Weekly Roundup: Sunday, October 20, 2024
Drawing from three Biblical stories—Mary and Martha, Paul's message to the Corinthians, and Moses with his staff— we discover key lessons about service, spiritual gifts, and surrender.
Mary and Martha: The tension between service and contemplation shows that both are necessary. The message is not about choosing one over the other but about discerning when to serve and when to listen.
Paul's Message to the Corinthians: Every believer has unique gifts, and God works through them to serve the common good. We are called to complete, not compete, with one another in the body of Christ, fostering unity and cooperation.
Moses and the Staff: God asks us to offer what we have—our time, gifts, and resources. Just as Moses laid down his staff, we can offer our small contributions, knowing that they can become powerful tools for ministry in God's hands.
Consider these two challenges:
Identify your gift—Recognize what God has placed in your hand, whether it's time, talent, or resources.
Lay it at Jesus's feet—Surrender your gift to God for His purposes, trusting that He will multiply it for His kingdom.
Each person's contribution is essential. We strengthen the bridge that leads others to Christ by offering what we have.
Read the complete sermon here.
Pastor Jamey
(Click Here to Watch the Worship Service from Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekend Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts You have given each of us. Thank You for the opportunities to serve You and build bridges that lead others to Christ. Today, we offer what is in our hands—our time, talents, and resources. We lay them at Your feet, trusting that You will multiply what we give and use it for Your glory. Give us the wisdom to know when to sit at Your feet and when to rise and serve. Help us to work together as the body of Christ, not in competition, but in unity. May everything we do point others to the love and grace of Jesus. In His name, we pray, Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: The body of Christ thrives when we complete, not compete. Your unique gifts matter, and together, we build bridges to Jesus.
A Question to Consider: What gifts, talents, or resources has God given you that you can offer for God’s work?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
What is in a ghost’s nose? Boo-gers!
What do skeletons order at a restaurant? Spare ribs!
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am reading this week
Telling a Better Story: How to Talk About God in a Skeptical Age by Joshua D. Chatraw
Found Interesting on Social Media
Podcast Worth Listening to:
Articles that caught my eye:
Georgia man tackles student lunch debt with savory treat
Dear Theophilus: How Can I Know What Is True?
I’m Running Out of Ways to Explain How Bad This Is
A 96-year-old man shares the secret to keeping a best friend for 90 years
Baby Boomers are living longer than previous generations but have worse health, study finds
Church without God: How some Americans are finding community in secular spaces
‘I’m motivated by the puzzle’: how Courtney Dauwalter became ultrarunning’s GOAT
Why Are Young Women Leaving Church Faster than Young Men?
Chilean scientists develop reversible dog neutering vaccine
Huge turnout for terminally ill boy's lemonade
Things To Do In North Georgia
Guided Night Hike: Join The Northeast Georgia History Center at Elachee for a thrilling hike along the Ed Dodd Interpretive Trail. Discover the wonders of the forest at night and enjoy tales from the Appalachians along the way! Wear your Halloween costume for extra-spooky fun!
Candy Stations: Sweet treats will be available at candy stations set up throughout the trail!
Date: October 26, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Elachee Nature Science Center
Admission: $10 per person; Parking fee waived. Members enjoy free admission.
Age Recommendation: All ages are welcome! Minors must be accompanied by an adult participating in the program.
What to Bring: Participants should arrive dressed for physical activity. Flashlights will be provided.
Make a Difference
Saturday, November 2 / 10-2 / GFUMC
On November 2, Gainesville First United Methodist Church is hosting a special event with Rise Against Hunger, and you can join us in packaging meals that will be sent around the world. Every meal we pack means someone in need is receiving nourishment and hope.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia
Wednesday, October 30 / 6-8pm / Parking Lot
Come have the most fun with us at Trunk or Treat on October 30 from 6-8 p.m. We will have awesome trunks, bounce houses, hot dogs, Kona Ice, tons of candy, and so much more! Bring your whole family, and let’s make it a night you won’t forget! This is a FREE event!
Costumes encouraged!
This year at Trunk or Treat, we are collecting non-perishable food items. These food items will be given to people with food insecurity in our community. We will have bins where you can drop items off around the Trunk or Treat parking lot! Thank you so much for helping others in our community this season.
Top Ten: I have a notebook listing ten things that serve as a brain dump. It is random but fun.
Do you remember the Australian Breakdancer from the Olympics? Someone I know is dressing up like her for Halloween. So, this got me thinking. What are ten other oddly unique Halloween costumes that could be considered?
Caticorn (cat + unicorn)
Pig in a Blanket (pig costume + blanket wrap)
Holy Cow (cow costume + halo)
Darth Vader in a Hawaiian Shirt
Yoda Presley – Jedi master in a white Elvis jumpsuit.
Thor the Explorer – Thor wielding a magical map and backpack like Dora.
Smarty Pants – Glue Smarties candies to your pants.
Chip on Your Shoulder – Tape a potato chip to your shoulder.
Holy Roller – Priest outfit with roller skates.
Ten CommandMints – Carrying two “stone tablets” made of giant mint packages.
What did I miss? What are some other mashup, oddly funny costume ideas?
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
May the Lord open your heart to recognize the gifts He has placed in your hands.
Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service. – Mother Teresa
"What’s in your hand?" – God to Moses (Exodus 4:2)
