Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, October 1, 2023
Will you continue to replay the memories of yesterday, or will you meet the present moment and make the most of what is in front of you now?
Memories are powerful. They shape our identities, inform our decisions, and provide a sense of continuity in an ever-changing world. The past, with its joys, sorrows, triumphs, and failures, is a treasure trove of experiences that have molded us into who we are today. It's only natural to revisit these moments, to seek solace in them, or to learn from our mistakes. However, an overindulgence in the past can tether us to a time that no longer exists, preventing us from fully experiencing the present.
By constantly replaying the memories of yesterday, we risk missing out on the beauty and potential of today. The sunrises we don't witness, the laughter we don't share, and the chances we don't take are all casualties of living in the shadows of our past.
And some of us are genuinely missing out.
"God deals out joy in the present, the now. It's useless to brood over how long we might live." - Ecclesiastes 5:20 The Message
Meeting the present moment requires courage. It demands that we let go of our attachments to what was and embrace what is. It's about recognizing that while the past has shaped us, it doesn't define us. Our power lies in our ability to respond to the present, to make choices that align with our values, and to carve out a future that reflects our highest aspirations.
The choice is yours.
Jamey
The Church and Other Denominations
Matthew 16: 13 - 20 John 10:16
(Together, What If is a conversation between Michelle Alexander, Ginnie Highsmith, and Jamey Prickett from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia.)
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Weekly Prayer
Lord, we are an odd assortment of people. We let cultural differences divide us. We let our prejudices keep us apart. We talk a good talk, but we have yet to walk the walk.
Forgive us, we pray. Renew in us a commitment toward unity, and by your Spirit, make us truly all one in Christ.
The table you draw us to is your table, and it extends to every corner of the earth. The cup of redemption is poured out for the entire world, and the invitation of forgiveness is extended to all who will receive it.
Open our hearts and minds to your unconditional love so that we may live a life of open doors toward our neighbors. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What do you get when you put a spider on an ear of corn? A cobweb!
What kind of monster loves to dance? The boogieman!
Wisdom Nugget: Commit to asking three people open-ended questions about themselves daily. Be interested in others.
A Question to Consider: Who can you shine your light on even if they cast a shadow on you?
Photo Taken By Me
Articles worth reading, videos worth watching, and/or podcasts worth listening to
YouTube: Hope and Levi Hogan 2023 Great Cycle Challenge
You can break any bad habit in just 4 steps, says expert on building the life you want—here’s how
43 Creative Trunk-or-Treat Ideas for Families Who Love to Go All-Out
20 Years After Leaving Los Angeles, Sheryl Crow Says Move To Tennessee Saved Her Life
15 Rude Sayings Your Southern Mama Hates
What’s Cooking
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Backpacks of Love is designed to provide children experiencing food insecurity with nutritious, kid-friendly, pre-packed meals for the weekend—when they would not have access to a school’s free lunch and breakfast. Gainesville First UMC is partnering with Centennial Elementary to provide the food for 55 backpacks monthly.
How can you help?
We need donations of non-perishable foods (only the items on the list below) and volunteers to pack the backpacks. We will also be accepting monetary donations for this outreach. This is a great ministry to get your small group, Sunday school class, and/or Soul Connection group involved in to make an impact in the lives of children. We would love for your group to both provide the items needed and pack the backpacks for the week you sign up for, if possible.
If you are interested, please get in touch with Misty Leach at mleach@gfumc.com.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
The Chuck Nation Band, GFUMC Chancel Choir, and The Lanier Chamber Singers join forces to present a program of music from southern Appalachia featuring composer Tim Sharp’s A High Lonesome Bluegrass Mass and the Chuck Nation Band. The composer conducts the work. Advance tickets cost $15 and are available in the church office or online at lanierchambersingers.org. Tickets are $20 on the day of the performance.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
"You'll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine." - John Maxwell
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.