8-12-2026 FUMC Words for Wednesday

Keep Asking

Children have a way of asking for the same thing more than once.

 

Sometimes much more than once.

“Can we stop for ice cream?”

“Did you hear me?”

“Can we stop for ice cream?”

“Maybe on the way home.”

“So…can we stop for ice cream on the way home?”

They do not always understand timing, budgets, schedules, or why the answer has not come yet. They simply know what they want, and they are convinced that continuing to ask might help.

Adults are usually a little more restrained. We may not repeat ourselves every thirty seconds, but we know what it is like to keep asking, waiting, hoping, and wondering.

We pray for someone we love, but nothing seems to change. We ask God for direction, but the way ahead remains unclear. We carry a burden for weeks, months, or even years, and eventually we begin to wonder whether God is listening.

Those are difficult places to be.

Faith is easy to talk about when prayers are answered quickly. It is much harder when the answer is delayed, unexpected, or different from what we imagined. In those moments, we may feel tempted to stop praying altogether.

But perhaps continuing to pray is not a sign that our faith is weak. Perhaps it is evidence that somewhere deep within us, we still believe God hears us.

Persistent faith is not pretending everything will turn out exactly as we want. It is not ignoring reality or closing our eyes to difficult circumstances. It is choosing to trust that God remains good, even when we do not yet understand what He is doing.

Campmeeting gatherings were born out of that kind of faith. People came together to pray, sing, listen, and seek God. They came believing that God could still change hearts, restore lives, strengthen families, and awaken the church. They did not gather because life was easy. They gathered because they believed God was faithful.

Maybe there is something you have nearly stopped praying about.

Maybe disappointment has made you cautious. Maybe you are tired of asking. Maybe you have begun to wonder whether it makes any difference.

This week, perhaps the invitation is simply to pray one more time—not because we can control the answer, but because we trust the One who hears us.

What would it look like for you to keep asking, keep trusting, and keep holding on to God’s grace?

God’s Blessings,

NEXT SUPPER ON

AUGUST 19TH AT 5PM

Summer Salads & Dessert

BIBLE STUDY TONIGHT

“The Attributes of God” will continue. Learn to know God, not just know about God.

1st Floor of the MAC

Are You A Military Veteran? We could use your help with Posting the Colors at our 11am Service. Please reach out to Roy Hamby at 706-781-5488
undefined
August is Camp Meeting month - Enjoy services this month featuring Cokesbury hymns we all love while relaxing in casual dress.
Line Dancing will be wrapping up this month in preparation of OASIS Fall kickoff.

There will be only 2 more dates for this summer class August 13 and 20th.

MINISTRY UPDATES

CEC Preschool and One Room School House

If you know of someone who would benefit from a prayer quilt, please contact Darlene in the office 706.745.2073 or Paula Myers.
Please stop by Bray Chapel to pray over these quilts. Be sure to tie a knot to let the recipient know they were prayed for. Thank you.

Allie McTureous

Shoulder surgery

Joe Kennard

Shoulder Surgery

(2nd time same shoulder)

Kay Floyd

Long Haul Covid

RSV and compressed spinal fractures

Top Ten Reasons Why YOU Should Become a Stephen Minister

#2 Stephen Ministers are skilled caregivers

Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training before they are commissioned and assigned to care receivers. They learn skills such as listening, expressing feelings, setting boundaries, and being assertive. They also learn about specific challenges such as hospitalization, divorce, grief, and depression.

Stephen Ministers feel well prepared to walk along side of people in crisis, whether it is with an assigned care receiver, or in their own relationships with family, friands and co-workers. Stephen Ministers often say that this ministry is very rewarding and builds their connection with Jesus who is the cure giver.

We need to grow our Stephen Ministry team. We are planning to start a new training class in October. We would love to have some of our awesome men and women join us. This is an amazing ministry in which you learn how to help others. You will also obtain a new set of skills.

Call one of our Stephen Leaders.

