Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, February 19, 2022
Recently, someone showed me a scene on one of the stained glass windows in Gainesville First United Methodist Church chapel that I had not seen before.
A sheep is holding a snarky grin while sticking his tongue out. It appears out of place. The windows are from the sanctuary off of Green Street, occupied in 1907.
So, The artist had to be intentional in making the sheepish grin.
So now, when the sun hits just right, I will look over during a sermon and see the sheep sticking its tongue out at me. Talk about keeping you humble!
It has been said that humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.
A humble person is willing to admit his mistakes. She is able to laugh at herself. He delights in the success of others. And she doesn’t try to be something she is not.
We could all use a sheep sticking its tongue out at us when tempted to be filled with pride. It is good to stay humble.
Jamey
How Can I Speak the Truth in Love?
A Family that Talks to One Another
Colossians 3: 12 - 14; Ephesians 4: 25 - 5:1
Speaking is not true if it does not also build up.
Some guiding questions:
What do I want from this relationship?
Are my words helping me get what I want from this relationship?
What can I say that gives grace to those who hear?
“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” - Ephesians 4:29
Weekly Prayer
Gracious God, your love pursues us, and your grace is ever-present. And yet, we do well to arrange our lives in a way that ignores your demands on us. We keep you at a distance in the name of busyness and consumption.
We have not prioritized loving you, and we have refused to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Forgive us, O Lord. Empower us to do better, make you a priority, and live out your love for us by loving others. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Joke
Why is it a bad idea to iron your four-leaf clover? Cause you shouldn't press your luck.
What concert costs just 45 cents? 50 Cent featuring Nickelback!
I have been thinking………..
Pear Salad. Who thought it was a good idea to place a canned pear on top of lettuce, dab a spoonful of Duke’s mayonnaise on it, and sprinkle it with shredded cheese? And don’t forget the cherry.
None of it makes sense.
Do you know what else doesn’t make sense? People are giving up wisdom and compassion for the sake of being right. Unfortunately, in our polarized world, most people are not seeking truth. Instead, they are simply living out the particular opinions of their specific tribe.
Someone has told them that a pear slathered in mayo and topped with a cherry is delicious, and they are going to force it down, although even while eating it, they know it doesn’t make sense.
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Descendants of Forsyth County’s racial cleansing in 1912 tell their stories: https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/history/descendants-of-forsyth-countys-racial-cleansing-in-1912-tell-their-stories/
It’s Easy to Put ‘Jesus’ on Your Bus. Practicing Faith Is Harder: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/19/opinion/kandiss-taylor-jesus.html
The Seven Habits That Lead to Happiness in Old Age: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/02/happiness-age-investment/622818/
America's fastest-growing sport is a cross of tennis, pingpong and badminton: https://www.npr.org/2022/02/19/1081257674/americas-fastest-growing-sport-pickleball
For years, a Catholic priest used one wrong word during baptisms. The church now says the rituals were invalid: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/02/15/catholic-priest-wrong-word-baptisms-invalid/
Pastors' Credibility Is in Question—Even Among Pastors: https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-trustworthy-reliable/
Dua Lipa and Stephen Colbert’s Conversation About the Intersection of Faith and Comedy is a Must-Watch: https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/tv/dua-lipa-and-stephen-colberts-conversation-about-the-intersection-of-faith-and-comedy-is-a-must-watch/
Looking for an opportunity to serve? Have a favorite crockpot soup recipe?
Thursday, March 10: Enota Elementary
Thursday, March 24: Riverbend Elementary
Thursday, April 21: Centennial Elementary
We will be serving the faculty, staff, and teachers at these schools.
We are planning to serve soup and sides along with dessert. If you can help in providing soup and sides or if you are available to serve, please contact Misty Leach at mleach@gfumc.com
Thank you for participating in this ministry as we support our local schools.
Question Reflection
What is your idea of a great day?
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