That's My Story and I'm Sticking to It!

Thanks to your generous support we were able to offer 150 hot meals to offer to the homeless of St. Mark's UMC in the Quarter. To those who prepared and served the meal, thank you for representing Jesus so beautifully! We will be going back in August so stay tuned for how you can join in! To make an online contribution to the ministries we share, please click here.

Sunday we were invited to look honestly at "our story." What do we wish we could erase or rewrite?

I shared a personal reflection - a part of my own story that I wish I could erase or rewrite. Even so, it is a part of my story that I have learned to offer to God. God has brought healing, forgiveness, hope, and even joy to so many scars in my life. As someone once said, "Scars are a sign of healing." As you walk through the rest of your week notice the growth in your own life and the opportunity to offer God that part of your story that doesn't quite make sense. We never know what God is willing to do in our lives! There is certainly more to be written!

Don't forget! Sunday, August 8 immediately following the 10:00 Worship Service we will have a church-wide cookout! Make plans to join us for a time of laugher, fellowship, and good food! Are you planning on joining us? Please let us know!

The Journey Continues,

Pastor Jo

"Add A Catchy Title"

Whenever I update our website's blog I am always meet with the prompt, "Add a catchy title." I totally get it - consider what might encourage one to read the blog. Obviously, some titles are better than others. And even though no one has yet to mention the blog, I am noticing the feedback from sermons that invite us to step outside of our past and consider what the future is holding, to step outside of the negativity and see the Truth that today holds.

As I mentioned in today's sermon (July 11, 2021) "...each of us, whether we’re wearing NFL shoulder pads, a surveillance ankle monitor, or even a clergy robe - we all have to decide how we will find our way through the stages of life. And that is determined by how we see Jesus."

So... is there a "catchy title" you lean on to validate your self-worth? Those catchy titles might come in handy from time to time. Those catchy titles might even open a few doors of opportunity - but never forget that when the titles fade and when our self-worth is shaken and doors rarely open for us anymore there is still one title that remains, "Child of God." There is still one door that is open - God's door of forgiveness and second chances - not because we've earned it - but simply because Jesus loves us.

It may not be catchy but it is what has saved my life.

Blessings,

Pastor Jo

July Opportunities

Greetings!

Our Church Council is gearing up for the fall and there is excitement in the air! You will be hearing more as our teams continue to offer refreshing and meaningful opportunities for fellowship and outreach.

JULY 9 & 10

Don't forget that tomorrow (Friday, July 9) we need a few folks to help sort the food delivered by Second Harvest. You are also invited to join us Saturday, July 10 anytime between 7:30 and noon as we share food with those in need.

July 13 (6:30-8 PM)

You are invited to represent GUMC at a Citywide Assembly of Congregations and Citizen Organizations at Dillard University Chapel at 2601 Gentilly Blvd. Click here to register.

July 18 at 10 AM

We will send a group to St. Mark's UMC to prepare a hot meal for the homeless. It has been over a year since we have been able to worship and serve the homeless population in the area. The rest of us will gather at Gretna UMC for 10:00 worship - in person or on Facebook Live - offering a special prayer for those serving at St. Mark's.

PURPLE BAG SUNDAY

August 1 (Preparing for Thanksgiving Baskets)

Specific items needed:

6 oz box of Cornbread Mix

Canned Green Beans

Canned Mixed Fruit

18 oz bag of Brown Sugar