Recently I’ve been reading through the Book of Daniel, a noble Jewish exile to Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar. In chapter two he prays and God gives him interpretation of a dream king Nebuchadnezzar had. Last Sunday I preached on how Joseph had interpreted dreams. Before Joseph God appeared in human form and spoke directly with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Later with Moses God speaks through a burning bush and when Moses wanted to speak with God he would go into the Tent of Meeting to “meet” with God. Even later God speaks through the prophets. How then does God speak today? In the opening verses of the Book of Hebrews it says, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” Jesus, God incarnate, the Word made flesh, is the basis of the Father’s communication. In John’s Gospel Jesus makes clear that the Holy Spirit will communicate on behalf of him. The Spirit will not speak on his own, but only what he hears, that is from the Father and the Son. God always presents a unified message, never muddled or obscure. We have the complete revelation of God in the 66 books of the Bible, and if you ask and remember to listen, you may hear from God through the Spirit, a friend, or something unexpected when asked in faith and according to God’s will. But remember, God has spoken in regards to all matters of faith and practice; we must remember to read it!

One thing that has helped me through all this uncertainty is the understanding that I stand upon the Word of truth, the rock of my salvation. The constancy in all of this is the unchangeable nature of God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I absolutely love how we can take an unchangeable message and present it in new and exciting ways. Recently this has been accomplished through an update in our live streaming, which we are getting better at each week. Our website now has archived services (albeit only two at the moment, but it will grow each week) that people can view at any time. Our responsibility is to share the Word of God, because we know from Scripture that God’s Word will never return void.

How does God speak today? Well, we’ve seen that it is through Jesus, but God also speaks through us. When our lives our in harmony with the truth of Scripture and our will is in line with God, we become a powerful voice for the Lord, even if it’s simply through our actions. I’m truly grateful for the folks of this church who share the gospel of Christ each and every day, by simply being a servant. Keep praying for each other and for our community, and always keep your eyes on Christ. 

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

The Scripture reference for Pastor Matt's sermon “Being a Good Neighbor” on August 23, is from Luke 10:25-37 (the parable of the “Good Samaritan”). Jubilation Bells will be ringing the Prelude “Amazing Grace” arranged by Mokelbust. The hymns for the day are “Jesus, Jesu” and “Rescue the Perishing” both from The United Methodist Hymnal. The anthem sung by the Chancel Choir and Annette Breazeale, soloist, is “I Have Felt the Hand of God” by Courtney. The Postlude played by Bill Marshall is “Love Lifted Me.” The words to the hymns and anthem are included below. See you in Worship! In Christ’s love, Lora

I have felt the hand of God in your hand.  Holding me, you gave me strength to stand.

When I was all alone, you came and met my need.

And when I lost my way, your hand was there to lead.

Through your touch, God’s hand reached out to me.

I have felt the hand of God in your hand.

I have heard the voice of God in your voice. Singing praise, you taught me to rejoice.

Your voice of comfort caused my grief to end.

And when my faith was gone, you called me home again,

When you spoke, God’s voice called out to me.

I have heard the voice of God in your voice.

I have seen the face of God in your face.  Giving all, you shared with me God’s grace.

And you were faithful to guide me as I grew,

I saw your love for God and I saw God in you.

When you smiled, God’s love surrounded me.

I have seen the face of God, I have heard the voice of God,

I have felt the hand of God through you.

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. Look for more information and opening registration next week!

An Administrative Board Meeting will be held on September 1, 2020 @ 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All Board Members are encouraged to attend.

There's no doubt that our faith needs reviving from time to time, but what about our facilities? Due to some good folks who love God and see this church as a direct representation of His kingdom, we've been able to begin renewal of the Fellowship Hall with a fresh coat of paint. Plans for the Welcome Center, Kitchen, and CLC lobby are coming soon! If you would like to help us renew, refresh, and revive some of our facilities, either by volunteering or financial support, or both, please contact the church office or Berita Morse.

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