Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, January 8, 2023
There is an old story in the bible about a man named Noah, who God told to build an Ark.
Imagine being Noah and peeking over the deck of the ark, and all you see is water. Not sure when the water will recede or when he will be to walk off the boat.
I fill like we are standing where Noah stood. We are peering out into the future, and all we see is a lot of uncertainty.
How do we walk into 2023 in the face of uncertainty?
First, Have clarity of your vocation. You can be unclear about the future and still have clarity about who you are and what you are called to do.
Secondly, Look beyond the present. The impact you are making stretches beyond this moment.
Thirdly, be a voice for hope. In a world where uncertainty breeds despair, be the one who carries hope.
Don’t let an uncertain future narrow your focus and limit your potential.
Jamey
(Pre-recorded online worship from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekly Prayer
Lord, we thank you for our place in the community of faith, the thrill of sharing in the work of redemption, and the adventure of life together. Now make us one in Christ, one with you, and one with our brothers and sisters. Stir our hearts with your Holy Spirit and guide us toward the unity you desire in your church. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
How does Darth Vader like his toast? On the dark side.
How do you make a Kleenex dance? Put a little boogie in it!
I Have Been Thinking……………
From what I read online, being a Christian nowadays requires letting everyone know what you are against and using your faith as a weapon. Fear-mongering is the hand that everyone is playing when it comes to letting people know what you believe. Create enough division and a “us versus them” theology, and you can gain a following.
There has to be a better way.
The Apostle Paul begins Galatians 5 by saying, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5: 1). He then later says that we were indeed called to freedom but “do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5: 13).
The entire law is summed up in “love of neighbor.” And then he says, “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other” (Galatians 5: 15).
If we continue to be defined by who we are against and use our faith as a weapon, it won’t be long until we are indeed destroyed by one another.
I refuse to accept that as the way of Christ.
The fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5: 22).
If my faith is not producing the character of fruit described in Galatians, then I am probably doing it wrong.
Jamey
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Book I am Reading This Week
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.
I was thinking the other day……………
What options could there be other than an ice cream truck riding through the neighborhood?
Taco truck
Fresh produce truck
Snowball fight truck (in the winter)
Water gun and water balloon truck (in the summer)
Dance music truck (everyone has a dance party)
Balloons and Flowers (Balloons make me happy)
Donut truck
Waffle truck (comes by in the morning)
Drive-by Confession Booth (I am not Catholic, but this would be cool)
Date night truck (couples could invite others and have a date night in the driveway. Wait, this sounded weird. I mean, instead of going out a truck with fine dining, tables, candles, etc. - never mind, this is a bad idea!)
What other options do you think?
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Gainesville, Georgia
Wednesdays, January 11 - February 15 / 6-7 pm / Reception Hall
On Wednesdays, Jan. 11 - Feb. 15, from 6-7 pm, several experts in their fields will share insights for parents of children of elementary age and younger. Each week will feature a different speaker. Your children ages three and up can join in Bridges, our Wednesday night children’s ministry activities, and we’ll provide childcare for your children ages two and younger.
Our speakers include Jordan Benfield & Bria Keller (physical & occupational therapists), Sharon Brewer & Mary Meyer (Wellroot Family Services), Megan Vorees (Turning Points Counseling), Lt. Brett Roach (Hall County Sheriff's Office), Abby Boerner (counselor), Chris & Jenny Burns (ordained ministers).
Topics will include:
Recognizing Developmental Stages
Mental Wellness Skills
Teaching Body Safety & Boundaries to Children
Social Media Safety
Managing Anxiety
Building Faith as a Family
There will be time for Q & A in each session, and you'll have a chance to hear from other parents about what has worked for them.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
GFUMC will host Family Promise January 9-13 at the Homestead. We ask that you pray for these families as we provide meals, fellowship, and build bridges to Jesus.
If you would like to help during our host week, we can use a welcome bag for each family and donations of gift cards to Walmart, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas cards. GFUMC also provides dinners on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of the week we host, and we always need volunteers to prepare and serve dinner, provide games or crafts for the families, and fellowship with them during the dinner hour. If you have any questions or are interested in serving, please get in touch with Susan Wright at susanwright58@gmail.com. Gift cards can be dropped off at the church office.
We are thankful for Family Promise and the support they provide for our community. GFUMC is blessed to be a part of this amazing ministry.
Thank you for your support,
Susan Wright