Weekly Roundup: Sunday, June 29, 2025
In 2 Kings 2, Elisha's mentor, Elijah —the fire-calling, king-confronting prophet —is gone. Taken in a whirlwind. Elisha stands at the edge of the Jordan River with nothing but Elijah's cloak and a question: "Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?"
We've all been there. The one leaving wonders, "Will I be okay without them?" The one left behind asks, "Will I ever be the same?" Both are grieving. Both are stepping into the unknown.
So, what do you do when the page is blank? When the mentor is gone, is the plan over, and clarity is lost?
Three simple steps from Elisha's story:
Grieve what was – Elisha tore his clothes. That's holy grief. Don't rush it. Name it. Feel it. Let God meet you in it.
Take one faithful step – Elisha lifted the cloak and struck the water. One act of trust. That's all it takes. Not leaps—just steps.
Trust God is already ahead of you – Elisha wasn't starting from scratch. God had been preparing him all along. And when he stepped forward, the river parted—just like it did for Moses and Elijah.
Friend, perhaps you're standing by the river today, holding a cloak and facing a blank page. Hear this: You are not on your own. The God who was faithful then is faithful now.
Pastor Jamey
(Click Here to Watch the Worship Service from Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekend Prayer
God, even when I don’t know what comes next, I will trust You with my next step. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: Grieve what was. Take one faithful step. Trust that God is already ahead of you. That’s how we move forward when life leaves us uncertain.
A Question to Consider: What is one small, faithful step you can take this week in the direction God might be leading you?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
I went down to the paint store to get thinner. It didn't work. I'm still fat!
What state is known for its small drinks? Minnesota!
Leadership Reflection:
In reality, most leadership moments don't begin with clarity. They start with courage. Especially during seasons of transition or uncertainty, we often have just enough to make the next decision, not all of them.
You may be holding a project, a title, a challenge, or a dream but feel overwhelmed by what's ahead. The pressure to figure everything out can be paralyzing.
But here's the truth: the path forward is almost always revealed through action. Leadership is often about taking one small step in the direction of purpose, growth, or change, even if you're unsure where it will lead.
It's the conversation that needs to happen. The bold idea that needs to be tested. The risk that needs to be taken. The decision that, deep down, you know is right even if you're unsure of the outcome.
So here's the question: What's the next small but courageous step you can take? You don't need to have all the answers. You need to trust that movement creates momentum.
Clarity often comes after action, not before.
Pastor Jamey
Photo Taken By Me
Podcast Worth Listening to
What I Am Reading This Week
The Will of God by Leslie D. Weatherhead
Found Interesting on Social Media
Articles that caught my eye
Globally, 1 in 10 adults under 55 have left their childhood religion
Who wants to serve in small churches? Not most young pastors
Church of England, Disestablish Thyself
When religion was forced on Americans
A.I. IS HOMOGENIZING OUR THOUGHTS
North Georgia Nonprofit Highlight
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia
Sunday, July 20 / 9:30am / Reception Hall
All are invited to attend our “One Sunday School” class on July 20th at 9:30am in the Reception Hall. Our Guest Speaker will be Rev. Dr. Thomas Elliott, Jr., Professor in the Practice of Theology and Methodist Studies at Candler School of Theology.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” — Helen Keller
“You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
As you go into this next chapter,
may you grieve what was with honesty,
step forward with courage,
and trust that even when the way is unclear,
you are not alone.
