"When you have more than you need, build a bigger table, not a higher fence."   - Anonymous

"That is the power of the Eucharist. At the communion table you have rich and poor together in the early church and they were being challenged."   - Shane Claiborne

Dear Kindred in Christ,

Have you ever noticed just how much of Jesus' ministry happened around a table? As a carpenter, I would wager that he had made a table or two, but he also used them to connect with people. He sat at them to eat with tax collectors and sinners. He reclined at them to perform miracles, like turning water into wine. He overturned them in the temple when it had become a den of robbery. He used them as symbols in his teaching and preaching, directing his disciples to be like table servants as opposed to those seated in the best chairs. He even imagined that God's kingdom was ultimately like a table, one where there would be enough for everyone, and a place for every child of God.

Then, of course, he gathered around a table with his disciples on the night of his arrest so that they would know and remember his self-giving love. He called them to do the same, sharing a meal together in remembrance of him. This is what we do when we celebrate the Lord's Supper together, and we'll be doing it again this Sunday at both services. This is our monthly reminder of God's grace and love at work in our lives, and our hope is that we will sense the very real presence of Christ with us, that we would be changed by it, and that we might be nourished and sent forth to minister in his name. I pray you receive that blessing this Sunday!

Our scripture readings will be Isaiah 55:1-5 and Romans 9:1-5. Are there connections in these readings with our celebration of the Lord's Supper? What notes of grace, welcome, and love have you seen in Romans that inform how we approach the Lord's table? Even in his anguish, what is Paul celebrating in this reading?

May God bless you and keep you as we journey toward Sunday together. The good news is this: The table is just around the corner!

Grace and Peace,

Lee

Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@FPCGainesville

Stream on Facebook: facebook.com/FirstPresbyterianGainesville

Whether you’re traveling, at home, or sharing with a friend, these platforms make it easier than ever to stay connected with your church family.

If you experience any issues with the livestream

or would like to share feedback, please contact our

AV Coordinator, Jordan Bruce, at JBruce@fpcga.org.

We appreciate your input as we work to make our online worship experience as meaningful and accessible as possible.

Summer is closing down and it is time to put PW activities on your September calendars. Our women's Bible study groups meet as follows:

Tuesday, September 2nd - 7-8 p.m. The Evening Bible study group meets in Room 303.

Monday, September 14th - 10:00-11:15 a.m. The Morning Bible study group meets in a Sunday school room off of Swetenburg Hall. From 10:00 - 10:15 we "socialize" and our Bible study is from 10:15 - 11:15.

2026-2027 Horizon Bible Study is titled "United through Christ, Bound to Each Other." This is a study of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians urging them to remain ready for the day when Christ returns. Copies are free and will be available to pick-up in the church office or at our first Bible study meetings.

2026-2027 PW Officers are as follows:   Moderator - Carolyn Moses, Treasurer - Susan Parker, Secretary/Historian - Nancy Naegele, Ecumenical Mission Relations - Linda Spencer, Parliamentarian - Janet Hesser, Evening Group Liaison - Karen Schaap, Wonderful Works - Shelley Collins, and At Large Member - Joan VanRysselberge.

FPC’s next rotation at the food pantry is August 10 through 21, 2026

We will serve clients on the following days from noon to 1:30pm:

Week 1:

·        Tuesday, August 11

·        Thursday, August 13

Week 2:

·        Tuesday, August 18

·        Thursday, August 20

We will need 3-4 volunteers on each of the above days: (1) one to greet clients, (2) one or two to enter clients’ information into the computer, and (3) one to load the grocery carts with the bags of food.

On Tuesdays, August 11 and 18, we will pack grocery bags with food at the food pantry from 9:00-11:00am. We will need 5-6 volunteers each day to help with packing.

FPC also provides butter, cheese, and bread to the clients. One volunteer is needed to pick up the butter and cheese on Monday or Tuesday morning (August 10 or 11) and deliver them to the food pantry. Another volunteer is needed to pick up the bread at Publix on Saturday mornings, August 8 and August 15, and deliver the bread to the food pantry.

If you are interested in volunteering in any of these areas for the food pantry during this rotation, please contact Tina de Waart at tinadewaart@bellsouth.net or 770-601-6118.

Thank you for your support of the food pantry!