Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, October 2, 2022
In case you are unfamiliar with the story, in the book of Joshua, God parts the waters of the Jordan for the people to cross.
In what seems to be right out of an Indiana Jones movie, the priest carries the Ark of the Covenant straight into the unknown, and once they feel the cool waters of the river on their sandals, God begins to divide the waters.
The Promised Land was on the other side, but the river stood in their way. Unfortunately, many of us let what is directly in front of us keep us from where God wants us to be.
I want to encourage you don’t get lost in fear. Instead, ask yourself, “What one step can I take today to move me in the right direction?”
And take that step. The Promised Land is reached one step at a time.
Jamey
Prayer for the week
Gracious God, We long for your simple gifts. We long for a generous smile from a friend, a simple touch from a loved one, and a word of affirmation from that gracious person. Let us never forget that life is found in showing up for one another. Thank you, Lord, for showing up for us. Amen.
Pre-recorded online worship from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” - Jesus
We come to the Lord’s Table not because we are doing well but because we are desperate for grace and mercy. (Click here to Tweet)
Jesus meets us in our hunger to be the bread of life for us. (Click here to Tweet)
Five Things to Do in the Fall Instead of Ruining it With Pumpkin Spice - Part Four
Eat Candy Corn
Go to a Drive-in Theatre (Click here to check out Swan Drive-in)
Knit your own scarf or sweater
Take a family photo for Christmas
Dance to the “Monster Mash”
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
Did you hear about the king that went to the dentist? He needed to get crowns.
What do you call a cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese!
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Spooky photos for the month of October
Book I am Reading This Week
The Best of Me by David Sedaris
INTERESTING ARTICLES, PODCASTS, OR VIDEOS FROM THE WEEK
Photos of the Week: Covered Ears, White Night, Target Asteroid
A documentary on the history of Jim Crow Road is about to release. Here’s how to watch
North Carolina's Grandfather Mountain Sees "Perfect Scenario" For Colorful Fall Foliage This Year
The Most Important Question About Addiction
Youtube: Cal Newport: Quiet Quitting And Doing "Just Enough" At Work
Making A Difference
You can support the work of UMCOR and its local partners by giving to UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery fund, knowing that 100% of your donations go to help those in need.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
We want to bless four deserving local businesses during the month of October by booing them with candy and need your help! Please nominate places in the community you would like us to bless by booing below! We will take nominations through October 10.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
Blessed are you, dear one, when the world around you has changed.
Everything is different now,
your body, your age, your relationships, your job, your faith.
The things that once brought you joy.
The way you existed in the world.
The people you love and trust and rely on.
Things have changed and it would be silly to imagine you haven’t changed with them.
You are not who you once were.
Bless that old self,
they did such a good job with what they knew.
They made you who you were,
all the mistakes and heartbreak and naiveté and courage.
And blessed are who you are now,
you who aren’t pretending things are the same,
who continue to grow and stretch and show up to your life as it really is:
wholehearted, vulnerable, maybe a little afraid.
So blessed are we, the changed.
by Kate Bowler