Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, July 24, 2022
In his book First Things First, Stephen Covey teaches the importance of priority living through a visual illustration of putting big rocks in a jar first.
Jesus says such when he says, “Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” So in a sense, what he is saying is, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now.”
Giving focused attention can be difficult when our mind is preoccupied with worry. Worry distracts us from the moment. Worry robs us of time. Worrying about tomorrow leaves unfilled the tasks of today.
The key to living a life beyond worry and staying focused on the important is trusting God with our future. Faith sees potential in every moment because God is in control. So what do you need to trust God with today?
Jamey
Prayer of the Week
Gracious God,
If we are honest, we realize that the valley of the shadow of death awaits each of us. Yet, we let it drive our decisions. It makes us anxious. It forces us to treat people as objects instead of human beings created in your image.
The valley is a place we know. May it be a place that we don’t let consume us. Set us firmly on the mountain of faith. Give us the confidence to walk through the valley.
For those walking through the valley of the shadow of death today, we pray for mercy. Surround them with kind souls who will walk with them.
As our society walks through the valley filled with injustice and hate, give us a heart filled with compassion and goodness.
May your grace give us the courage to fear no evil. And may we live it out by offering light to those wandering in the darkness of fear, anger, loss, and loneliness. Amen.
Together, What If
Pre-recorded online worship from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia
Happening Around North Georgia
Mark your calendar: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2022 AT 5:30
2022 Dragon Boat Festival @ Lake Lanier Olympic Park
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
How do you tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? You will see one later and one in a while.
A pirate walks into a bar with a paper towel on his head. The bartender says, “What’s with the paper towel?” The pirate says, “Arrr! I’ve got a Bounty on me head!”
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Book I am Reading This Week
An Anomalous Jew: Paul among Jews, Greeks, and Romans by Michael Bird
INTERESTING ARTICLES, PODCASTS, OR VIDEOS FROM THE WEEK
7 Mentally Tough People on the Tactics They Use to Build Resilience
Text Your Friends. It Matters More Than You Think.
As politics poison churches, a nonprofit is teaching a new skill: Deep listening
How Can We Stay Compassionate?
Podcast Episode: Separating Yourself from the Pack
Video: Kara Lawson (Duke Girl's Basketball Coach): Handle Hard Better
Making A Difference
A party with a purpose to benefit Gateway Domestic Violence Center!
Family Splash Bash
Friday, August 12, 2022 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Frances Meadows Aquatic Center
1545 Community Way, Gainesville, GA 30501
Tickets are $100 per family and and include admission to the splash zone (which is closed to the public during the event) plus a snack dinner for the entire family. Sponsorships are $250 and include event admission for your family. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Question Reflection (and yes, I actually think about these things)
How long should a sermon be? I normally preach 18 - 20 minutes. What do you think? Longer? Shorter? There is a debate going on among pastors online about the length of sermons.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Join us for a special Back to School Blessing on August 7 in all worship services. We will pray over all students, school staff, and parents on this day for the upcoming school year. Every student is encouraged to bring their bookbag and lay it on the altar before worship. A special gift will be given to each student and parent, so this is a day you don't want to miss!
www.gfumc.com for more info.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
Music teacher and conductor Nadia Boulanger, who trained many of the leading composers and musicians of the 20th century, on focus:
"Anyone who acts without paying attention to what he/she is doing is wasting his/her life. I'd go so far as to say life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece."
Nadia Boulanger—one of my sisters studied piano for 2 summers in France under her.