us receive more than 1,100 pounds of food to bless our neighbors, I was amazed. In that moment, I thought about all the inconvenience, all the waiting, and all the work it took to get there. And do you know what? It was worth it. Church family, I believe the same will be true for us. The waiting will be worth it. The work will be worth it. The prayers will be worth it. The faithfulness will be worth it. So let me say it one more time: YOU CAN DO THIS! IT WILL BE WORTH IT! As a reminder, the Leadership Board wants to hear from you. If you have questions, thoughts, or concerns, please use the question form that has been provided. You may submit your question with your name or anonymously.We have also placed baskets with note cards and pens at the welcome tables each Sunday morning for your convenience. Church family, I can feel the momentum building. God is moving, even when we cannot yet see the finished result. He has carried us this far, and He will continue to lead us every step of the way. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your pastor, your fellow traveler, and your friend. I am honored to walk this journey with you, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store. Be God’s, Pastor Chris

Christopher Everson

Sr. Pastor

August 13, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Upcoming Growth Opportunities
Over the next few weeks, we will highlight the growth opportunities available this fall. We will offer studies on Sunday mornings and evenings, as well as midweek events. My hope and prayer as your pastor is that everyone in our faith community finds a way to strengthen their Sunday morning experience by engaging in opportunities to serve and participate in a study, allowing them to be renewed and rooted in Christ. Here's a quick list of active studies this fall: - **Scripture Seekers** will be studying the Book of Romans. - The **W.E.L.L. Women’s Group** will continue to meet under the guidance of Wanda Pille and Cindy Daniel. **Parable Perspectives ** Pastor Dretha will lead a study on the parables of Jesus on Sunday nights. - **The Forge** will return this fall for a men's study. - Additionally, we will have Sunday morning and evening opportunities for our children and youth. I am particularly excited to share that I will be leading a study called **"Life With God."** This study will run for 12 weeks, starting on September 17, in my office. The Life with God Series is a real-life spiritual formation journey focusing on Scripture, audio teaching, conversations with God, and community experiences. The first year is called the Foundations Year, during which we will explore Genesis, emphasizing our relationships and dependence on God. The Life with God study provides a space to share your experiences in prayer and with other Christians. We will move beyond surface-level conversations into the vibrant, authentic relationship with God that you’ve been longing for. This isn’t just another program that adds more to your plate. It’s a proven approach that helps you and your community wrestle with genuine questions, discover practical wisdom, and build deep Christian relationships that sustain you in real life. To encourage meaningful discussion, this group will be limited to six participants. The workbook for this study costs $35.00, and you can sign up for the class using the link below. I have been searching for a study like "Life With God" for the past several years, and I know that if you are able to join me, you will be blessed by diving into the Genesis story and growing a deeper connection with Jesus and the body of Christ, rather than simply checking off a to-do list. If you desire to deepen your relationship with God, please reach out to me, and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the Life With God Study. Be God’s, Pastor Chris

Christopher Everson

Sr. Pastor

July 23, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Thank you Holden
Around January 2023, the Baugh family started attending our church in the sanctuary. Shortly after they joined, they jumped full force into our worship team for our 11 am service. Holden was a Freshman in High School, and he had a gifting for playing the drums. Timidly, he sat behind the drumset and became the weekly drummer for our praise team. A year later, after we started worshipping at Glenda Arnold, we needed a worship leader. Holden reached out to me and said he felt called to step into the role, and he has done so faithfully ever since.I am forever grateful for Holden’s saying yes and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in choosing our worship music. So many times, the song that follows the sermon fits perfectly, and I smile and thank God for those moments. I am forever grateful for Holden’s saying yes and for the Holy Spirit leading Holden in picking out our music for worship. So many times, the song that follows the sermon just fits perfectly, and I smile and thank God for those moments. It has been an honor to see Holden grow as a young man and as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Seeing him in his “cage” every Sunday. Laughing at a comedian using his hands to “play” Happy Birthday for him, and just his willingness to help out wherever he can will always bring a smile to my face as I remember his ministry with us. This Sunday, we are sad to see Holden step down from that position, but we are excited that he will be serving our country as a member of the United States Coast Guard. I hope you all will give Holden a hearty thank you and God bless him as he prepares for this next step in his journey as a (SR) Seaman Recruit and his 8-week basic training on his way to becoming a “Coastie.” I’ll share this on Sunday as we thank Holden for his service to our church, and the service he will join as he serves our country through the Coast Guard. From Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Holden, thank you for all the work you have done for Royse City Methodist Church, and may God bless you, and also hold your mom and dad, Patrick and Melissa, as you begin this next journey of your life. Semper Paratus, my friend. See you when you come back to visit! Be God’s Pastor Chris

