Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, September 18, 2022
I learned how to ride a bicycle at the different parks around Gainesville. I started where the elevation sloped downhill, and my front tires wobbled until I lost my balance and ended up in the creek below.
It took a while to learn to ride but eventually, I got it and rode up and down the pathway trails.
My early life as a follower of Jesus was like learning to ride a bike. I wobbled along with grace, love, and forgiveness until, eventually, I realized that if I were ever going to get the hang of it, I would need to let Jesus take control.
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”
I pray that my Christian walk is a little more graceful now than when I started, and if so, it is because I have let Jesus take over more and more.
Where in your life do you need more grace? More love? Where do you need to let Jesus guide you?
Prayer for the week
Loving God, help us to trust you in the areas of our lives that we have a hard time turning over the trust. In times of fear, let the peace of Christ reign in our hearts. Let the light of Christ show us the way in times of darkness. When we surround ourselves with lies, be the light of truth. When we are faced with death, point us toward life. Help us to see each person in the light of love and grace. We ask this in the name of the one who lights our world, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Pre-recorded online worship from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia
Whatever darkness exists in your world, the darkness is not too dark for God. (Click here to share on Twitter)
It is possible to be in the presence of the light of the world and still be in the dark. (Click here to share on Twitter)
When it looks like the darkness is about to overwhelm, look to Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. (Click here to share on Twitter)
Five Things to Do in the Fall Instead of Ruining it With Pumpkin Spice
Make an Apple Pie - Click here for recipe
Go on a Leaf Watching Trip - Leaf Watch 2022 in Georgia
Invite friends over for a bonfire
Learn how to knit
Have a pumpkin carving party
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
How do you fix a broken jack-o-lantern? With a pumpkin patch. (Thank you, Beth Pruitt)
Slipped on a pumpkin today. It caught me off gourd.
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Book I am Reading This Week
INTERESTING ARTICLES, PODCASTS, OR VIDEOS FROM THE WEEK
Podcast: On Being with Krista Tippett: Mary Oliver
Grandmother and grandson visit 62 national parks on adventure of a lifetime
Billionaire No More: Patagonia Founder Gives Away the Company
Why boys should start school a year later than girls By Richard V. Reeves
Fewer than half of Americans may be Christian by 2070, according to new projections
Making A Difference
October Volunteer Training for CASA
Hall-Dawson CASA will begin a fall Volunteer Training Cohort in October. The advocacy training is a seven-week course with a framework to prepare ordinary citizens to lend their voice to children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Our advocates learn how fact gathering, persistence and hope can ensure children experiencing foster care find a safe and permanent home.
Like the shape and color of autumn leaves, no two children experiencing foster care are the same. Each story is uniquely theirs. CASA Volunteers advocate for the best interest of our community's most vulnerable children when court intervention is needed.
For additional information, please contact Tracy L. Verrigni, Volunteer Recruitment and Training Coordinator: tracy@halldawsoncasa.org.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Wednesday, September 28 / 12:30-2:30 pm / Gainesville First United Methodist Church Parking Lot
The Hall County Health Department and GFUMC Preschool will host a Flu / COVID Booster shot clinic on Wednesday, September 28, from 12:30-2:30 pm.
Info You Need:
Free for all kids
$30 for adults if not covered by insurance.
For adults, please bring your ID and insurance card.
If you are getting the COVID Booster, please bring your COVID vaccine card.
Anyone over 65 years old will have the option of the special dosage flu shot.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“If we do not transform our pain, we will most assuredly transmit it—usually to those closest to us.” —Father Richard Rohr