Friday Fives

Statue of King David just
outside of his tomb in Jerusalem

1. Preaching Series - This Sunday we are beginning a new preaching series entitled, Lessons from the Life of David. As one of the most beloved characters in Scripture, David can be a great source of hope. David is not portrayed as a perfect, obedient servant. But rather, we get to see his humanity play out from the time we meet him as a young, all the way to his death. We can experience how David separates himself from God, through his thoughts and actions, and identify with those situations in our own lives. But we also get to see the grace of God shine forth as David is continually redeemed and forgiven. These life lessons will allow us to find ourselves in David's story and see how God's grace was not just for David, but it is for all of us. This weekend our focus will be "The Unlikely People God Chooses" as we focus on the calling of little David as the next king of Israel. I encourage you to invite a friend and I hope to see you there!





2. Bible Study - Grace. We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. Theseedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means.

But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?

Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace? God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly. Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off. Let’s make certain grace gets you.

We will meet this Thursday, at 10:30am and 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall, as we finish this study. As a reminder it is never too late to join. For more details, please visit our website by clicking here. I hope you will make plans to come as we make certain grace gets you!





3. Summer Newsletter - Your summer edition of the Sunshine Herald will be available for you to pick up this Sunday in the narthex. This year to be good stewards of our time and resources we have combined June, July, and August into one edition. We will resume a monthly edition in September.







4. Aid for Moore, OK - Prayer for the people of Moore, OK is vital right now. However, if you feel lead here, calling 1800-554-8583, or you can make a $10 donation by texting the word RESPONSE to 80888.
to do more, I want to invite you to consider donating to UMCOR. UMCOR is the United Methodist Committee on Relief. They are a branch of our connection that places people in those communities to bring aid to those affected. One of the many great things about UMCOR is that when you give to a specific relief effort, 100% of your money goes to that area. It is not used for administrative costs, only for relief supplies and assistance. As soon as it was realized that the tornadoes had caused significant damage, UMCOR sprang into action, setting up a donation account, and immediately sending funds to help. They are working right now to send people to the area of Moore once assessments have been made and the needs of that community determined. If you would like to donate to UMCOR, you can make your donation to the church and designate it Disaster Response, United States (#901670). We will then mail one check for all the monies collected and send it off. You also have the ability to donate online if you choose by clicking

5. Bishop's Offering - Bishop Ken Carter has selected three programs to equally share in the proceeds given at Annual Conference this year; Stop Hunger Now, Wesley Foundation at FSU, and Leadership development for young clergy of color. I invite you to consider giving an extra gift to this cause. You can do so by placing your gift in the offering plate, designate it Bishop's Offering, and we will cut one check and give it during Annual Conference this year. If you would like more information, there is an insert in this weeks bulletin or you can visit our Conference Website by clicking here.



Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday!