In the 15th chapter of Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, the apostle outlines his thoughts on the reality, the meaning, and the impact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As he describes the reality of the resurrection and the appearance of the risen Jesus to the apostles (including himself), Paul writes these words:
“By the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain.” (1 Cor. 15:10)
I read those words today and thought back over the years of my life. I thought of some of the conversations and decisions that helped me navigate the steps I have taken along the way. I thought of some of the moments when a different choice, or a different voice of influence might have sent my life on a very different path. I thought of my life as a child and teenager, of all the hopes and dreams I held, and of my ideas of what my own future reality might be. Theological education was never a consideration – I gloriously failed the last Religious Education exam I took in high school! Ordained life would have been an outrageous thought to me back then…but here I am.
“By the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain.”
I also read those words in the context of the days we are in. Some days are good. Some days are not so good. Some days I experience moments of great joy, and other days I experience moments of immense frustration and confusion as I deal with navigating COVID. There are days when I feel pumped, primed and ready to take on whatever the season is bringing, and there are days when I hold up my hands and confess that I really haven’t got a clue what to do. Perhaps you can relate.
“But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain.”
I don’t understand the grace of God. It makes no sense to me at all, but I know my life is bathed in it. I know that we are nothing without it. And I know that it really is sufficient for all of our needs in life – even through COVID. It is both staggering and scandalous that the grace of God be poured out on our lives.
Take a moment today, in the middle of whatever is going on, to reflect on the exceedingly good news that “you are what you are by the grace of God, and that God’s grace towards you has not been in vain.”
Blessings
Pastor Charlie
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This Sunday in Worship at Memorial......
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Gather a candle, and your Bible, and tune in for worship Sunday, August 2nd at 11:00AM on Facebook!
We will have Holy Communion together, so gather your elements!
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*Bring your own coffee and donuts. :) |
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Join "Virtual Coffee & Donuts" Sundays, any time between 10:00AM - 10:55AM, to chat with the church family and meet new friends!
Meeting ID: 851 3188 6995
Password: Memorial
Join without video via cell phone or home phone:
Call: 1 301 715 8592
Meeting ID: 851 3188 6995
Password: 546533
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Further details & RSVP link coming soon! |
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We send our congratulations to new mom Charley Kappel and proud grandmother Kim Kappel on the birth of
Genesis Edward Michael Kappel
born August 4, 2020.
Here is a picture from Kim of Genesis saying "Hi" to his new church family!
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We want to see you IN PERSON on Sunday, August 23rd between 8:30AM and 10:00AM. Come to the church campus where the pastors and staff will host a special DRIVE THRU event before Sunday worship. Drive your car up 6th Street and through the portico between Lamb and Maxwell Hall. The staff, pastors, and volunteers will be there to welcome you and help you Drop Off, Pick Up, and Fill Up as we Celebrate Memorial together*.
Drop Off: A donation for our school supply drive (see below).
Pick Up: A warm greetings and some special gifts from the church staff.
Fill Up: On music from Jeanie and Joey and prayer & Holy Communion with special time with the pastors.
So, drive on over on Sunday, August 23rd. We can't wait to SEE you!
*We will practice social distancing by wearing masks and avoiding direct contact. The congregation is asked to stay in their cars so we can all celebrate safely.
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Our youth went kayaking together this morning on Lofton Creek with Amelia Adventures! There were 20 kids and 5 adults! Here are a few pictures: |
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New Fall Classes will begin soon! Keep a watch on this space for information on all the new classes. Here's a sneak peak of a few!
"God and the Pandemic" Struggling with how to understand the pandemic that looms around us? Join Pastor Carrie in reading and discovering a new way to see and respond. Our text will be God and the Pandemic by NT Wright and together will draw on Scripture, Christian history and see how Jesus reveals new ways to live, think and pray. Class will begin on August 13th at 10AM on ZOOM. Email Pastor Carrie for the link to order a book and to join class.
"Grateful" Do you struggle with being Grateful for all we have and are? Join Pastor Carrie as we read Grateful by Diana Butler Bass and together we will discover new ways of being filled with gratitude. We will offer this class twice, Thursday mornings (beginning August 13th) at 11:30AM on ZOOM and on Wednesday nights (beginning August 26th) at 6:00PM on ZOOM. Email Pastor Carrie for the link to order a book and to join class.
"The Book of Revelation" The Revelation of John is one of the most talked about books of the Bible, and those conversations vary in their helpfulness in gaining a solid understanding of the meaning and application of John’s image-loaded work. Our study will be a chapter by chapter conversation seeking a fuller understanding of all that John was trying to say as he described his various visions. Week by week, Pastor Charlie will share thoughts and insights from his own study to fuel further conversation among participants.
Together, we will do our best to listen for and hear John’s clarion call to total allegiance to Christ in a world that seeks our allegiance in so many other ways. This class will be Wednesday evenings at 6:00PM over ZOOM beginning August 26th. Email RSVP@mumconline.com to sign up.
