Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, February 19, 2023
Transfiguration Sunday
My job as a preacher is to interpret the biblical text for you. Is it a sermon if it doesn't give us something practical?
But some messages have to be left in mystery. For example, the story of Jesus being transfigured on the mountain in front of Peter, James, and John is a mystery-filled text. Jesus is radiating light. His clothes are dazzling white. His face was like a flame. Light is pulsing all around.
As followers of Jesus, we can't be afraid of mystery. We can't hide from it or try to rationalize it. Instead, we have to acknowledge that it exists.
I sat in the corner of a dying man's room while, one by one, he invited his grandchildren and children to come in and gave them a blessing. Then, after they all had been by his side, he closed his eyes and died. I can't explain it. But it was holy ground.
I can't explain the feeling when my newborn was placed in my arms for the first time. But something happened inside me. I was changed. It was holy.
I minded my own business in a small United Methodist Church when I heard the voice of God call me into ministry. Something happened. I was up from my seat, kneeling at an altar, arguing with God that he had the wrong person. There are many people in the world named "Jamey" God wasn't surely calling this one. But when I stood up. I knew. Please don't ask me how I knew. I just knew. It was holy.
Peter and John, and James are scared of the light. The light is overwhelming. But now Jesus stands before them and tells them not to fear. Don't fear the light. Embrace the mystery. It will sustain them as they begin the death march toward Jerusalem.
As they come down the mountain and as we finish out the season of Epiphany, we begin to lean into Lent. We come off this mountaintop experience holding our sandals in our hands as we prepare for the long journey toward the cross. Lent begins this Wednesday with Ash Wednesday. We will be reminded that we are dust. We will be challenged to confess our brokenness and ask God's forgiveness.
But today, we say "Wow" while on the mountain.
Jamey
Transfiguration Sunday
Rev. Carolyn Clifton
(Pre-recorded online worship from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia)
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What kind of jewelry do rabbits wear? 14 carrot gold.
Why are fish so smart? Because they swim in schools.
Top Ten (This is a little brain exercise I do - since I don’t do Wordle). I have a notebook where I make a list of ten things that serve as sort of a brain dump for me. It is random but fun. I plan on sharing it with you in 2023.
If I opened an ice cream shop, I would call it “Sweet and Salty.” It would include:
Different flavor ice creams or yogurt
Variety of toppings
Pretzels
A “Sweet” section where people who were dating would sit
A “salty” section where people working through problems could gather and solve all their relationship problems around a bowl of ice cream with sprinkles on top.
Once-a-month Comedy Night
Once-a-month relationship lessons/talk
Once-a-month mid-day children's storybook reading
Hot Chocolate and a variety of toppings in winter
A contest where someone gets to make up a new flavor, and he/she invites family and friends to come out, and the night is dedicated to them.
What would you do if you owned an ice cream shop?
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Georgia
Wednesday, February 22 / 12pm Chapel & 6pm Sanctuary & livestreaming
Join us on Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of this Lenten journey through scripture, prayer, and song. You will have an opportunity to receive the imposition of ashes as a reminder of our mortality and the hope for new life.
Marked by the ashes of repentance, we start Lent with a renewed focus on Jesus and on being intentional about faithfully living as Christ would have us live.
Ash Wednesday service times:
12pm in the Chapel
6pm in the Sanctuary & livestreaming
Wednesday, February 22 / 12-1 pm / Gainesville Square Green Space
Receive the image of the cross on your forehead as a reminder of the hope of new life in Christ. Ashes to Go is brought to you by the Gainesville area United Methodist Churches.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Easter is an exciting time as we celebrate that Christ has Risen! Children start the day full of joy as they receive their Easter baskets and go on egg hunts. For children in foster care and children of families experiencing difficulties, the holidays can be a tough time. Help give children a chance of normalcy and experience the joy of waking up to a personalized Easter basket. GFUMC is committed to providing 20 baskets for children in foster care.
What goes into an Easter Basket? Each basket contains:
1 new clothing item or shoes
1 new toy or activity
1 faith/devotional book
1 Easter egg dye kit
1 small chocolate bunny
The basket is wrapped in clear cellophane & tied with a ribbon or bow. You will receive the children’s names, ages, clothing sizes, and interests in late February. Schedule a time to drop off the basket at Gainesville First UMC (needed by March 20th)
If you can do a basket, please email Misty Leach at mleach@gfumc.com and let her know how many.
During Lent, I will email on Sunday, Monday (prayer and scripture), and Wednesday (worship video and devotion).
If you enjoy this newsletter, please consider sharing it with others. It will help me tremendously in getting the word out.