Dear Friends, We know that you will be blessed by the stories of faith contained in these pages. We thank God for those that have shared a part of their life and written these devotionals. Our church has a rich and wonderful history. God has truly been with us in the past and God’s hand is also guiding us to a future of expanding ministry. Our church’s Embracing the Future campaign is an opportunity for us to join in God’s plan for our great church and move toward God’s preferred future to further our mission and ministry to reach more for Jesus Christ. As the members and friends of First Church, we are being asked to pray this simple, yet profound prayer, “Lord, what do you want to do through me to fulfill your will for First Church?” As you pray our centering prayer, we invite you to use this Devotion Guide as a source of daily meditation and inspiration. Take time each day after you read the devotion to reflect, to pray, and strive to discern God’s will for you and for First Church. May God prepare our hearts to celebrate God’s grace and generosity with an outpouring of our own generosity and faithfulness.
Blessings, The Devotion Guide Team
Sunday, October 27th “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” - Matthew 5:7 I realize that, as I write this, I am speaking for all those who have been granted, as I have, the blessings of being a part of First United Methodist Church. I have such gratitude for the mercies that have been shown to me throughout my life by our church family. The word mercy has always filled me with hope because to me it implies the free gift of acceptance and forgiveness through love. Thank you, my church family, for your infinite mercies.
Julie Vickery
Thank you for the promise you made at my baptism to nurture me in the Christian faith and keep me in your care. Thank you for sharing and being God’s word to me—you have not only helped me understand the written word of God, but you are the Bible that is acted out in front of me that shows me how scripture looks in daily life. Thank you for providing a safe place for me to be confirmed in God’s love and to then grow in new life in Christ. Thank you for opening the door to life in God’s world and always lifting me up as I have felt your true concern that my life be the one God planned. Thank you for loving and caring for my family in our celebrations and in our sorrows. Thank you for being an instrument of God’s mercy to all of us who have been blessed to call you our family in Christ.
-Julie Vickery
Dear Lord, Thank you so much for being our first and greatest giver of mercy in the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. Please fill me with the desire to be merciful with others as you have been merciful to us. In Jesus name, Amen.
Monday, October 28th I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13 Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. - Matthew 7:7
Ruth Ann Replogle
I have been in church my whole life. I joined the children’s choir as a child, joined the adult choir as a teen, one of three teens in a choir of maybe twenty, as well as the youth choir, and I’m still singing in the choir today. In the words of the songwriter, “How can I keep from singing?”
When I thought about this devotion, my thoughts turned to prayer. I’ve spent the majority of my life as a high school teacher, and if ever there was a situation that needed prayer as its base, it is school. The challenges are many and varied, happy and unhappy. Being faced with 150 to 180 teenagers every day coming at you in large groups can certainly be daunting. There is no time to turn your thoughts to prayer, so it helps if your training is already in place and your responses to any type of situation are automatic, based on what Christ would have you do. WWJD (What would Jesus do?) works in lots of instances. Prayers sometimes just appeared in my mind and on my lips. Some were mundane (“Lord, please help me find my school keys!”) and others were critical. I tried to never walk down the hall to a parent conference about a difficult student without praying without ceasing. “Lord, be with me. Lord, help me say the right words. Lord, help me. Help us all.” And the thing is, He always did. When I visited Mama when she lived in Wesley Haven Villa, we often had long conversations about a problem she had on her mind, whatever it happened to be at the moment. Often, the next time I went to visit, she would say, “Well, I talked it over with the Lord, and I’m okay now.” From this, I know it is okay to turn things over to Jesus, whether large problems or small. My parents’ faith is a model for my life. I am proud to stand on their shoulders, and on the Rock that is Christ Jesus, who strengthens me.
-Ruth Ann Replogle
Lord Jesus, thank you for the many times you have upheld us, in good times and bad. Help us to strengthen our faith in you so that we always feel your presence and remain strong in our faith and in your love. We pray in Your Holy Name, Amen.
Tuesday, October 29th I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13:34-35 About a year ago, we visited FUMC’s ICON service for the first time. Since then we have experienced the love of FUMC. I will share three glimpses of that love. First, there’s Lisa Bond, who reached out in love to our daughter, Kirsten, who was six months pregnant and going through a divorce. Lisa has been a loving, non-judgmental presence and companion for Kirsten, always empowering Kirsten to find her place at FUMC.
