Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, April 21, 2024
Joseph is Jacob's favorite. Joseph has been given special attention. In the Biblical story, he is sent by his father to check on his brothers, who are in the wilderness taking care of the sheep.
Joseph set out into the wilderness confident about the future, only for his hopes to be shattered. He is thrown in a hole and left to die by his brothers.
How many of us have had other people's actions left us wondering why God would allow it to happen?
It is tempting for me to identify with Joseph and not his brothers. And yet, have I ever been the cause of anybody else's wilderness? Through my selfish and thoughtless actions, have I left anyone feeling alone? Jesus tells us that if we have wronged someone, we should try to reconcile with that person.
So, who needs to hear from you today?
Jamey
Last Week’s Worship Service at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia
Click Here to Watch Modern Service: Love Our City By Serving With Humility
Click Here to Watch Classic Service: Love Our City by Serving with Humility
Interested in watching this week’s Service? Click Here
Weekly Prayer
Lord, Prompt us to reach out, to mend what has been broken, and to speak to those who need to hear from us. May our actions reflect Your love and mercy and lead us back to paths of kindness and peace. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: Before you judge the actions of others, consider when you might have been the cause of someone else's struggle. Reach out, reconcile, and rebuild—it's never too late to turn a new page.
A Question to Consider: Identify a personal challenge that, although difficult, ultimately contributed to your growth. How did you navigate through this experience?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
My friend lost his car. His name is Carlos!
My wife told our son not to play with electricity. Now he’s grounded!
Photo Taken By Me
Can anyone guess where this church is located?
Book I read this week
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport
My review: One of the core arguments of "Slow Productivity" is that true accomplishment does not come from doing more things at a breakneck pace but from doing the right things with intention and focus. The book provides practical strategies for reevaluating one’s relationship with work, setting meaningful goals, and cultivating a purpose beyond the to-do list. It emphasizes the importance of rest, reflection, and connection with others as foundational elements of a productive life.
Videos I Found Interesting:
The True Story Behind LEADERS EAT LAST
Found Interesting on Social Media
Articles that caught my eye:
Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds
State of the BIBLE Research from American Bible Society
‘It’s a weird dynamic’: the US parents financially supporting their adult children
The Mental-Health Benefits Linked to Going to Church
6 alternatives to saying 'let me know if you need anything' to someone in crisis
Podcast Worth Listening to:
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Click Here to Sign-up to Serve
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Sunday, May 5 / 11am / Lakeside
We are celebrating Confirmation Sunday and the beginning of Lakeside season by having one worship service at 11am at Lakeside on Sunday, May 5. Everyone is invited to stay and enjoy a free taco lunch under the big tent after worship!
PS—Lakeside Worship will return to its regular Sunday time of 8:30 a.m. on May 12 and throughout the season.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
May you be guided by compassion, forgiveness, and the courage to reconcile when needed.