Weekly Roundup: Sunday, October 27, 2024
“I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves” (Luke 10:3). This is how Jesus sends out his disciples to share the faith. Anyone want to sign up? With a recruitment speech like that, who would ever put Jesus in charge of volunteers?
If you want someone to do something in the church, you should tell them it will be easy, comfortable, and not add any more stress to their life. If you want someone to volunteer, you sell them what is in it for them. You don’t say, “Whoever wants to be my disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
Volunteers are great. But Jesus doesn’t recruit volunteers. Jesus calls followers. Jesus longs to lead us on amazing adventures of building bridges in uncharted territories of faith and frontier places where we have never been. But it will take followers. If following Jesus has only led you to a seat in the church, then you stopped following Jesus somewhere along the way. It’s time to be a follower and see where He wants to take you.
Pastor Jamey
(Click Here to Watch the Worship Service from Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekend Prayer
Gracious Father, make us faithful stewards of the story You entrusted to us. As the Psalmist says, may we not hide Your deeds from the next generation but declare Your wonders boldly. Stir in us a passion for giving sacrificially, loving extravagantly, and living courageously, knowing that Your harvest is waiting. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: Generosity isn’t about comfort—it’s about planting seeds for the next generation to encounter Jesus.
A Question to Consider: How can you better pass on the story of God’s love to the next generation?
Meme of the week
Dad Jokes
What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Frostbite!
What do ghosts eat for dessert? Booberry pie!
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am reading this week
How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth
Found Interesting on Social Media
Podcast Worth Listening to:
(If you grew up in Gainesville, you will remember this story. If you like true crime podcasts, this is an interesting story.)
Articles that caught my eye:
11 ways to stop politics ruining your relationships
5 Things You Need to Know About Gen Z in 2024
How Starbucks Became a Sugary Teen Emporium
Things To Do In North Georgia
Top 5 Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge
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 / 6-8 pm / Parking Lot at Gainesville First UMC
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 much more! Bring your whole family; 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.
As we move into November, how can we celebrate Thanksgiving all month long?
Gratitude Journal – Write three things you’re thankful for every day.
Family Gratitude Tree – Add a leaf with a gratitude note daily.
Daily Bible Verse on Gratitude – Reflect on scriptures that inspire thankfulness.
Host a Coat or Food Drive – Collect essentials for shelters or food pantries.
Deliver Thanksgiving Baskets – Create and distribute care packages for neighbors.
Plan a Nature Day Trip – Explore a park or forest and enjoy the beauty of creation.
Light a Fire and Share Stories – Gather around a fireplace (or firepit) for cozy chats.
Commit to Daily Prayer – Focus on thankfulness and God's blessings.
Plan a Fitness Challenge with Friends – Walk, run, or hike to stay active.
DIY Thanksgiving Table Settings – Make personalized place cards for guests.
Which one will you try?
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for.” – William G.T. Shedd
May your life be the spark that sets the world ablaze with His love. Amen.
