Weekly Roundup: Sunday, April 27, 2025
There was a season in my life when I felt stuck. Like I was standing in front of a door that wouldn't budge—no matter how hard I pushed. Fear. Doubt. Disappointment. They all crowded around me, whispering the same question: Is this really all there is?
I think about the disciples after Jesus died—how they locked themselves away in fear. John 20 tells us they weren't out changing the world yet. They were huddled in a room, paralyzed by what-ifs and what-nows.
And then—Jesus came. He didn't knock. Jesus didn't wait for someone to open the door. He just showed up. He didn't come with a lecture or a list of demands. He came with peace.
That story matters because some days, I'm still the one behind the locked door. Maybe you are, too. Perhaps you're locked in by your own fear or disappointment. Maybe you've given up hope that anything can change. Possibly, doubt has convinced you that you're too far gone.
But here's the good news: Jesus doesn't stand outside waiting for us to get it together. He walks right through the walls we build. He speaks peace into the spaces where we feel the most trapped. He reminds us that our doubt doesn't disqualify us, and our fear doesn't frighten Him.
Friend, He is not finished with your story. Resurrection peace can find you—even behind the doors you thought were sealed shut.
I'm living proof. And you can be, too.
Pastor Jamey
(Click Here to Watch the Worship Service from Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekend Prayer
Jesus, where we are afraid, speak Your peace. Where we are doubting, breathe new faith. Where we are weary, bring Your strength. Where we feel stuck, call us forward in hope. We believe you are not done with our stories. We believe your resurrection life still finds us today. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: Peace walks in when fear locks out.
A Question to Consider: Where in my life do I feel like I'm locked behind a door of fear, doubt, or shame?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
What did the crocodile wear to the beach? Crocs!
What concert cost 45 cents to go to? 50 Cent featuring Nickelback!
Leadership Reflection:
Every leader eventually faces seasons where doubt creeps in. Doubt about decisions, doubt about calling, doubt about whether the hard work is making any difference at all.
It is tempting to believe that clarity only comes once the doubt is gone. But the story of Thomas reminds us that clarity often comes through doubt, not after it.
Jesus didn't shame Thomas for questioning. He met him in it. He invited Thomas to see, to touch, to experience. And from that place of honest struggle, Thomas made one of the clearest declarations of faith in the Bible: "My Lord and my God."
Leadership isn't about never doubting. It's about learning to lead with honesty and courage through doubt—believing that Jesus still walks into our fears and breathes peace.
If you're feeling uncertain today, you're in good company. Doubt is not the enemy of faith—it can be the doorway to deeper clarity, conviction, and trust.
Stay close. Ask your questions. Listen for His voice. And remember: Jesus is not done with your story—or your leadership.
Jamey
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am reading this week
Fairy Tales of Appalachia by Stacy Sivinski
Podcast Worth Listening to:
Articles that caught my eye
How to Live in the ‘Negative World’
A List of Possible Successors for Next Pope
Catholics Expected a Revolution From Francis, Just Not the One He Gave Them
Can Planet Earth Feed 10 Billion People?
What it's like in the church Pope Francis chose as his final resting place
Who are the cardinals selecting the next pope?
Mothering At The End of the World
How Much Should You Know About Your Child Before He’s Born?
Found Interesting on Social Media
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia
Sunday, May 4 / 11am / Lakeside
We are celebrating Confirmation Sunday by having one worship service at 11am at Lakeside on Sunday, May 4 followed by a catered lunch. Bishop Robin Dease, Resident Bishop of the North Georgia Conference will be preaching as our special guest.
PS - Lakeside Worship will return to its regular time of Sundays at 8:30am on May 11 and through the rest of the season.
My wife and I stayed at this Treehouse AirBnB for a couple of nights.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." — Ambrose Redmoon
May the peace of the risen Christ walk through every locked door of fear in your life.
May His love meet you in your doubts, His grace redeem your scars, and His Spirit send you out with courage and hope.
