11-08-2023 FUMC Words for Wednesday

Giving Thanks

For what are you thankful? I recently glanced through a book entitled “199 Reasons to be Thankful.” Some of the entries were the usual types of things, such as family and friends, health and employment, adequate food and housing, patience, and encouragement, etc. But other entries led me to further reflect on some things many of us may take for granted, for example: the sound of the ocean, laundry, entertainment, limitless possibilities, prayer, umbrellas, a new day, contentment, God’s love, and grace.

If each of us was asked to list some of the things we are thankful for, we could probably name 10-15 items quite easily. But what about a list of 25 or 50 or even 199? Then we would need to do some serious evaluation of our lives and what we think is important. Being thankful for something does not necessarily mean that we like or enjoy it – just that we find value in it.

In this season of Thanksgiving, I encourage you to reflect on your lives and make a list of the large and not-so-large aspects for which you are truly grateful. When the National Day of Thanksgiving arrives later this month, I hope you will meditate on your list and offer a heartfelt prayer to God expressing your gratitude for all of your blessings. As songwriter Johnson Oatman, Jr. wrote:

“Count your blessings, name them one by one.

Count your many blessings; see what God has done.”

May God bless and have a Happy Thanksgiving,

Jimmy

The Panther Pantry needs your help. In preparation for the two holiday breaks, we need to stock the Panther Pantry with non-perishable food items. Cereals, oatmeal, poptarts, soups, crackers and the like are suggested items. The Panther Pantry feeds students while they are on school break. You may place your items in the bin at the MAC entrance.

Pastor Jimmy continues a 6 week Advent Bible Study tonight at 6 pm.

3rd week - Season of Peace

4th week - Season of Joy

5th week - Season of Love

6th week - Anticipation of Advent

Wednesday Night Bible Study for all ages is meeting at 6 pm.

Adults will meet in the Fundamental Room (below the fellowship hall).

Circle of Love has 5 spots available to volunteer in the Operation Christmas Child Warehouse. Our hours to serve are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on December 5th. If you would like to join us please email Pam Jordan pjjordan50@gmail.com or text 706-897-3188.

Remember: ALL shoeboxes are due in THIS Sunday.

Help Us make the Vogel Tree Lighting a huge success. At the annual tree lighting, refreshments are given away to the crowd. We have been asked to help supply cookies for the event. If you can, please bake or buy a batch of cookies and bring them to the church by Thursday, December 7th. Please bring the cookies in a non-returnable container and mark if the cookies have nuts. Thank you.The tree lighting is December 9th. This is a simple way for us to give back and support the community as they have given to us.

SAVE THE DATE :

“MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) will be collecting items for S.A.F.E (Support in Abusive Family Emergencies) in Blairsville. S.A.F.E. is a domestic violence and sexual assault program with a designated service area of both Towns County and Union County. You can view their wish list here. There will be a “S.A.F.E TREE” set up in the main entrance area of the MAC. The ornaments on the tree will be labeled with items that we are collecting. Please take an ornament and purchase item(s). Then place items under the tree after you pick them up. You can also pick items from the “wish list” and bring them to the church to place under the S.A.F.E tree. There is no official deadline on when to drop off items, but the “S.A.F.E. TREE” will only be up until November 19^th. Thank you for supporting this local ministry-missions organization.”

Needing a Thanksgiving Dinner? We’ve got you covered. The community Thanksgiving Blessings Dinner will be served on November 23rd. You may sign up to have a meal delivered (10 am till noon) or pick up from a spot (11 am till 1:30 pm) or dine in (11 till 1:30 pm) at House of Prayer. Reservations are requested. You may call our church office to make those.

We are in desperate need of 2X and 3X coats. We have plenty of medium coats but need more larger sizes. If you have any lying around your home, please donate them. The coat drive will end next Wednesday, 15th as coats will be distributed on Thursday, 16th.

Please stop by and say a prayer over these quilts. Tying a knot lets the receiver know that people care and that we have prayed for them.

If you know of someone who would benefit from a prayer quilt,

please let the office or Paula Myers know.

John Browning - Cancer diagnosis

MAC Walking Track Hours…

Monday-Thursday 9 am - 3:00 pm

Pickleball Schedule!

The Blairsville Pickleball Club now plays on Tuesdays from 12:00pm till 3:00pm. Everyone is welcome! Join us!

Fitness Classes For You!

“Ladies Exercise”: Led by Lisa Toups. Meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 - 10:00 am in M-30.

“Tai Chi”: Led by Pat Tomzyck. Meets Tuesdays at 8:00am in room M-0 (First floor). Cost is $5.00 per class. Bring a mat!

“Christ-Centered” Yoga: led by Pat Tomzyck. Meets Tuesdays at 9:00am in room M-0 (First floor). Cost is $5.00 per class. Bring your own yoga mat.

They say humor keeps us young so here’s a little something for your funny bone….

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kenny and Ingrid Engle on the passing of his brother Richard in Ohio. Please also pray for their safe travel to Ohio for the services.

Please Help Us at the church by keeping us informed of any sickness or procedures that you or any of our family members may be experiencing. You may contact Pastor Mack for your prayer requests at mack.riley@ngumc.net or call the church at 706-745-2073.

Prayer Concerns and Celebrations:

Please help us keep this list updated by notifying the office of any changes.