Thursday Roundup: Thursday, July 18, 2024
What kind of shepherd leaves ninety-nine good, clean-living, straight-laced sheep to look for one lost cause? Who does that? What shepherd would take the risk?
It is easy to dismiss a person as a lost cause. We say things like he will never get it or she will have to learn the hard way. We dismiss the lost causes as the mess-ups of the world.
But if you are a shepherd who values every sheep, then each sheep carries its own worth. How much does a sheep cost? Nothing if you have already given up on it. Everything, if you have never stopped caring.
Jesus asks, "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?" (Luke 15:4).
Let's embrace the heart of the Good Shepherd and reach out to those who feel lost and forgotten. Your compassion can make a difference. Be the one who goes after the lost, never stops caring, and sees the worth in everyone. Together, we can create a community where everyone is valued, and no one is left behind.
Jamey
Weekly Prayer
Searching God, May our lives reflect Your unwavering love and relentless pursuit of every lost sheep. Guide us to be instruments of Your peace, hope, and restoration.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: How much does a lost sheep cost? Nothing if you've given up on it. Everything if you haven't. Let's see the worth in everyone and never stop caring. #EveryLifeMatters #RelentlessLove
A Question to Consider: What practical steps can we take to reach out to those who feel lost or forgotten in our communities?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
Never hand Princess Elsa a balloon. She’ll just let it go!
I’ve got some good jokes about umbrellas, but they usually go over people’s heads!
Photo Taken By Me
Book I read this week
Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build Your Empire by Dan Martell
Found Interesting on Social Media
Podcast Worth Listening to:
Articles that caught my eye:
5 Questions With Brad Montague
The Reason People Are Not Telling Biden the Truth
A School With 7 Students: Inside the ‘Microschools’ Movement
Congregations Hold More Diverse Views After Split in United Methodist Church, Study Finds
Baseball legend Willie Mays, the 'Say Hey Kid,' dies at 93
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Collecting through July 21
We will collect school supplies for the Path United Baker/Glover Ministry and Hall County foster families in July.
We are asking for the congregation's support in donating supplies. There will be collection bins throughout the church. Or visit our wishlist on Amazon
If anyone wishes to make a monetary donation, please write "School Supply Drive" on the memo line of your check and mail the check to the church office. You may also give online by visiting gfumc.com/give and putting "School Supply Drive" in the memo of special giving.
Email Misty Leach at mleach@gfumc.com if you have any questions.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
GFUMC Family Game Night for all ages! Enjoy a family-friendly dinner for $5 per person at 5:30 pm in the Reception Hall before playing board games, card games, and more from 6-7:15 pm. Registration for game nights and dinner is preferred. RSVP below! Email Rev. Sandy at sskinner@gfumc.com with any questions.
Invite your friends and family to this fun night! RSVP by Monday, July 22.
July 24: Outdoor Games / Hotdogs, chips, and ice cream
*kids games - Pre-K and up, no childcare provided.
If you don’t want to eat dinner but still want to participate in games, you don't need to register below; just show up at 6 p.m. in the Reception Hall.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
Let us be instruments of God's relentless love, reaching out to those who feel forgotten and bringing them back into the fold. May our hearts be ever open, our hands ready to help, and our spirits filled with the peace and purpose of Christ.