Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, December 5, 2021
I was the pastor. No one ever gave me a job description. Preparation for being a pastor includes a lot of on-the-job training.
It was my first Christmas Eve as their pastor. The local tradition was to serve drop-in communion. However, no one told me that my responsibility was to get the flatbread and Welch’s grape juice.
It was fifteen minutes before I was supposed to have the church open for anyone that would like to come in and have prayer and receive communion. No bread. No, Welch’s grape juice.
It was Banks County, Georgia. No grocery store less than ten minutes away. If there were, it wouldn’t be open. Did I mention it was Christmas Eve?
I jumped in my Green Mitsubishi Eclipse and sped to the gas station. I walked the aisle and found a loaf of white Wonder Bread and grape Gatorade.
On my first Christmas Eve as their pastor, I served Wonder Bread and Gatorade for communion.
(Check out this coming Wednesday’s post for part two)
Let Me In
Summary and Questions
God shows up where people need God the most.
May we all be foolish enough to believe that love, not power, will save our world.
Where in our world do we need God to show up?
Weekly Prayer
God our Father, in this season, when we think about holiday travel, Isaiah, the prophet, invites us to come to the mountain of the Lord where we are taught to walk in the way of peace.
In this season where we fill our calendars full of parties and appointments, the songs of the season remind us to be still and listen and anticipate the coming of the Lord.
In this Advent season, turn our hearts to the Prince of Peace.
Favorite Holiday Recipes
Submitted by Michelle Alexander
If it has the word “Darn” in it, it has to be good!
Darn Good Stew
Barbara Alexander
Ingredients:
2 pounds lean chuck (cubed) or stew meat
2 one pound cans tomatoes plus liquid
1 15 once can tomato sauce
1 small onion sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup celery, cut up
6 carrots, cut up
3 large potatoes, diced
1 8 ounce can mushrooms plus liquid
1/2 to 3/4 cup dry red wine
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 tsp salt
Pepper to taste
Cut up celery and carrots into pieces 1/2 to 1 inch. Dice potatoes to slightly smaller pieces. Combine all ingredients except mushrooms in a large oven-proof pot. (4 1/2 quarts or larger). Do not brown meat first. Stir well. Cover and place in 250 degree oven for 5 1/2 or 6 hours. Vegetables should be tender but not mushy. Add mushrooms 20 minutes before finished. You may also put all in a crock pot and let it cook for approx. 4 hours.
Serves around 8 people.
Need some Christmas Gift Ideas? What about………..
Everyone needs a banana phone. Imagine how cool you would look walking around talking into a banana! Product warning: Do not use it at the monkey exhibit at the Atlanta Zoo. The monkeys may think you are odd.
Click here to order: Bluetooth Banana Phone
Or
When Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk calls you to go with them, you can be prepared to visit the moon with your very own Astronaut Freeze Dried Ice Cream!
Click Here to order!
If you are looking for a meaningful gift this Christmas season, check out the Christmas Eve Offering at Gainesville First UMC.
Go to gfumc.com/give to support this wonderful ministry.
Dad Jokes
How does a sheep say Merry Christmas? Fleece Navidad!
What do you call a snowman with a six-pack? An abdominal snowman.
Photo of the Week (photos taken by me)
Favorite Meme of the Week
Favorite Video
Christmas According to Kids!
Are you looking for something to do?
Check out the Christmas lights at Ashebrooke Night of Lights (Click link for more info)
If you have enjoyed this newsletter, I want to encourage you to like, comment and share it. I will also be publishing a Christmas story and more recipes on Wednesday of each week.