From the Pastor Archives - Page 67 of 107 - First United Methodist Church of Galax

Sunday Reflection (June 13, 2021)

June 14, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Think of ourselves and Christ’s Church as farmers who plant seeds, and the seed that we plant together is the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We plant it through our proclamation and actions in response to God’s love revealed to us in Jesus Christ. Yet, planting seeds is not always easy.

We do not always see the results of that which we have planted (Mark 4:26-32).

Someone else may reap the benefit of that which has been planted through us. This can lead to discouragement, or to a greater faith

in God’s ability to bring to fruition that which God has planted through us. Nevertheless, through us God plants the seed, and likewise,
God works the miracle, so with confidence, keep planting with patience.

Prayer for the Week (June 13-June 19, 2021)

June 14, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray to the Father whose love gives us strength to follow his Son: God our Father, we rejoice in the faith that draws us together.
May your encouragement be our constant strength to keep us one in the love that has sealed our lives.
May we live the Gospel we profess by listening to the Holy Spirit who leads us in the way of Christ.
Amen.

(Sunday Missal, alt.)

Daily Devotion June 8, 2021

June 9, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Prayer for the Week (June 6-June 12, 2021)

June 7, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray for daily renewal: Thank you, Lord God, that you have cleansed us from sin and saved us from the power of the enemy through the death and resurrection of your Son.
May our sinful self be destroyed each day as the Holy Spirit brings life to us each day, and continually creates a new person unto the image of God fully revealed in Christ.

Amen.

Sunday Reflection (June 6, 2021)

June 7, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Since we have been renewed by God’s Spirit, do not discount what God’s Spirit can do for others. God is a God

of restoration and renewal (2 Corinthians 5:16-17).

Furthermore, since everything has become new, may we see people differently and be wary of outward deceptions.

We will not be perfect in this, but may we be led by the Spirit to see others with the eyes of God as much as we are able.

May we continually be taught by God through the Holy Spirit that each person has the potential to grow into greatness and beauty

in his or her own right, if only given a chance (1 Samuel 16:1-13).

Yes, we cannot see others as God sees others so before we judge others hear these words of Paul about ultimate judgment:

“We will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Daily Devotion June 1, 2021

June 2, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Prayer for the Week (May 30-June 5, 2021)

June 2, 2021/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray to God as the sons and daughters he dearly loves:
Father, you sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit
to make us holy. Through your Word, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
we come to the mystery of your life. May we worship you,
one God in three persons, by proclaiming and living our faith in you.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who eternally dwells
with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.
Amen.

(New Handbook of the Christian Year)