Jan Minor 404-805-0505

Kathy Cook 770-403-9337

If you know of someone who would like to receive Communion, please let us know. Contact the Church Office at 706-745-2073 or email Pastor Mack at mack.riley@georgiaumc.net

WOMEN’S ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

ALL WOMEN are invited to the new Zoom Bible Study. Start date is August 26 at 10am. If you are intesterest please contact the office for more details. 706-745-2073

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common disease in which bones become weak, thin and fragile, making them more likely to break. It often develops gradually without symptoms until a fracture occurs.

Aging is a major risk factor, especially in women after menopause because of declining estrogen levels. Other risk factors include a family history of osteoporosis, low body weight, inadequatecalcium and vitamin D, lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and certain medication or medical conditions.

Prevention should begin early but it is important at every age. Regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, dancing, and climbing stairs, helps maintain bone strength. Strength and balance exercises can also reduce risk of falls and fractures.

A diet containing adequate calcium and vitamin D is important for healthy bones. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and making the home safe can further reduce risk.

Treatment depends on the individual’s bone density and fracture risk. A bone-density test, called a DEXA Scan, can help determine whether osteoporosis is present.

Treatment may include calcium and Vitamin D when needed, exercise, fall prevention, and prescription medications that slow bone loss or help build stronger bones. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious fractures, particularly of the hip and spine.

The magnetic nametag order will be sent off once a month now at the end of each month. If you would like a magnetic tag, please stop by or call the church office to place your order. Tag prices can vary but are generally below $20 each.

Are you in need of a Notary?

Janice Hayman, our Financial Secretary, is a Notary and is available by appointment. Just call the office to set up a time.

Gym hours:

Mondays- Thursdays 9 am till 3 pm

Those under 18 years of age need to be accompanied by a parent

or another adult over 21.

Walking Track Hours

Monday - Thursday 9:00 am till 3:00 pm

Pickleball

The Blairsville Pickleball Club now plays on Tuesdays from 12:00pm till 3:00pm. This is open to the public and everyone is welcome!

Fitness Classes For You!

“Christ-Centered” Yoga: led by Pat Tomzyck. Meets Tuesdays at 9:00am in room M-0 (First floor). Cost is $5 per class. Bring your own yoga mat.

New Class!

Chair Yoga: led by Carol Davis, certified Silver Sneaker Yoga Instructor. Meets Wednesdays at 10:30am in room M0 (First floor). Donations accepted for church. Just bring a water.

Please as you are praying through the list make a note of anyone that can come off the list or any other changes. You may contact Pastor Mack for your prayer requests at mack.riley@ngumc.net or call the church at 706-745-2073.
SPECIFIC:

