Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, July 31, 2022
They have a saying in Maine, “you can’t get there from here.” I believe this saying could also be an accurate statement of some roads in the town where I live.
Sometimes we are faced with problems so significant that the solution seems to be out of reach. As a result, we find ourselves at times in what appear to be dead-end situations.
We look for answers to the problems and throw our arms up, saying, “You can’t get there from here.”
We may not be able to get anywhere, but we can get somewhere. The situation may not be fixed overnight, but it doesn’t mean we are hopeless.
As you approach what appears to be an impossible obstacle, ask yourself, “What is one small step I can take today?” And then, do the same again tomorrow, for every solution starts with one step.
Mountains are moved with tiny shovels.
Jamey
Prayer for the week
As we move through our week, show us ways we can live where your kingdom comes on earth as it does in heaven.
Forgive us for being short-sighted, narrow-minded, and easily distracted. Open us to the expanse of your infinite goodness. Teach us your ways.
Demonstrate your mercy to those suffering—revealing your presence to those who mourn. Offer a healing touch to those in pain.
In a world crowded with dark shadows, show us how we can be a light to others. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. 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
What do cows do on a Friday night? They go to the mooooooviees!!
What did the mama cow say to the baby cow? It’s pasture bedtime!
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
Podcast: The Possum Experiment
Youtube: Becoming An Adult With A Deep Life Structure | Deep Questions With Cal Newport
What would Christianity be like if Mary Magdalene hadn't been hidden from view?
Broken and distrusting: why Americans are pulling away from the daily news
Bear seen wandering around downtown Gainesville
Making A Difference
We need milk jugs! Lots of milk jugs………….
In preparation for the Green Street Christmas Parade. If you can help, please drop them off at Gainesville First UMC front desk.
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
A BLESSING FOR WHEN YOU’RE RUNNING ON FUMES by Kate Bowler
Sometimes I am paper
thinning at every touch.
Responsibilities and duties and errands
are wearing me down.
There is not enough time or energy
or finances or imagination.
I hardly recognize myself.
I can’t keep going, but I can’t rest.
God, can You help me slow down?
I just need a little shelter and a long breath.
Give me space to curl up for a while.
Hold me until I can feel my shoulders drop,
and I am freed from what can’t happen right now.
Let me think only about what is gentle and lovely,
what is bountiful and unencumbered on this too-heavy day.
God, scoop me up into life as it is.
Stop me from running ahead,
so I can be here,
in this space,
for the moment.
And breathe.
Amen.