Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, November 20, 2022
Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, November 20, 2022
I have been thinking about thankfulness a lot lately.
I think we all have times when we feel overwhelmed by the things that are broken in our lives—things that don't work, people who aren't nice to us, and situations that seem insurmountable.
And sometimes, it can be hard to remember that thankfulness is a tool for good, not just a nice thing to do once in a while.
Thankfulness helps us feel at rest when everything around us feels chaotic and broken. Thankfulness saves us from ourselves and our circumstances. It reminds us that there is good in this world, even if it's hard to see right now.
It reminds us that there is always hope in Christ's victory over sin and death. And it reminds us that God loves us so much more than we could ever imagine on our own.
For what and for whom do you need to be thankful today?
Prayer of the week
Lord, as we prepare to celebrate and give thanks this year, may we be grateful. We pray that with a grateful heart, we may live not in our fears but from hope, not with words only but with our deeds. Amen.
Pre-recorded online worship from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia
“If it can’t be happy, make it beautiful.” - Rev. Samuel Wells on preparing for death.
Because of Jesus, our grief is never the last word spoken in the story of our life.
Even in death, Jesus brings life.
The regrets of the past and the worries of the future keep us out of the present.
When the time comes, our dying will be well when we have learned to live in the present.
Words of thanks from my readers:
There are so many things God has given us and one of His greatest gifts I am thankful for are the seasons He created and the colors of fall! Each time I gaze at the changing colors of leaves and the beautiful fall sky, I am reminded of His love and care for us through His creation! 🍁🧡🍂 - anonymous
I am thankful for moments of stillness. Whether it be times when I am alone in nature, or in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the grocery store, I am thankful for God's gentle reminder to be still. It is in those moments that we see the beauty of His creation - in the playfulness of birds in the trees, in the laughter of a toddler, or in the sweetness of an elderly couple walking hand in hand. These moments do not have to be long, but they do have to be intentional. It is in those still moments that I am thankful for His presence. - anonymous
In November, I will include notes of thanks from my readers in my newsletter. So who or what are you thankful for? And why? (Mid-week on Wednesday will be last chance)
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What did the turkey say to the hunter on Thanksgiving? Quack!
My family told me to stop telling Thanksgiving jokes, but I told them I couldn't just quit "cold turkey."
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Book I am Reading This Week
Don’t Look Back by Will Willimon
INTERESTING ARTICLES, PODCASTS, OR VIDEOS FROM THE WEEK
Podcast: Gone South: Season Two (About Kirksey Nix and the Dixie Mafia)
Why We Eat Together: Human food rituals are unique to our species. By Isabel Fattal
Yes, candidates can still win after conceding an election
Marine Vet Gifted With New Vehicle to Resume His Service to Disabled Veterans and Children
The Age of Social Media Is Ending By Ian Bogost
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Thursday, December 15 / 6pm / In the Chapel of Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Advent and Christmas can be overwhelming when we are faced with illness, grief or loneliness. Such challenges can make it difficult to share in holiday cheer. Yet part of the wonder of Christmas is that God chooses to be present with us in our suffering. Join us for this time of reflective worship with candlelight and communion as we seek God’s peace and light in the darkness.
Have you always wanted to be in a parade? Here is your chance. On Sunday, December 4, 3:00 - 6:00pm the Gainesville community will kick-off the season with the annual tradition of Christmas on Green Street. Float prep starts at 3pm, the parade starts at 4pm.
Click here for more information and to sign-up
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“Give us discernment to know when to pray, when to speak out, when to act, and when to simply shut off our screens and our devices, and to sit quietly in your presence, casting the burdens of this world upon the strong shoulders of the one who alone is able to bear them up.”
Every Moment Holy (A LITURGY FOR THOSE FLOODED BY Too Much Information COPYRIGHT © 2017 D O U G L A S M C K E LV E Y)
