Lately it seems that my life mantra is the familiar adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!” From gardening to building a chicken coup; from learning how to ride a bike to playing a musical instrument. In every area of life there is a learning curve. Contrary to popular, and maybe personal opinion, nobody is perfect. In fact, that’s why John Wesley was adamant about a “method” of holiness and practice in regards to faith, because the only way to succeed is to keep at it, and when failure occurs, try again. The Bible is chalk full of stories and theological discourse on second chances, which implies that the first chance was insufficient. If you’ve ever tried something new or simply tried, then you probably have experience with this concept. However, if you’re afraid to fail then success will always be elusive, at least one that is not colored by one’s own definition. In Philippians 3:14, Paul was concerned about finishing the race. There’s no room for giving up, it’s get up, press on, and finish the race.

A priority of mine ever since COVID began plaguing our nation has been to develop technology so that our message can reach everyone. With your help we have been able to take giant strides forward, especially in regards to live streaming. Last Sunday was the first time to utilize a whole new system and for the most part everything went well. Our greatest challenge was maintaining a sufficient bandwidth to stream in high definition. There were too many devices connected to Wi-Fi that our bandwidth was compromised. With the help of a few folks we have solved that issue and will from here on be streaming via a dedicated connection. With that said, there will not be any lag or halt in service. I encourage those who worship remotely to view our service from our website at firstgilmer.org (click the button below) as it is a high quality player that begins immediately upon going live. You will also have the ability to view past services under the Messages page of the website. Thank you for your patience as we transition to this new streaming platform to allow greater clarity and options for our viewers. Like I said above, we will keep trying so that we can succeed all around.

When God opens a door there are two key actions required: first, you have to recognize that the door is open, and second, you have to walk through it. My prayer is that as the people of God we will begin to recognize the many ways God is providing for us so that we can be the church in the community, and that means recognizing open doors. Continue to pray for our students and educators at the start of this new school year, as well as parents, many of whom are stepping into a teaching role. We continue to take plans a week at a time in regards to phasing back ministries and hope to make further progress in September depending on Upshur County COVID numbers and recommendations. Remember, keep your eyes on Christ and press on.

A stark reality that has emerged from this pandemic is our world, nation, community, and families are torn. We're torn between fact and fiction, truth and falsehood, masks and no masks, racial division and justice. What does Jesus have to say? How are we to respond? Join Pastor Matt and Youth Director Stewart Kouba as they team teach this five week series.

Mission Moment— Calling all shoebox fillers! It’s back to school time! That means lots of good deals on school supplies! Also, summer goodies are going on sale. Please keep an eye out for goodies that would fit in a shoebox to WOW a child. Robin

Aaron Dudley, director of our Joyful Hearts Senior Adult Ministry, provides the church an update following his recent liver transplant. Click the button below to view Aaron's video update.

Reverend Smith’s sermon topic for August 16, is “A Final Stay in Egypt” with Scripture referenced from Genesis 45:1-15. The Prelude played by Bill Marshall, organist, will be “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”. The opening hymn is “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and the closing hymn is “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” both from The United Methodist Hymnal. The special music for the service will be a piano solo played by Bill Marshall. The Postlude is “Higher Ground” played by Bill Marshall.

YOUTH HANDBELL ENSEMBLE STARTING!!!

The first Wednesday after Labor Day, September 9, we will be starting YOUTH HANDBELL CHOIR for Seventh grade through high school aged students. We will meet from 5:15-5:45 each week. For those who want to join us we will want a commitment to ringing every week for rehearsals and we will be ringing in service several times each semester. If you cannot read music, we will teach you how at practices.  Initially we will be meeting in the Fellowship Hall until it is safe to move back into the bell room. So bring your mask (gloves will be provided) and we will have a GREAT TIME ringing together.  Following bells will be your “snack supper” and youth activities led by Stewart!

See you in Worship! In Christ’s love, Lora

Coming this Fall! A fully online youth and adult confirmation class will be offered to those who are entering 6th grade and those entering 7th grade who were not able to participate in the Spring due to COVID. The class will also be open to adults who would like to better understand the basics of the Christian faith or who are exploring what it means to be a Christian. More information and online registration coming soon!

First United Methodist Church offers grocery pickup and delivery to members of our church with compromised immune systems who do not need to come in contact with larger groups. Click the button below to order and prepay for your groceries from Brookshire’s in Gilmer, and we can have another church member pick it up for you and deliver it to your home. We can even leave it at your door if you need to have zero contact.

If you are a member and have free time and a car to help with the delivery service, please contact Dolly Robison at jtanddolly@yahoo.com to let her know you are available.

Please use the P.O. Box for all your mail. We no longer will have mail delivered to 105 N. Montgomery St. Address as follows:

Connecting real people to a real relationship with JESUS