"The Grace of Les Miserable" This unique study was written by United Methodist minister Matt Rawle and brings a creative approach to six important Biblical concepts, the most important of which is grace. Pastor Rawle combines examples from both the classic novel by Victor Hugo and the popular musical with appropriate scripture to help put the grace of God into a fresh perspective. This will be offered in 2 different ways - Via ZOOM on Monday nights at 7:00pm - Sept. 21st-Oct. 26th and in person class on Tuesdays - 1:30PM-Sept. 22nd-Oct. 27th (limited to 20 or less) in the Multipurpose Room. If you are interested in the class let Joan know. You'll want to order a book and watch the musical before the first class session.
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Sundays, 9:30AM:
New Testament: Chronological Reading Study with Andy Foote
Yokefellows Class
with Carol Carroll
Kids Sunday School
Sundays, Anytime Between 10:00AM - 10:55AM
Virtual Coffee and Donuts
(Meeting ID: 851 3188 6995
Password: Memorial)
Sunday, 5:00PM
Youth Group
Tuesdays, 10:30AM
Mom's ConneXion Group.
Tuesdays, 12:15PM
Scriptural Study with Pastor Drew
Wednesdays, 5:00PM
Reading Though the New Testament, with Pastor Alyce
Wednesday Night, 6:00PM
Faithlinks with Carrie Mac
& Disciple's Path
(Use the Wednesday Night Group Meeting Code: 920 047 271)
Thursday
Men's Bible Study with Dave Bowers, 7:00AM
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Our drive was such a success last year that we are doing it again! School is starting soon and many students in our county are returning to campus and many of our teachers are back in their classrooms. You are invited to help ease the stress of the school year by elevating the additional cost of school supplies for our teachers. Bring supplies to support the teachers in our church and in our community. Drop off school supplies from now until August 23rd in the box on the porch of the Partin Center (or bring to Celebrate Memorial to drop off then!). We will put together a teacher supply fair and invite educators to drop in and "shop." All additionally supplies will be delivered to Yulee Primary School.
List of needed supplies:
- Water bottles (for students who do not have them)
- Clorox Wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- dry erase markers
- dry erasers
- small white boards
- small packs of crayons (no shared supplies to start the year with)
- glue sticks
- Kleenex
- lanyards
- Copy Paper
- Pencils
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Did you miss anything from worship last week? If you didn't see it the first time around, or just want to see it again, check out some highlights from last Sunday, below! |
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Did you miss Charlie's original song? Listen to it HERE.
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Watch Pastor Drew's children's message HERE.
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And hear Dr. Joan play the organ HERE.
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See our postlude with the praise band HERE.
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Mom's ConneXion Group: Are you a mom who needs to connect with other mom's? Join our Mom's Connexion Group and spend time just chatting and sharing ideas with other mom's. We are currently meeting on ZOOM on Tuesday mornings at 10:30AM. For more information or the link contact Pastor Carrie or Kate Vollmers.
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Are you feeling worn out? Frustrated? Lonely? Scared? In need of someone to talk to? Our Stephen Ministers are here to help. Memorial has a great team of Stephen Ministers who are extensively trained and gifted to help walk with you through this challenging season of life. Stephen Ministers meet with people one-on-one to provide spiritual care and comfort. To request a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Drew or the Church office.
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Pastor Alyce is also available by appointment for pastoral counselling via phone. You can contact Pastor Alyce by calling: 850-544-482
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The Sanctuary and Chapel are Open for times of personal prayer two days a week. Mondays will be only for those ages 65 and over, from 10:00AM - 12:30PM. Wednesdays are open to all from 10:00AM-12:30PM.
Please pre-register your spot by calling the church office (904-261-5769) or signing up online HERE.
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AU students skip meals to feed struggling families |...
International students at Africa University are sacrificing their own meals to put food on the table in vulnerable communities. Four theology students at the United Methodist university started the Feed a Family campaign to help families...
Read more
www.umnews.org
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What Would Wesley Think? - The Michigan Conference
Rev. Glenn Wagner asserts, "It can be fruitful to approach today's challenges with guidance from Methodism's visionary founder, John Wesley." GLENN M. WAGNER Michigan Conference Communications WWWT? What would Wesley think? What would John Wesley ...
Read more
michiganumc.org
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Turning to Wesley's class model amid pandemic | United...
The founder of Methodism died on March 2, 1791, but his teachings remain relevant today amid a global pandemic. In his ministry, John Wesley established the concept of class meetings for fellowship and the development of a disciplined spiritual...
Read more
www.umnews.org
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United Methodist Men: Disaster fatigue
By Dr. Rick Vance Like you, I hoped we would be further along in the recovery from COVID-19 by this time. This morning's report from the Centers for Disease Control, tells me that we are not. This public-health disaster has deeply affected people ...
Read more
www.gcumm.org
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Your financial giving is still very important to our church. Giving online is easy & a good option at this time. Contact the church office with questions.
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Ways to GIVE @Memorial.
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BANK PROGRAM: If you bank through Thrivent, Memorial is enrolled in Thrivent Choice
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SNAIL MAIL: Mail in a donation to Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, Fl 32034
- Bring your donation by the Partin Center and drop it in the mail slot. Offering envelopes are now available outside the front door.
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The United Methodist Church has its own news service!Methodist New Service website, umnews.org,
or the Florida Conference Website, flumc.org.
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