From the Pastor Archives - First United Methodist Church of Galax

Sunday Reflection (January 12, 2025)

January 13, 2025/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection upon Isiah 59:1-15 & 62:1-5

Through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, God continually renews us in His divine image. While a long-term project, this ongoing renewal is a source of comfort and security in our faith. No matter our past or present, God can always create something beautiful in our lives. This renewal unto the image of Christ is a source of inspiration and hope, knowing that a loving and creative God guides our journey of spiritual growth. God’s relationship with us is grounded in love and compassion, and it’s this love and compassion that should guide our relationships with others.

Prayer for the Week (January 12-January 18, 2025)

January 13, 2025/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray for the gift of peace: Almighty and ever-present Father, your watchful care reaches from end to end and orders all things in such power that even the tensions and tragedies of sin cannot frustrate your loving plans. Through the Holy Spirit, lead us to embrace your will and give us the strength to follow your call, so that your truth live in our hearts and reflect peace to the world around us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Sunday Missal, alt.)

Sunday Sermon January 5, 2025

January 8, 2025/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection (December 29, 2024)

December 30, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection upon John 1:1-18

What if God were one of us? God was in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament ambivalence about a God of violence has come to a definitive end with God’s revelation in Jesus Christ. We can no longer project our violent nature upon God. God has shown us differently in Jesus Christ when God became human. God is a God of love. The Holy Spirit, our constant companion, leads us in the way of Christ, reassuring us and supporting us as we enflesh a life of love and compassion.

Prayer for the Week (December 29, 2024-January 4, 2025)

December 30, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray that the Lord Jesus grow within us and among us: God our Father, we give you all thanks and praise that you chose for your Son a human family. Through the example of Mary and Joseph, may we learn to make room for Jesus in our life, so that he grow within us and among us and make us more like him. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

(Claretian Publications)

Sunday Sermon December 29, 2024

December 30, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection (December 15, 2024)

December 16, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection upon Philippians 1:1-11

John the Baptist’s preaching of repentance is a beacon of hope. It is a promise that God can transform our lives and the world through repentance, challenging our self-centered ways. Repentance is an assurance that we can change and make a difference in our lives and the lives of others, fostering a hope that extends beyond ourselves and our kin to our community and the world. When the opportunity presents itself, practice repentance and do good, knowing that the simple act of kindness and grace can bring about a better world.

Prayer for the Week (December 15, 2024-December 21, 2024)

December 16, 2024/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray for the courage to do well what we must do in life: Our faithful God, give us the courage to welcome your Son by sharing what we have, doing what is right and just, and spreading peace. May your Son Jesus baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire so that he renews us by his love and our hearts overflow with joy because Jesus is alive among us. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord, Amen.

(Claretian Publications)