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Dear FUMC Family,
Happy Friday! As the weekend approaches, I hope you'll make plans now to join us for worship at FUMC Belmont. Again this week, forecasts predict below freezing temperatures Sunday morning, so our 8:30 service will be cancelled. Plan to join us online at 10:00 on Facebook.
This week, we're continuing our series The Mysterious Christ, looking at an amazing encounter between Jesus and the soon-to-be disciple Nathanael. Nathanael is amazed by his encounter with Jesus, so much that he moves from cynical doubt to a bold, passionate faith. I'd invite you to read about this moment in John 1:43-51. What is it about Jesus that provokes this change in Nathanael's attitude and thinking? If you have an idea, I'd love for you to email me and share it before Sunday!
This week in worship, we'll have some fun looking at optical illusions together, share in another fantastic moment for children, and worship through special music offered by Margie Ligon. You won't want to miss worship this week!
Don't forget, starting January 31, both of our services will be open for in-person worship inside our sanctuary. Click here to read about the covenant we're asking everyone who attends to make with us as we worship together. If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let me know.
There continues to be much uncertainty, unrest and division in our nation. In the week ahead, I'd invite you to join me in praying this Prayer for the Nation, from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer:
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for the joy and privilege you give to me in serving as your pastor. If there is any way I can be of help or support, do not ever hesitate to call or email at any time. May God bless you and keep you today and always!
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