✝️ ABBOTT METHODIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER
August 2026 Edition • Abbott, Texas
“A small church with a big heart.”
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
— Psalm 118:24
🏛️ Celebrating 20 Years of Faithfulness
On July 5, 2026, Abbott Methodist Church marked twenty years of worship, fellowship, and God’s steady hand over our little white church on the hill. What began in 2006 as a congregation fighting to stay alive has become a testimony of how God steps in when a community refuses to give up.
In 2006, Abbott Methodist Church was scheduled to be closed and sold. Membership had dwindled, and the conference had already made its decision. But God moved through two people who never forgot their hometown church. Willie and Bobbie Nelson purchased the building, preserving it as a place of worship and giving Abbott a chance to keep its doors open. Willie told Don Reed, “I bought that church, and I’m depending on you to take care of it.” That moment changed everything.
Because of their generosity — and the faithfulness of the people who stepped forward — Abbott Methodist Church remained open, active, and ready for the next generation of believers. This anniversary is more than a date. It is a reminder of every prayer prayed, every hymn sung, and every Sunday morning where God proved Himself faithful.
Sunday Service & Fellowship Recap
Following worship, the congregation gathered at Still Smokin for a simple, heartfelt BBQ lunch. Stories were shared, memories were revisited, and gratitude filled the room. It was the kind of celebration that fits Abbott Methodist perfectly — honest, warm, and centered on God’s goodness.
Our July 5th worship service was touched by God from the moment the first hymn began. The sanctuary was blessed, the spirit was strong, and the message, “The Best Circles,” reminded us that God’s intervention often comes through faithful people and quiet decisions. It was a Sunday that honored our past, celebrated our present, and pointed us toward the future God is shaping for us.
📹 Special Announcement: 30-Day Video Devotional
Starting August 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
We are excited to roll out a 30-day video devotional series featuring all of our pastors! Each day will offer a short, uplifting message designed to encourage you, strengthen your walk with God, and bring a little light into your morning. We pray this new ministry brings you peace and reflection as you move through your day.
📅 Upcoming Services — August 2026
Join us this month as we continue our summer worship schedule with guest pastors and outdoor step services!
August 2 — Pastor Jimmy Pressly
Pastor Pressly returns to lead worship and bring the morning message.
August 9 — CFTS with Pastor Stephen L. Girsh, Sr.
A relaxed Church From The Steps service that is on-line and welcome to everyone
August 16 — Pastor Ron Oden
Pastor Oden joins us again to share the Word and lead the congregation in worship.
August 23 — CFTS with Pastor Stephen L. Girsh, Sr.
Church From The Steps - On The Road takes us to interested churches and places to see.
August 30 — CFTS with Pastor Stephen L. Girsh, Sr.
Closing out the month with a final summer CFTS Sunday.
✍️ A Note from the Pastor
As we celebrate twenty years of Abbott Methodist Church, I’ve found myself looking back over the road that brought us here. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to be part of this church family for more than two decades. I never imagined I would one day serve as one of its pastors, yet God has a way of leading us into places we never expected.
Being in this role has reminded me of something simple but powerful: God truly has His hand on each of us. He guides us, shapes us, and nudges us forward even when we are convinced that certain things “just aren’t going to happen.” I was insistent for years that pastoring wasn’t in my future — but God had a different plan, and He revealed it in His own time.
Standing here today, serving Abbott Methodist Church, I see clearly that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways when they’re willing to follow His direction. This church has been a blessing to me, and I am grateful for every Sunday, every service, and every moment we’ve shared together.
May we continue to trust His leading as He writes the next chapter of our story.
🙏 Prayer Concerns
Please keep the following individuals, families, and community members in your prayers this month:
• Brenda Girsh• Jo Mauppin• Joyce Reed• Dee Gauldling• Lennon Wilkerson• Michelle Kavanaugh• Susan Collins• Colter Clements• Mark Collins• Ray & Mary Thomas• Larry & Mirian Phillips• Abbott Methodist Church• Earnestine Baughman• Our Military, First Responders & Country
May God’s comfort, strength, and healing be present in every need lifted up by our congregation.
🚪 Community Invitation
Abbott Methodist Church continues to open its doors — and its front steps — to our community each week. Whether you’ve been part of this church for years or you’re just looking for a place to feel at home, we invite you to join us for worship, fellowship, and the steady presence of God’s people.
Our CFTS (Church From The Steps) services offer a relaxed, on-line style of worship: simple, sincere, and welcoming to all.
Families, neighbors, visitors, and anyone passing through town are encouraged to stop by. Come as you are, bring a friend, and let Abbott Methodist Church be a place where you can breathe, pray, and feel the presence of God.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Abbott Methodist Church • Abbott, Texas • “A small church with a big heart.”