  • Appleman’s friends, Kristi & Randy Cunningham he was in a motorcycle accident is in critical condition in Gainesville.
  • Frank Baily - terminal cancer
  • Lisa Baxter - heart condition
  • Lyric Brogden - in physical therapy
  • Courtney Bruce’s cousin, Ryan - cancer diagnosis
  • Diane Bunten’s friends Kearstin Russell and family - health concerns
  • Joyce Byers - health issues, knees
  • Shirley Cobb family
  • Angela Edwards daughter, Nikki Goslin lupus
  • Donna Fredericks’ daughter Carrie Ann - getting on kidney transplant list
  • Ricki Garret’s friend Dorothy Rogers - health issues and speedy recovery
  • Ricki Garret’s friend Gail Rielly broke hip and foot
  • Hauschild’s family friend, Tim Wright fighting for his life.
  • Artie Hodgson - heart issues
  • Charles Hosch & Family- Charles is the missing hiker on Appalachian Trail near Blood Mountain
  • Lorena Johnson - continue strength and healing
  • Shirley Kelley - hip surgery - cancer has returned
  • Joe & Margaret Kennard - Joe shoulder surgery 8/4
  • Pam Kocher’s daughter-in-law, Pat Bailey - diagnosed with lung cancer.
  • Whitney Lee - in the hospital with sepsis
  • Wayne & Lyn LeCompte’s daughter, Nicole Owry
  • Mary Frances and Cecil Lewis’ son, Mark Lewis - triple by-pass surgery
  • Terri Mager - Cade Dean 18y old burns over 80% of body in Grady Burn Center.
  • Laura May’s, mother, Elizabeth Bond knee replacement and currently in rehab
  • Jeanne McJilton, infant grandson Jace- for vision correction
  • Allie McTureous - shoulder surgery
  • James McTureous’ father Robert - health issues
  • James McTureous - health issues
  • Art Miller having open heart surgery
  • Buster Miller’s sister, Janice - stroke
  • Jan Minor’s daughter, Allie sight loss
  • Leura Mollnhauer -health concerns, continuing physical therapy
  • Brenda Morningstar - health issues in rehab
  • Bob Mundy - health issues
  • Craig Nelson - Skin cancer
  • Patty Norwood’s son, Ryan-serious colon problems
  • Patty Norwood’s sister, Jan - lung problems
  • Rose Oberlin’s friend, Kay Floyd Citron - Long haul Covid, car accident with 3 compressed spine fractures in Wellstar Rehab
  • Mike & Mary Odom - Mary has advanced jaw and tongue cancer
  • Sarah Partain’s neighbor, Beth Butler - cancer & heart problems
  • Jeannine Riley’s sister, Suzanne Mobley in rehab in Mississippi
  • Mack Riley’s neighbor Todd Peres - health issues
  • John and Renee Rives’ son Thomas and daughter in law Hali- health issues
  • John Rives’ sister Robyn-health issues
  • Carol Rogers at Union Hospital, poor transition from rehab to home
  • Meridith Rose’s Family member, Scott Hulme - lung cancer
  • Avis Shaw’s sister Mildred Elkin health issues
  • Herb Sleeme - health issues
  • Rae Ann Straub - cancer diagnosis experiencing low blood pressure and possible infection
  • Paul Whittle friend, Amanda Freeman hospitalized with cancer

HEALTH ISSUES and CONCERNS:

  • Bill Bender
  • Kirby Bowron
  • Marjorie Bowron
  • Mike Brandenburg
  • John Browning
  • Joyce Byers
  • Wayne Jones
  • James Jordan
  • Elaine Neuhaus
  • Ray Norwood
  • Jeanne Pickerill
  • Carol and Norm Rogers
  • Kearstin Russell
  • Avis Shaw
  • Nikki Schuknecht
  • Sue Stewart
  • Marie Williams

*Please pray for those with unspoken concerns.

IN NURSING HOMES and ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES:

  • Jim Arthur - Stonehenge Assisted Living, Building 2, Room 5
  • Marilyn Barnes - Canton- Arbor at Bridgemill, Room #268
  • June Colditz - Manor Lake Assisted Living, N Athens
  • Shirley Cobb - Union County Nursing Home, Room #142
  • Polly Conkle - Blue Ridge Assisted Living
  • AG Sherman’s sister, Paula Holley - Union County Nursing Home, Room #252

If you haven’t signed up yet for online giving,

it’s as easy as going to our website firstmethodistblairsville.com, scrolling down on the front page and hitting the online giving button.

A Note from Your Finance Team

THANK YOU!

  General Fund Designated YTD

General

YTD Designated
August 5 $14,070 $1,486 $414,060 $87,893
August 12 $15,476 $1,014 $429,537 $88,907

Please continue to remember your Church in your legacy trusts & wills

- that gift is also greatly appreciated!

Staff Emails:

 

Facebook  Instagram

 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF UNION COUNTY

938 Highway 515 Blairsville, Georgia 30512

(706) 745 2073

Rev. Jimmy Hood, Pastor

Church Website: www.firstmethodistblairsville.com

Email: darlene@firstmethodistblairsville.com

      We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation

Pin It on Pinterest