Weekly Roundup: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Jesus led Peter, James, and John up the mountain. As they reached the top, His face shone like the sun, His clothes turned dazzling white.
Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared, speaking with Him. Peter, awed, blurted, “Lord, let us build shelters for You, Moses, and Elijah.”
A cloud covered them, and a voice thundered, “This is My Son. Listen to Him.” The disciples fell, terrified. They looked up. Only Jesus remained.
On the way down, Jesus told them not to speak to anyone about what they experienced.
This is my abbreviated version of the transfiguration story as it is told in the gospels. You can read it yourself in Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, and Luke 9:28-36.
Peter wanted to build shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah to preserve the moment. But God had bigger plans—Jesus had to descend the mountain and go to the cross.
We may long for mountaintop experiences - clarity, ecstasy, safety - but our faith is lived out in the valley, among people longing for hope.
Mountaintop moments inspire us, but real faith is proven in the valley.
Pastor Jamey
(Click Here to Watch the Worship Service from Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekend Prayer
Lord, thank You for the moments when You reveal Your glory and remind me of Your presence. Help me not to cling to comfort but to follow You faithfully into the valleys where real life happens. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: Don’t just seek spiritual highs—bring Jesus into your daily life where people need hope.
A Question to Consider: What practical steps can you take to bring the light of Christ into your everyday relationships and responsibilities?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
Why didn't the chef season his dish? He ran out of thyme!
What do you call someone who raises hens? A chicken tender!
Leadership Reflection:
Vision is powerful. Inspiration fuels us. But leadership isn’t just about big ideas and mountaintop moments—it’s about bringing those visions into the valley, where real people face real challenges.
Peter wanted to stay on the mountain after seeing Jesus transfigured. But Jesus led them downward, toward the mission, toward the cross. Leadership is the same.
Don’t just dream. Lead. Move. Serve. Bring what God has shown you into the places where people need it most. The valley is where leadership comes to life.
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am reading this week
Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living by Krista Tippett
Podcast Worth Listening to:
Articles that caught my eye
Krista Tippett on Wishful Thinking Versus Hope
The Wisdom of Pulling Back from the News
Why It Matters Who Asks the Questions
The Imperialist Philosopher Who Demanded the Ukraine War
The Pope’s Role Has Changed in Our Time. But Has the Church?
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia
Wednesday, March 5 / 12pm Chapel & 6pm Sanctuary & livestreaming
Join us on Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of this Lenten journey through scripture, prayer, and song. You will have an opportunity to receive the imposition of ashes as a reminder of our mortality and the hope for new life.
Marked by the ashes of repentance, we start Lent with a renewed focus on Jesus and on being intentional about faithfully living as Christ would have us live.
Ash Wednesday service times:
12pm in the Chapel - Lunch afterward, Menu: Vegetable soup, chicken salad or pimento cheese sandwich on croissant, and lemon pie.
Cost is $5. Reservations are not required but appreciated. Contact Mildred Smith in the church office at 770-536-2341.6pm in the Sanctuary & livestreaming (No childcare available)
There will also be a Noon “Ashes on the Square” in Downtown Gainesville
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“Mountaintops inspire leaders, but valleys mature them.” – Winston Churchill
Go now, not just as seekers of vision but as doers of faith. May the moments of clarity on the mountaintop strengthen you for the work ahead in the valley. May you listen to Jesus above all else, walk in courage where He leads, and serve with love where people need hope.
