November 2023 - First United Methodist Church of Galax

Devotion November 29, 2023

November 30, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Devotion November 28, 2023

November 30, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection (November 26, 2023)

November 27, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

According to the prophet Ezekiel, those in positions of authority and influence in ancient Israel abused their position and power by pushing aside the most vulnerable (Ezekiel 34:20-24). They forgot that the advocate for the weak, poor, and vulnerable was none other than God himself! Is our society any different? Our Gospel Reading from Matthew was addressed to corporate entities: The nations. There is an individual aspect, but the focus is upon a nation, a society that is grouped together (Matthew 25:31-46).

“As we do or don’t do” for the poorest, weakest, and most vulnerable, we do unto Christ (Matthew 25:31-46). God judges us not only for the wrongs we have done but also for what we have failed to do when we had the opportunity. This is more than an individual responsibility; it involves us as a society. According to Matthew, God judges a society by how that society treats its most vulnerable citizens, including our own. The basis of the judgement depicted in Matthew is closely tied to the love of neighbors, to caring for those in need.

Prayer for the Week (November 26-December 2, 2023)

November 27, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray that we reign with Jesus by serving with him: God our Father when you wanted to show us that you are the Lord of all people, you sent us Jesus your Son as the humble servant of your love. Give us faith to learn from him that to serve is to reign. Amen.

(Claretian Communications, alt.)

Sunday Sermon November 26, 2023

November 27, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Devotion November 21, 2023

November 22, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection (November 19, 2023)

November 20, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Do we as a Church and individuals make the most of the opportunities and talents God has given us? Or, do we bury our God-given talents and opportunities in the ground? The tragedy of that is that we miss the greatest spiritual opportunity of our life which is to give the world a glimpse of the kingdom of God.

The world desperately needs to know about God’s love in word and in deed. God has given us, this Church and the Church Universal, opportunities and talents to make a difference for the good. God has also given us individual gifts and talents to make the world a better place for all. Do we make the most of what God has graced us with?

Prayer for the Week (November 19-November 25, 2023)

November 20, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray that our prayers rise like incense in the presence of the Lord: Almighty Father, strong is your justice and great is your mercy. Protect us in the burdens and challenges of life. Shield our minds from the distortion of pride and enfold our desire with the beauty of truth. Help us become more aware of your loving design so that we give our lives in service to others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Sunday Missal)