"To live is to suffer; to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering." -Friedrich Nietzsche

"Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember that pain, sorrow, and suffering are but the kiss of Jesus - a sign that you have come so close to him that he can kiss you." -Mother Teresa

Dear FPC Members and Friends,

One aspect of Jesus' teachings that I think is too often overlooked is the idea that Jesus was preparing his disciples to endure hardships. Religion (Christianity in particular) has many flavors in America, and it's not hard at all to find strains of Christianity that dismiss the thought of hardship and instead portray faith in Jesus Christ as the road to prosperity. The truth, however, is that Jesus walked to the cross, the disciples were called to follow, and after Jesus' death and resurrection life for them was anything but easy. The good news is that Jesus prepared them for it, and as a consequence, how we find meaning in times of hardship and suffering is an integral part of Christian life.

The Bible speaks with many voices when it comes to suffering, and you'll see this reflected in Exodus 19:2-8a and Romans 5:1-11, our scripture readings for Sunday. As you read the Romans text in particular, ask yourself how it informs your own understanding of hardship and suffering. How might this text help you find meaning in difficult times? How does it shape your relationship with God?

As you read, reflect, and pray toward Sunday, I also hope that you'll offer prayers of joyful thanksgiving for all that God is doing at FPC. While the summer months might correspond to a decline in activity and participation in many churches, we strive to resist that trend here! We are overjoyed to commission our youth group and youth leaders this Sunday as they depart for the Montreat Youth Conference. At the same time, our first AIR Guatemala Mission team will return from their travels, even as others prepare to be commissioned and depart in the coming weeks. We are a sending church! There's a lot going on!

Sometimes, encountering hardship can lead us into a deeper appreciation for the multitude of blessings around us. Sometimes recognizing the many ways in which God is at work in our lives can bring us peace that sustains us even in times of suffering. May God lead you lovingly and gracefully into that peace, no matter what circumstances you may face.

In Christ's love,

Lee

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June 2026 Lectionary Readings

June 7

Genesis 12:1–9 | Psalm 33:1–12

Romans 4:13–25 | Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26

June 14

Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7 | Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19

Romans 5:1–8 | Matthew 9:35–10:8

June 21

Genesis 21:8–21 | Psalm 86:1–10, 16–17

Romans 6:1–11 | Matthew 10:24–39

June 28

Genesis 22:1–14 | Psalm 13

Romans 6:12–23 | Matthew 10:40–42

Center Point was established in 1967 by First Presbyterian and 3 other local churches to provide release-time education classes to public school students. It was created with the purpose of providing off-site religion classes to public school students but has slowly transformed into a successful and diverse student-and-family-centered non-profit with services that include counseling, life skills education, and mentoring. Center Point envisions a community where all students and families have educational and mental health resources they need to be successful. Their purpose is to enhance, strengthen, and change lives. You can support their ministry by signing up to be a Mentor or participating in their big fundraiser, Dancing for a Cause, held on August 22nd, 2026, by sponsoring a dancer. For more information go to their website at www.centerpointga.org

Family Promise Volunteers & Donations Needed

Our next Family Promise rotation is coming up on June 29, July 1, and July 3. We have several opportunities to support the families staying at Family Promise of Hall County and would love your help!

We are currently in need of Walmart or Publix gift cards to help stock the pantry and purchase meals, as our funds for this ministry are running low.

We are also looking for volunteers to deliver pre-ordered meals around 4:00 p.m. on June 29 and July 1. The meals will simply need to be picked up and delivered to the Family Promise facility.

On July 3, we will be celebrating Independence Day with the families by grilling hot dogs and hamburgers and serving snow cones. If you would like to help grill, serve, or assist with the festivities, we would love to have you join us.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact:

Rachel Greenwalt

770-654-6287

greenwalt2013@gmail.com

Thank you for helping us share Christ's love and hospitality with families in our community.