Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, June 25, 2023
The value of freedom lies in its ability to empower individuals, promote progress, and safeguard human rights and dignity. It is a deeply cherished ideal that contributes to the development of individuals and societies as a whole.
Freedom serves as a check against authoritarianism, discrimination, and oppression, safeguarding human dignity and promoting a fair and inclusive society.
And yet, balancing individual freedoms with the needs of society can be a complex task.
The Apostle Paul cautions against using freedom as an opportunity for selfishness or indulging in sinful behaviors. In his letter to the Corinthians, he addresses the issue of meat sacrificed to idols. Some believers exercised their freedom to eat such meat, while others found it spiritually problematic. Paul advises in 1 Corinthians 8:9, "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak."
He encourages believers to consider their actions' impact on others and prioritize love and unity within the Christian community.
While freedom grants us the ability to make choices and pursue our interests, it's crucial to exercise it in a way that considers the well-being of others.
Jamey
(Together, What If is a conversation between Michelle Alexander, Ginnie Highsmith, and Jamey Prickett from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia)
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Scripture References: Galatians 5:1, John 8:32, 2 Corinthians 3:17, 1 Peter 2:16
The vision: Together, what if we strived to express our freedom in such a way that considered the well-being of all people and takes seriously the love of my neighbor?
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
Why did the pony ask for a glass of water? Because it was a little horse.
What do cake and baseball have in common? They both need a batter.
Wisdom Nugget: Pay attention to what you pay attention to
A Question to Consider (conversation starters): Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?
Photo Taken By Me
Articles worth reading, videos worth watching, and/or podcasts worth listening to
One Man’s Mission to Make Running Everyone’s Sport
Leadership Lesson
In an episode of Ted Lasso, Ted is fearful that his ex-wife's boyfriend is taking her to Paris, France, to propose under the Eiffel Tower. His friend gives Ted some advice. He says, "Find out before you flip out!"
It is easy to decide about a particular person or situation before we have all the information. To help avoid jumping to conclusions, here are some strategies you can follow:
Recognizing that you have a tendency to jump to conclusions is the first step.
Before forming a conclusion, gather as much relevant information as possible.
When engaging in conversations or discussions, focus on truly understanding the other person's point of view.
Instead of immediately forming an opinion, try to suspend judgment until you have sufficient evidence or a broader perspective.
Challenge your initial assumptions by actively seeking alternative explanations or hypotheses.
Accept that sometimes there isn't enough information to form a definitive conclusion.
Refrain from making sweeping generalizations based on limited experiences or a single incident.
Be aware of your own biases and preconceived notions.
After making a conclusion, regularly reflect on your decision-making process. Consider whether you rushed to judgment, if you had all the necessary information, and whether your conclusion was fair and accurate.
And remember, find out before you flip out!
What’s Cookin’?
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
A lot can come of a few extra meals. For our foster families, having a prepared meal delivered means less stress and more focus on a child in need.
On Thursday, July 27, the Foster Care Ministry at Gainesville First is hosting a Back-to-School Bash for Hall County foster families. Along with providing back-to-school supplies, we would like to offer frozen casseroles for families in the area.
What if you got your children and grandchildren, borrowed neighbor children, and put together casseroles while explaining who they are for and offering a prayer for foster children in our community?
Get family and friends together and host a casserole-making party!
Here is what we are asking:
1. Bring a ready-made casserole to be put in the church freezer
2. Pray for foster children and families in our community.
Email Misty Leach at mleach@gfumc.com to let her know you are doing a casserole and if you have any questions.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Sunday, July 2 / 10 am / Lakeside
Come worship with us and enjoy the holiday weekend! We’ll have one combined worship service at 10 am Sunday, July 2. Invite a friend to join you!
Things to Do in North Georgia
July 4th Fireworks
Tuesday, Jul 4, 2023
Laurel Park
Click Here for more info
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places. Make a place to sit down. Sit down. Be quiet. - Wendell Berry
Speaking of Wendell Berry, beginning on July 16th, I am doing a message series at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, where we will be exploring how the writings of Wendell Berry, C.S. Lewis, and Flannery O’Connor intersect with scripture. The stories they write introduce us to worlds influenced by the gospel. In the sharing of their stories, we discover how our own imagination is shaped by the gospel.
I would love to have your feedback. Do you have a meme, dad joke, question to ponder, or wisdom nugget worth sharing? Have you come across an interesting article, podcast, or video that you found meaningful? Is there a quote or blessing that you are currently holding onto? If so, please share it. Let’s make this a community space where we connect with one another.
If you find encouragement in this newsletter, I would love for you to take the opportunity to share it with others. Thank you for reading.