“When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward, you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:21-26
Today’s devotional is for those who feel tired, run-down, and wearied by life. Please know that even when you feel like your strength is spent, God sees you, God loves you, and God is with you. I invite you to offer up the below prayer and meditate on Psalm 73’s promise of God’s presence and strength in life’s hard and exhausting times.
** A Prayer For Those Who Feel Worn Out:
Gracious God, when things at work (or in life) are hard, it’s easy for me to become embittered. I see how others are thriving and feel like a failure. I observe the attention they receive and find myself caught in envy. Sometimes I’m just plain exhausted, worn down in body and soul. In these times, Lord, I forget all about you. I work as if you’re not even there. Oh my! Forgive me.
Thank you, Lord, for not abandoning me when I abandon you. Thank you for holding my right hand, for keeping me close to you. Thank you for guiding me with your wisdom even when I’d rather do things my own way. Thank you for welcoming me back into your presence, even when I don’t deserve it. Not that I ever deserve your welcome! It’s all about your grace.
O Lord, the more I remember you at work, the more I realize how much I need you. I need you more than success or affirmation. I need you more than money or power. When I’m holding you in my heart, there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. Help me, Lord, to live and work in this reality.
And when I’m exhausted and discouraged, when I’m worn down, may I turn to you. O God, you are the strength of my heart. You are my reward, my glory, my life. Amen.
** Today’s prayer comes from: https://depree.org/workday-prayers-when-work-has-worn-you-down-to-nothing/ Work-day Prayers by Mark Roberts
Supporting & Caring for Those Affected by Hurricane Ida
Our annual conference is hard at work, responding to the devastation brought on by Hurricane Ida. If you click on the link below, you will be taken to a webpage that details some of the ways that we can be helping people and communities rebuild.
https://www.gnjumc.org/afwh/ida-relief-effort/
Food Drive for Flemington Food Pantry
This Sunday is the last day to drop off supplies for the Food Drive to collect food for the Flemington Area Food Pantry. If you need a list of items that we’re looking for, please email us at flemingtonumc@yahoo.com. The drop-off box is in the back of the sanctuary.
Pastor Chris’ Vacation
Pastor Chris will be taking a vacation from Monday, October 4th to the 11th. Our very own Rev. Taka Ishii will be our preacher on Sunday, October 10th.
The Power of our Words
Join us for worship this week as we continue our sermon series on the power of our words and learn more about how we can love our neighbors in what we say and how we talk to others.
Music Ministries
The Choir and Bell Choir rehearsals will be on Wednesdays in the choir room, with Bell Choir at 4:30-5:30 and Choir at 5:45-7:00. Feeling unsure about joining? Feel free to sit in on a rehearsal any time before deciding. All are welcome – no experience required!
Sunday School
In-person Sunday School has resumed during our church services. If you would like to register your child in our Sunday School program, please fill out a registration form and turn it in. If you need a form, you can email Gretchen at flemingtonumc@yahoo.com.
COVID-19: Updated Church Policy
Due to the surge of Delta variant COVID-19 cases, and the new CDC, State, and Denominational recommendations, our church now requires that all persons wear face masks regardless of vaccination status when indoors. You can find a hard copy of health & safety policies on the table at the back of the sanctuary.
Sharing Prayer Requests
If you have a prayer request, you can fill out a prayer card in the back of the sanctuary or email our Office Manager, Gretchen, at flemingtonumc@yahoo.com. We will be sure to add it to the list on the back of our bulletin. You can also email Gretchen to take off any prayer requests that are no longer relevant or needed.
Staying Connected
You will find every newsletter, worship service, devotional, and additional material posted to our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/FlemingtonUnitedMethodist/
Even if you don’t use Facebook, you can access everything we have there. If you do have a Facebook account, “like” to follow our page and be notified when new things are posted or when videos are about to go live so you don’t miss anything.
Thoughts on Trust