Friday Fives

1. Preaching Series - This week we are beginning a new four week preaching series based upon the book, Too Busy Not Too Pray, by Bill Hybels.  During this series we will look at the importance of making time in our lives for prayer as we will look at prayer through the lenses of presence, invitation, barriers, and listening.  This week we will begin with the lens of presence.  I hope to see all of you there!

2. Worship Opportunity - Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville is hosting two special events in September that I wanted to make you all aware of.

• The first is on Friday, September 10th from 6-9pm. Trinity UMC and the Gainesville Interfaith Forum invite you to attend this very different and special kind of event. Trinity is opening its entire worship center and campus for a time to embrace our unity as members of the human family. Everyone is invited to take part in the planned activities. Children of different faiths can play together and enjoy arts and educational crafts. There will be a variety of cultural displays, foods from various regions of the world, and a time of prayer for peace, understanding and hope. 

• The second event is a Prayer and Remembrance Service on Saturday, Sept. 11, 8:30 – 10:30 am in their chapel. This will be a time of prayer and remembrance, as we honor the memory of those who perished on September 11, 2001. We will be in prayer for families who lost loved ones and for all who have been and are in harm’s way since that day.

3. Marriage Conference – A few days ago I posted an article here on my blog about an upcoming marriage conference.  I want to take some space here and encourage you to look back at that announcement and consider going.  My wife Debbie and I have already signed up and I encourage all of you that are married, engaged, or dating to attend. 

4. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have one member that has reached out and has began weekly visits and we have another that is in the process of beginning. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.

5. Sunday School – We are going to launch our Sunday School program soon.  Watch this space and the bulletin announcements for a planning meeting coming up soon.  And remember....it is never to late to volunteer!