July 2024 - First United Methodist Church of Galax

Sunday Reflection upon Serving Others as Christ instructed us

The desire to ‘Lord it over others’ and dominate others has no place in following Christ, especially when it comes to the most vulnerable. Among the most vulnerable people in the ancient world were children, who were often seen as disposable and insignificant. Earlier in Luke’s Gospel, King Herod, a ruler who sought to maintain his power, slaughtered over 2,000 innocent children, hoping to kill a potential rival (the Christ). If we overlook the bombing or mistreatment of innocent children, we have lost our way in following Christ. How we treat the most vulnerable determines who is the greatest!

Jesus points out that the greatest person receives the most vulnerable with kindness and friendship, not condescension, but kindness and friendship, underscoring the weight of our responsibility in treating the most vulnerable. God came to us in Jesus and gave himself to humankind as an example. May that example not just influence but inspire and motivate our rhetorical use of words and our deeds performed in humility and service to others.

Prayer for the Week (July 28, 2024-August 3, 2024)

July 29, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray: God, throughout the hours of our days, remain at the center of our thoughts and actions: Father, through the Holy Spirit draw us to you, and hold us together as individuals and as a community of faith. Enable us to focus our hopes as we aim to do your will. Be our source of loving support through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Glen E. Rainsley, alt.

Sunday Sermon July 28, 2024

July 29, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Devotion July 24, 2024

July 25, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Devotion July 23, 2024

July 25, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Prayer for the Week (July 21, 2024-July 27, 2024)

July 22, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray: God, throughout the hours of our days, remain at the center of our thoughts and actions: Father, through the Holy Spirit, draw us to you and hold us together as individuals and as a community of faith. Enable us to focus our hopes as we aim to do your will. Be our source of loving support through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
(Glen E. Rainsley, alt.)