Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, May 21, 2023
Mount Olives is the traditional site of Jesus' ascension into heaven, as mentioned in Acts chapter one. The mount is some 2,500 feet above sea level at its highest peak. So, before Jesus was lifted into the clouds, Jesus led his followers up a mountain.
I was recently on tour, and we drove to the top of the hill and walked downhill to the Church of All Nations.
From my experience hiking in the mountains of North Georgia, I have found that sometimes it is more difficult to come down a hill than it is to go up. On the way down, you tense from the pull of gravity and arch your back to keep from rolling downhill.
As we prepare to send graduates off into the world, we are quick to encourage them to make the climb to success. But, unfortunately, it is a message that sometimes contradicts what we hear from Jesus.
Part of the message we need to remind our recent graduates is that "the greatest among you will be your servant" and "the last will be first, and the first will be last."
Something remarkable happened once the disciples started their downward turn off the mountain. They started looking like Jesus. They became brave and capable, and Spirit-filled.
It may be a move in the wrong direction as defined by the world, but the way of Jesus is greatness comes through service and leading through following.
Jamey
Let’s Talk about Guiding Our Students in the Faith
(Pre-recorded online worship from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia)
Congratulations 2023 Graduates
Prayer for Graduates
Gracious God, how wonderful are the works of Your hands? As we recognize those taking a step forward into new places with new people and experiences, let them not forget the blessings that follow behind us. For the community that has nurtured them, the schools that have taught them, the church that has discipled them, and the family that has raised them, Lord, we give thanks.
For all the laughter that will bring smiles in years to come, for the hardships and tears we have endured together side by side, and for Your Love which has been made evident through the relationships we will carry into the future, Lord, we give thanks.
In the coming weeks, as graduates hear their names called, may they hear it called by the One who loves them deeply and gave his life for their sake. And when the voices around get loud, may they be tuned to the One who calls them beloved. May they continue to hear Your voice calling them present to receive a word of purpose and direction in life. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What faculty members were friends with all the seniors? The princi-pal.
Why do seniors sleep after graduation? They’re preparing for their dream job.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Volunteers are needed! A ministry to foster families.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church (Gainesville, Georgia)
VBS / June 5-9
Ages: Rising Pre-K - Completed 5th grade
(Child must be 4 years old by September 1, 2023)
Launch into a cosmic quest where we will have a blast shining Jesus’ light to the world. Stellar rockets us on an out-of-this-world adventure that’s light years of faith-building fun.
We can’t wait to see you in outer space!
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
Let us unite our hearts in prayer
and entrust to the hands of the Lord
those who will be graduated tomorrow.
May God who began this good work in you
carry it through to completion,
enabling you to use your talents to the fullest.
May God give you the grace to make wise choices
and to be faithful to your commitments,
always confident in the support of those who love you.
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers,
half-truths, and superficial relationships,
so that you will live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice,
oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that you will work for justice, equality, and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who
suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war,
so that you will reach out your hand
to comfort them and change their pain into joy.
May God bless you with the foolishness to think
that you can make a difference in the world,
so that you will do the things
which others tell you cannot be done.
May your integrity be a gift to the world
and may the Spirit of God be with you always.
- Fr. Michael Graham SJ, Offered at Baccalaureate Mass at Xavier University 2015
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.