First Things First

Author:
November 19, 2021

What really matters to you?

As we decide how we will express our love and gratitude to God, as we make a decision about the path we will take to a generous life, one of the questions that we’ll be asking is this: What really matters to me?

(Note: if you wonder what really matters to you, look at your calendar to see where your time goes, and to your checkbook/online banking account to see where your money goes?)

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“First things first.” Remember being told that by a parent, teacher, or coach?

The truth is that getting the first things first can be a powerful part of living an abundant life (John 10). Stephen Covey says “begin with the end in mind.” In Exodus 20, the Hebrew Bible begins the Ten Commandments with “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.”

First things first.

Begin with the end in mind.

A friend and his wife, newly married, set off on their first vacation. He was kind of a romantic, spur-of-the-moment guy. He didn’t like to plan ahead. So he decided at each intersection, in the moment, whether to go left, right or straight ahead. The vacation was a bust. 

Knowing where you are headed, before you get to the intersection or before you get to a decision moment, is a really good thing.

What matters to you?

What is your life about?

Where are you headed?

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Someone was saying that they grew up in a home where they watched their parent write a check to their church each week. The first check written each week was to God.

That gift came first.

“Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Who are you?

Where are you going?

What really matters most to you?

This coming Sunday is our “Pathways to Generosity.” We have been inviting you to take a spiritual journey with God, praying this prayer: “God, where do you want me to be in my giving?”

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Those persons in worship will be invited to bring their Invitation to Generosity card forward near the end of the service, placing it before God as an act of devotion, love, and gratitude. If you’re not ready to write in a number, please at least sign the card as a sign that you want to be a part of what God is doing in and through First UMC. 

Those persons NOT in worship, but watching online, may bring their Path to Generosity card to the church Sunday, between 12 Noon and 1 pm, and hand their card to a pastor. Come around the drive and through the carport. We will be there to say “thank you” and offer a brief prayer. (We’ll have a small surprise for you.)

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God wants to do a big thing in your life and in the life of God’s church. Show up on the 21st and be a part of what God is doing!

In Christ,
Pastor Mark

MASKING POLICY CHANGE BEGINNING IN DECEMBER

In light of the widespread availability of COVID vaccines for children and booster shots for many others, beginning December 5 vaccinated worshippers will not be asked to wear masks in worship. Unvaccinated adults, as well as those who want an extra level of protection against COVID and seasonal colds/flu, and children—as guided by their parents—are encouraged to mask as needed.

If you do not have an underlying physical condition that disqualifies you for vaccination against COVID, please get vaccinated for your sake and the safety of those around you.

We will continue to pray, follow the advice of trusted medical experts, assess the health risks if conditions should change, and adapt our policies as necessary. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

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