Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, September 4, 2022
God gave us the commandment to remember the Sabbath so that we will recognize that life is a gift received, not a thing to be hoarded. Sabbath is a hard stop in a world constantly on the go.
By connecting the commandment to honor Sabbath to the story of the Hebrews enslaved in Egypt, God is saying, "Work without rest is slavery." And it is a reminder that Our work will remain a curse if we don't take time to rest.
Finding the pace of a grace-filled life begins by creating space for rest.
So, I encourage you to make time for Sabbath. Put a hard stop on your weekly routine and find the blessing waiting on you.
What steps do you need to make in your schedule today to make time for rest?
Happy Labor Day Weekend!
Jamey
Prayer for the week
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you wholeheartedly. We have let the darkness overwhelm us and, at times, have been contributors to the darkness in our world. Forgive us. Guide us toward the light of God’s love and give us the faith to walk in it. May we be the light in someone’s darkness as we follow the example of Jesus by being present with one another. Amen.
Together What If - September 4, 2022
Pre-recorded online worship from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia
Light of the World: The Word Became Flesh
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it” - John 1:5
Whatever darkness exists in your world, the darkness is not too dark for God.
Be the light in someone’s darkness.
What are three tangible ways you will be a light in someone’s darkness this week?
Five Things to Do in the Fall Instead of Ruining it With Pumpkin Spice
Paint #KindnessRocks - The premise is simple. Leave inspiring messages or art on rocks to brighten up someone’s day.
Take a Hike - 20 of the best hikes in Georgia
Go Apple Picking - WHERE TO GO APPLE PICKING IN GEORGIA
Have Friends over and Bob for Apples
Have a Fall Picnic
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What did the oak tree say when autumn came around? Leaf me alone.
Why did the scarecrow win the Nobel Prize? Because he was out-standing in his field.
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Book I am Reading This Week
Captivology: The Science of Capturing People's Attention
INTERESTING ARTICLES, PODCASTS, OR VIDEOS FROM THE WEEK
Video: Pumpkin Spice Parody | Great Pumpkin Debate | The Holderness Family
Podcast: Vancouver’s Unconventional Approach to Its Fentanyl Crisis
Opinion Trump should fill Christians with rage. How come he doesn’t?
Why Your Social Life Is Not What It Should Be
Embracing the Liturgy of Labor Day
Serena Williams Says Farewell to Tennis On Her Own Terms—And In Her Own
Making A Difference
Orphanage Emmanuel, located in Guaimaca, Honduras, needs steel-toed work boots for their teenage students. These boots are needed for work on the farm, where students learn about being good stewards of the land, and for vocational training, where teens learn the skills of construction and agriculture. The boots can be purchased using the registry below, and all purchases must be made by September 19.
Click Here for to Purchase Boots
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
BRENAU UNIVERSITY LEARNING & LEISURE INSTITUTE
FALL KICKOFF RECEPTION
Thursday, September 8 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Gainesville First United Methodist Church
The Brenau University Learning & Leisure Institute invites you to join us at our upcoming BULLI Fall Kickoff Reception hosted from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, in the Gathering Room at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. Due to the generosity of Gainesville FUMC, BULLI will be hosting several of our fall weekday courses on-site. Following welcome and brief remarks, those gathered will have an opportunity to visit the new classrooms in which we will be meeting in the fall. Light finger foods and refreshments will be provided.
BULLI provides educational courses and programs that inspire mature adults to continue to be mentally and physically active in a welcoming environment as an outreach of Brenau University. Questions regarding the reception or the BULLI program may be directed tohbrand@brenau.edu or tbryant3@brenau.edu.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“The will to win is wasted if it is directed towards trivial affairs” - James Clear
THANK YOU
I am grateful for all my support as part of Dancing for a Cause. I met some great people, made new friends, and raised money for a worthy cause. And I learned a new dance! Thank you! Thank you!
More to come - and possibly a video!