Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, January 21, 2024
In the Bible, there is a story of a leper coming to Jesus begging to be healed. One of the exciting parts of the story is how the leper approached Jesus. He tells Jesus, "If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean." Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," he said. "Be healed!" And instantly, the leprosy disappeared.
Not only does this story talk about the love of God being extended to those whom the world considered untouchable, but it is also about how Jesus chose to contribute to this man's wholeness at that moment.
As followers of Jesus, we choose how to respond to those around us. We decide to be beacons of light in a dark world and bring love and hope in a world filled with hate and hopelessness.
Being Christian is an intentional choice of contributing to the wholeness and healing of those around us. What are your choices demonstrating?
Jamey
(Music performed by the Modern Worship Team of Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekly Prayer
Lord Jesus, Guide us to be followers who respond with compassion and kindness, mirroring Your love in our actions and decisions. May our choices always reflect our commitment to being beacons of light, bringing hope and healing to those around us. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together!
What do you call a belt made of watches? A waist of time!
Wisdom Nugget: With sharp things, always cut away from yourself (and this is not just about knives)
A Question to Consider: When making a decision, ask yourself, “What would my ten-year future self think?”
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am Reading
Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Videos I Found Interesting:
Nick Saban Nuggets - Illusion of Choice, It Takes What It Takes, Younger Generation
Podcast Worth Listening to:
The Principle of Strategic Presence - Andy Stanley
Found Interesting on Social Media
Articles that caught my eye:
LAMENTATION: Complaining to God
WHY EVERYTHING IS GETTING LOUDER
Train Yourself to Always Show Up
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
February 18 - March 22 / varied times
The season of Lent invites us to focus on a spiritual discipline as we turn our hearts towards God and prepare to celebrate Easter. This class will offer the opportunity to learn the labyrinth's history and the contemplative practice of walking meditation. Each class will include a discussion and the opportunity to walk a 7-circuit indoor labyrinth. It will meet in the Adult Lobby for five weeks, from February 18 to March 21. Class size is limited, and registration is required. Register below!
You can choose from one of these options:
Sunday, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Monday, 10 am - 11 am
Wednesday, 6 pm - 7 pm
Thursday, 3 pm - 4 pm
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
Do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today. (Based on Matthew 6:31-34)