Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, July 3, 2022
It is the time of year when we throw hamburgers on the grill, make homemade ice cream, and take boat rides on Lake Lanier. As the fireworks paint red, white, and blue in the sky, may we take a moment to reflect on freedom, sacrifice, and the pursuit of happiness.
I hope we will also reflect on our common good and consider the mandate to love our neighbors. I would like to reintroduce friendliness and common courtesy into our public life.
Friends, what would happen if we approach seeing what unites us in our communities more than our division? What if we got back to being with one another in the community and not against one another?
It sounds like the land of the free and the home of the brave to me. It sounds like what it means to be an American.
Jamey
Prayer of the Week
Gracious Eternal God, we give you thanks for liberty and justice. We give you thanks for all that is not yet, and pray for the day when all the people of this land can live in liberty and justice.
In our celebrations this weekend, keep us humble and aware that the price of freedom has been high and for many yet to be fully experienced.
Grant us the wisdom and strength to carry with us the will to make a difference, as you have made a difference in us.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Prince of Peace and reconciler of all that is divided in our world. Amen.
Sermon Notes:
Healing comes not from power but our humility.
There are two kinds of people: balcony people or basement people. Basement people are people who try to bring us down with them. Balcony people are the people who pull us up.
Who are the balcony people in your life?
Together, What If would not be possible without the financial support of those who watch it. If you would like to support this online experience, please go to gfumc.com/give. Thank you for your support.
Happening Around North Georgia
Dahlonega will host a day-long celebration on July 4. The event begins at 8 a.m. with the Firecracker 5K, followed by a parade at 11 a.m. There will be food and shopping on the square throughout the day and two free concerts at 2 and 4:30 p.m. At dusk, fireworks will be launched from the University of North Georgia campus.
Helen will host it’s annual Fourth of July Celebration and fireworks on July 4. The fireworks will be held at dusk (between 9 and 9:30 p.m.) behind the Alpine Village Shoppes and Helen Welcome Center on Brucken Strasse but can be seen from almost any location in downtown Helen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
Where do sheep go on vacation? To the baa-hamas!
What do you get when you combine an elephant with a fish? Swimming trunks!
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Book I Am Reading this Week
Paul: A Biography by N.T. Wright
We are collecting school supplies during the month of July for over 100 children in Hall County.
It is so easy! Click on this link and order the items from Amazon and have them shipped to Gainesville First United Methodist Church.
Amazon Link: Click Here
Address to Gainesville First United Methodist Church: 2780 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville, Georgia 30506
Question Reflection (and yes, I actually think about these things)
What habits do you want your future self to have?
Weekly Blessing
May you walk into this week with a fresh vision to lift up and not tear down, serve others instead of looking to be served, and doing all things for the beauty and wonder of God.