Archive for month: October, 2024
Sunday Reflection (October 27, 2024)
/in From the Pastor/by Diane PalumboSunday Reflection upon Psalm 34
In some ways, Psalm 34 describes what we think it should be: The righteous will be blessed, and God protects the righteous. The Psalm raises a profound question: if God offers such protection, why did Jesus, or any other righteous person, suffer at the hands of corrupt evildoers? The Psalm does not provide a direct answer to this question. However, the final verses offer a glimmer of hope. Psalm 34:20 is quoted about Jesus: Although he suffered, ‘yet not a bone was broken.’ What does this mean for us? It means we may endure suffering, but God has not abandoned us.
Indeed, the words and deeds of Jesus, the righteous one, serve as a stark reminder of our wicked ways and deceitful speech. Yet, in his ultimate wisdom, the Lord redeems the lives of his servants (34:22). The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a beacon of hope for all of us. It reassures us that God has not given up on us and that with ultimate judgment comes ultimate restoration. The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful symbol of hope, a constant reminder that God’s love and mercy are always with us.
Prayer for the Week (October 27, 2024-November 2, 2024)
/in From the Pastor/by Diane PalumboLet us pray to God who hears us and all who appeal to him: Our living God, you are near to us in our joys and pains. Give us the eyes of faith, love, and courage to carry out your mission. Help us understand the needs of those who cry out to you in misery or suffer in silence. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, may we share your healing compassion with those around us and with the world through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Claretian Publications)
Prayer for the Week (October 20, 2024-October 26, 2024)
/in From the Pastor/by Diane PalumboLet us pray to the Lord who bends close to hear our prayer: Lord our God, you guard us under the shadow of your wings and search into the depths of our hearts. Remove the blindness that prevents us from knowing you and relieve the fear that hides us from your sight. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Sunday Missal, alt.)
Sunday Reflection (October 20, 2024)
/in From the Pastor/by Diane PalumboSunday Reflection upon Isaiah 52:13-53:12
The band REM wrote and sang a profoundly reflective song in the 1980s: “Talk about the Passion.” The central part of the song cries out, “Not everyone can carry the weight of the world,” which is true. Yet the song also points out that we may engage in empty prayers and talk without truly addressing the world’s pain and suffering. The song beckons us to address the passion and pain of the world in a meaningful way.
The band REM wrote and sang a profoundly reflective song in the 1980s: “Talk about the Passion.” The central part of the song cries out, “Not everyone can carry the weight of the world,” which is true. Yet the song also points out that we may engage in empty prayers and talk without truly addressing the world’s pain and suffering. The song beckons us to address the passion and pain of the world in a meaningful way.
Remember, we follow “The Ultimate Servant,” Jesus Christ. We can truly make a difference through our collective understanding and actions. May we not make those who suffer scapegoats. May we engage the cause of those who suffer and seek to improve the world and alleviate pain and suffering, not add to it.
INTERESTING LINKS
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Worship Service on November 24, 2024 10:30 am
- Worship Service on December 1, 2024 10:30 am
- Worship Service on December 8, 2024 10:30 am
- UMW Monthly Meeting on December 10, 2024 10:30 am
- Worship Service on December 15, 2024 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