Donell Seager
We witnessed the second glimpse of love at the Contemplative Christmas Eve Service. On our way into the Sanctuary, we noticed homeless people leaving the Wright Place after being served a meal. But this act of love didn’t end there. As we were making our way down the aisle to celebrate Holy Communion, we realized that many of the homeless people had been invited to join us in worship. This is love—feeding the hungry, physically and spiritually! The final glimpse of love involves Mary Ann Gantt. In January, Kirsten’s daughter, Kaia Grace, was admitted to the hospital. Kirsten was in need of pastoral care, so I called Mary Ann, whom I knew through the two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation. Mary Ann visited us that day and even returned a few days later bearing gifts—two prayer shawls, one for Kirsten and one for Kaia Grace! We were touched deeply by this demonstration of love and how FUMC ministered to a family who were not even members yet. We don’t have a lot of extra money to commit to the future of First United Methodist, but we will give all that we can so that, for generations to come, others will experience the love of Christ as we have.
-Donell Seager Loving God, thank you for how FUMC loves. I pray that FUMC would be a beacon of love for generations to come. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, October 30th Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
Mae Ward
I am the ultimate worrier. I stress over every little thing and tend to come up with bizarre ideas about what may take place if this or that were to happen. But I control that stress by remembering my dad’s advice, “Try your best and leave the rest to God.”
He reminds me of that often. He notices when I am stressed and in need of some encouragement, and his words say a lot. I have to try my best and know that whatever happens, my parents will still love me, the world will not end, and God will always be by my side through thick and thin. God is always there for you when you’re scared and don’t know what to do. Whenever I am fearful, I say a short prayer asking God to give me strength to deal with whatever is worrying me. Knowing this one little thing helps me in so many different ways. I still get stressed or scared every now and then, but I remember God is with me, and I work through it and move on.
- Mae Ward Thank you, Lord, for always being there for us no matter what the dilemma is and please help us to remember your love for us and that you are by our side. Amen.
Thursday, October 31st We are here to serve, not to be served. - Mark 10:45 ...complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:17 As a single dad, I raised my daughter from age two and a half. Unfortunately my daughter’s mom was not in the picture. As a Christian and a single dad, I did my best to raise my daughter in the church and instill in her the moral character and integrity needed for this broken world.
J.T. Griffin III
Recently, I sent my daughter off to college and moved her in to an apartment with two friends from home. In this situation, you always wonder if your child has the right stuff to navigate this world and if her upbringing will shine through. About three weeks after classes started, I received a call from my daughter one Sunday evening. She stated that she had been attending the Wesley Foundation suppers on Wednesdays and church at Wesley Foundation on Sundays. She also stated she was mentoring a kindergartner and a third grader that reside in a poor community. There were tears in my eyes as I realized she did have the right stuff to be a servant to her God and God’s children. I swelled with joy and the most intense love for my daughter at that moment. Then it hit me how much God loves His children and how joyous He must be when we follow His and His Son’s teachings.
-J.T. Griffin 111
Pastoral Care Team
Begin to train them early To fear and love the Lord, To carry on life’s pathway God’s lamp, His holy Word. —Fennema
Friday, November 1st Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6
As a child, I attended a small Methodist church several miles from our house in the country, where a circuit preacher served our congregation every other Sunday. When my grandmother fell and broke her 1900’s United Methodist Church hip, my mother walked me across the street to the Church of Christ. My grandmother grumbled at turning me over to “the Campbellites”, but it was that or no church at all. In college, I attended a Catholic church for a while, but not knowing when to stand and when to kneel cut that short. Then I became a Baptist for several decades. In 2001, God determined I had wandered in the wilderness long enough and led me, through Cap’n Ron, a lifelong Methodist, to First Church, Pensacola. For that, I give thanks each and every day. Thanks for what? For the staff, the opportunities for mission and outreach, the worship, the music, the Bible studies, and the fellowship with my church family, all of which sustain, challenge, and strengthen my faith. If, as I say, I am truly thankful for these ministries that I may freely participate in, then I must acknowledge my responsibility to uphold these ministries. How do I do that? I do it just as I promised when I became a member of First Church—through my prayers, presence, gifts, and service. United, one in our vision and one in our commitment, each of us is the means by which First Church will continue to “exist in and for the world” far into the future, bringing other wanderers in.
