Sunday Reflection (September 17, 2023)
/in From the Pastor/by Diane PalumboWe may have a challenging time forgiving and a tough time accepting forgiveness. We may think that there are sins God does not forgive. These words lifted from Psalm 103 remind us of God’s mercy: “Bless the Lord, my soul; who pardons all your sins, and heals all your ills, who redeems your life from the pit, and crowns you with mercy and compassion.”
God has forgiven us and reconciled us. In response may we extend forgiveness in the hopes of being reconciled with one another. This process of reconciliation takes place for the rest of our lives. May we forgive and be reconciled with one another as Joseph was reconciled with his brothers (Genesis 50:15-21).
Prayer for the Week (September 17-September 23, 2023)
/in From the Pastor/by Diane PalumboLet us pray that we learn to forgive the way the Lord forgives: All-loving Father, you are good and patient, compassionate, loving, and merciful with sinners like us. May your pardon bring us joy and stimulate us to forgive the debts, often small, that others owe us. Lead us to share with others the pardon we have received from you so that they feel a bit of your goodness in us. We ask this through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Sunday Reflection (September 10, 2023)
/in From the Pastor/by Diane PalumboAfter the destruction of the Temple the ancient Judeans confronted their sins and accepted responsibility for their sins. When we turn to the Lord, the Lord is already there (Ezekiel 33:7-11). In a small sense in his day, Ezekiel’s words were heard and caused a response. Yet, this response came only after much pain and turmoil.
God is always reaching toward us and when we recognize our sins with the intent to repent and turn from our sins, God is there to lead us. The Psalmist gives us courage: “Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Turn my heart to your decrees and not to selfish gain. Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; be gracious to me according to your word.”
Prayer for the Week (September 10-September 16, 2023)
/in From the Pastor/by Diane PalumboLet us pray to God our Father so that we sustain one another on the way to him: Lord God, our Father, your Son Jesus Christ has brought us together as a community of sinners that you have pardoned. May the Holy Spirit unify us and give us the strength to care for one another and do what we are able to remain a living, forgiving, and welcoming community; representing Christ in this world. Amen.
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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
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
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