Christopher Everson

Sr. Pastor

July 1, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Celebrating What God Is Doing—and Looking Ahead
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through 2026. These past six months have been filled with both blessings and challenges, and I’m grateful for how God continues to work through our church. Every Sunday, the gospel is faithfully proclaimed as we live out our mission: to glorify God and make disciples by serving together to be renewed and rooted in Christ. This summer, we saw that mission come alive through Vacation Bible School, our youth ministry, and the ongoing impact of Our Daily Bread, which serves more than 500 neighbors each month, and The Good Place, which reaches over 1,400 people each month with hope and practical support. I'm also excited to share that we are making meaningful progress toward a future church home. As our board chair, Pam Davis, shared on Sunday, we are in serious discussions about a promising property, and we are prayerfully hopeful that we will have encouraging news to share soon. While there is much to celebrate, we also need to be honest about our current financial reality. Although we have remained within budget this year, monthly giving has not kept pace with expenses, and we are currently operating at a deficit. Tracy and I have prayerfully committed to give an additional $500 each month above our tithe for the remainder of the year. We share this simply to lead by example and to invite you to prayerfully consider whether God is calling you to increase your own giving. Even a small, recurring gift can make a significant difference as we continue our ministry and prepare for the future God has before us. "Whoever sows generously will also reap generously." — 2 Corinthians 9:6 Your generosity helps us continue sharing the gospel, serving our community, and preparing for the future God is leading us toward. Give Online: Make a one-time or recurring gift through our website. Give on Sunday: Place your gift in the offering during any worship service. Mail a Check: Royse City Methodist Church, P.O. Box 327, Royse City, TX 75189. Recurring online giving is especially helpful, providing steady support for the ministries and mission of our church. Thank you for your faithful partnership in ministry. Thank you for your prayers, generosity, and partnership in ministry. Together, God is using Royse City Methodist Church to make an eternal difference, and I believe our best days are still ahead. With gratitude, Pastor Chris

Christopher Everson

Sr. Pastor

June 25, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Celebrating our Freedom in Christ
This Sunday, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country's founding. Because of that, I’ve been thinking about past “patriotic” celebrations that I’ve experienced in my 54 years. As Royse City commissioned RCISD students to paint the fire hydrants on Main Street, I remembered the Bicentennial celebration in 1976. I was just 5 years old, and we lived on Monroe Street in Hutchinson, Kansas. Mom, Dad, and our next-door neighbor bought red, white, and blue paint to paint the fire hydrant at the corner of our street. I also remember my Freshman year of High School traveling with the Hutchinson High School Mighty Salthawk band to Philadelphia to participate in the Festival of States upon the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. These memories bring back thoughts of joy and help me, as a follower of Jesus, to reflect on our freedoms. Our Scripture for Sunday is the scripture that is on our “Celebrate 250” shirts from Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” We have a lot to be thankful for; not only are we free to gather in a public venue to proclaim the love and grace of Jesus Christ, but we are free to live our lives in Christ each and every day we have breath If you bought a 250 Celebration shirt, I hope you will join me in wearing it for worship and the potluck following worship in Wesley Hall. If you didn’t get a shirt, please wear Red, White, and Blue. We will have a patriotic photo backdrop at Glenda Arnold, and it will be a great time to celebrate our freedom in Christ. See you on Sunday! Be God’s, Pastor Chris

Christopher Everson

Sr. Pastor

June 3, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Group Spiritual Direction with Pastor Chris
Church family, As you may know, I’ve been on a journey over the past year in Spiritual Direction through a program based at my alma mater, Friends University, in Wichita, Kansas. It’s been an eye-opening experience for me to walk with 4 different people through individual Spiritual Direction over the past year. I have one more requirement to complete before the program ends in August. It is called group spiritual direction. It is an opportunity for a group to gather and listen together for God’s voice speaking into each person’s life. (Sounds scary, I know, but I promise it isn’t.) God desires to speak into our lives, guiding us toward greater love and healing. A group spiritual direction process invites people to prayerfully walk alongside someone, listening deeply, and reflecting back what they feel led to share. The emphasis is always on the sharer’s interaction with God, rather than their interaction with the listener. What i need from my church family :). I need 4 different groups of 3-5 people to help with this process. I’ll be offering Group Direction twice in the evenings on Tuesday, June 16 and June 30 at 7:00 pm. And on Monday, June 22 and July 6 at 10 am. Please sign up on our website, and I look forward to journeying with you in this new adventure!

Christopher Everson

Sr. Pastor