Weekly Roundup: Sunday November 16, 2024
Picture the scene: a home pulsing with the chatter of dinner guests, the air thick with anticipation. A woman with nothing to lose enters this room carrying a jar of perfume. She is not welcomed, yet she enters, drawn by something more commanding than an invitation—grace.
This story unfolds in scripture in the home of a Pharisee, bringing us into the depths of scandalous gratitude and the shadow of self-righteous judgment.
In the story, we are reminded that to love little is to have forgotten how wide the arms of grace have opened for us. The woman’s story reminds us that our most profound thanksgiving stems from our being forgiven.
We are called to be people whose gratitude echoes louder than our judgment, where the story of knowing that we are forgiven teaches us to love deeply.
Pastor Jamey
Weekend Prayer
Lord, give us eyes to notice those in need and hearts willing to share our blessings. Let us be instruments of Your love and vessels of Your peace, spreading joy and hope wherever we go. In the spirit of thanksgiving, may we bless others as You have so richly blessed us. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: A grateful heart is a joyful heart. When we focus on our blessings, we experience peace and contentment.
A Question to Consider: What steps can I take to cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
What do you call a turkey that tells jokes? Comedi-hen!
Why didn’t the turkey eat dessert? It was already stuffed!
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am reading this week
The Character of Virtue: Letters to a Godson by Stanley Hauerwas
Found Interesting on Social Media
Podcast Worth Listening to:
Articles that caught my eye:
The perilous and promising pulpit
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to resign over handling of youth abuse scandal
6 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Hall County
This county is the most religiously diverse in the U.S.
Sean Rowe wants to realign the Episcopal Church
Make a Difference
Sunday, December 1 / 1:00pm / Gainesville Jewelry parking lot
On Sunday, December 1st, we will be building a bridge with our homeless neighbors in Gainesville. We will be providing lunch for around 110 of our neighbors at 1pm in the parking lot of Gainesville Jewelry, and YOU are invited to join us. We will need people to help set up and tear down. We will need people to provide trays of green beans, macaroni and cheese, rolls, sodas, and various desserts. Most importantly, we need folks to come and have fellowship with our friends as we break bread together.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia
Saturday, December 7 / 9am - 12pm / Great Room
Christmas is on its way and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Join us for a special morning with pancakes, crafts, pictures with Santa and more. Drop in anytime between 9am and 12pm, last pancakes will be served at 11:30am. This is a free event!
Breakfast includes: Pancakes, bacon, milk, coffee and water
