Sunday Reflection (October 1, 2023)
/in From the Pastor/by Diane PalumboOur Gospel Reading was about two sons who exercised their freedom to make U-turns (Matthew 21:28-32). Each brother did a U-Turn: One for the better, one for the worse. One responded yes but failed to act. The other responded no but later changed his mind and obeyed. The greatest sinner can say “no” to God, but later change his/her mind and say yes: God allows U-turns! The self-righteous say “yes” to God in front of others but fail to obey God.
Each day presents new opportunities to serve God. How faithful are we with the invitation to follow Jesus and obey his commands? We all have refused God’s directions (I know I have), yet his parable reminds us that we can say yes to God: It is not too late! The past does not have to totally determine our future. God continually offers us the possibility of life found in obedience to God and the way of Christ.
Prayer for the Week (October 1-October 7, 2023)
/in From the Pastor/by Diane PalumboLet us pray that we answer God’s call with love and faithfulness: Loving Father, you do not want sinners to die, but to turn away from sin and to do what is right, so that they may live. Keep forgiving us. Give us the attitude of Jesus and lead us by the Holy Spirit to be merciful with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Claretian Publications)
Sunday Reflection (September 24, 2023)
/in From the Pastor/by Diane PalumboIf you reflect upon the abundance of the good favor with which you have been blessed, it is probably more than you realize. The landowner in a parable of Matthew (20:1-6) had abundance and he shared it so that every one of the day laborers received what they needed. No doubt, no one went home that night hungry. Greed blinds us to the real needs of others and causes us to overlook our own abundance.
Nevertheless, may we share God’s gifts and abundance with others. Part of the joy of knowing God as revealed through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is this: God is merciful! Yes, God’s “not fair,” but God is generous! I for one am glad, after all, where would we be without God’s generous extension of grace, kindness, and mercy? Jesus challenges us to see and act in the world with God’s generosity. What’s our response? What’s your response? What’s my response?
INTERESTING LINKS
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Worship Service on April 27, 2025 10:30 am
- Worship Service on May 4, 2025 10:30 am
- Worship Service on May 11, 2025 10:30 am
- UMW Monthly Meeting on May 13, 2025 10:30 am
- Worship Service on May 18, 2025 10:30 am
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PLEASE VISIT!
Galax First United
Methodist Church
306 West Center Street
Galax, VA 24333
(Get Directions)
Phone: 276-236-9937
Email: fumcgalax1@gmail.com
Sunday Services:
10:30 am