- Jeanne Tew Holy and almighty God, help me to be still, to hear your call and follow your lead. Thank you for your boundless love. May it flow through me and through our church to others. Guide my giving, Lord, as I have been blessed. Amen.
Saturday, November 2nd For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing. - James 1:23-25 I have lots of mirrors in my house. Big mirrors, little mirrors, full length mirrors, even mirrors that magnify Amanda Cathey and expose the ugliest details. Never a day goes by in which I do not see myself in a mirror and after which I do not try to remedy some offense . . . an un-tucked shirt, a smudge of lipstick, a misplaced hair. And if I do not have time to complete my prepping routine, I will go to great lengths to finish in my car before arriving at my destination. I am that concerned about my appearance and about how others perceive me on the outside. If only it were like that with my heart. If only after looking at the mirror of God’s word, I was compelled to act upon what I heard: “Love Thy neighbor...”; “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry...”; “Pray for those who persecute you...”; “Take up your cross and follow me.” These are the shirts that need tucking in, the hairs needing to be smoothed over, the makeup that needs exacting.
-Amanda Cathey
Lord, reveal the ugliness in our hearts that offends you and prevents us from being the reflection of your perfect nature that you so desperately desire us to be. Make us, by your Holy Spirit, act and be more like your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.
Sunday, November 3rd In the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. - Psalm 5:3
For years, I anchored an early morning television newscast. This meant being out of bed no later than 3:00 a.m., in the newsroom by 4:00 and on the air by 6:00! Viewers would frequently ask me, “How can you be so upbeat so early in the morning?” Confession Drexel Gilbert time. In the early days of the early news, my smile was frequently a cover-up for a cranky mood fueled by too little sleep, too much coffee and the race against the clock! That’s when I truly learned the value of morning prayer. . . the value of giving the day to God right from the start. A brief devotion, time in the Bible, a focused prayer and moments of quiet reflection to listen to God can do so much to prepare us for the day that lies ahead. Instead of facing the morning with dread, we can embrace it “in expectation”! Each morning. . .every sunrise. . . is a gift from God. It is a precious gift to unwrap with anticipation and with joy! God wants us to delight in our days and to be joyful and in whatever we undertake during that day. And I believe that, more than anything, He wants us to begin the day in His company.
-Drexel Gilbert
Heavenly Father, before the hectic pace of this day sets in, draw me to you. Remind me that this day is a gift to unwrap, to enjoy and to share with others. Guide my steps, thoughts and actions today so that you are the focus and so that you are lifted up. Daily remind me that morning prayer draws us closer to you, and draws you closer to us.
A Guide to Discerning
God’s Will
Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid. Isaiah 12:2
Each of us is being asked in Embracing the Future to prayerfully discern what God is leading us to give. As you begin praying about your commitment, keep in mind that God asks us for “Equal sacrifice not equal gifts.” Obviously, God has not given everyone the ability to commit the same dollar amount. However, God does call us to make the same quality of commitment. Remember, your gift does not need to be up front. It may be spread over 38-months. Most of us can give far more than we initially think by giving it over more than a 3-year period. There are two ways to decide what to give. The easiest is to give based on reason. This means looking at what we have, figuring out what is a “reasonable” amount, and committing that amount. Reason simply asks, “What can I comfortably afford?” The second avenue is giving, based on revelation, praying, “Lord, what do you want to give through me?” When we make giving a matter of discerning God’s will, through prayer, our decision becomes an act of worship. It is giving that asks, “How much do I trust God?” Some Steps for Discerning God’s Will: Pray daily and seek God’s will. Pray our centering prayer, Lord, what do you want to do through me to fulfill your will for First Church? Give God time to speak. Don’t rush your decision. You may find that God will reveal creative ways for you to give more than the first amount that popped into your head. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 and then ask yourself these questions: • Do we have any assets such as stocks, bonds, land or tangible items we could give? • Are there ways we could decrease our expenses in order to make a larger gift? • Are there ways we could increase our income in order to make a larger gift?
Ask God for guidance and for courage to give as God leads you. When you are ready, offer a prayer of commitment: Almighty God, this is a big step. Strengthen our faith and help us to grow spiritually through giving. We thank you for all you have given us. We want to be cheerful givers. Help us to clearly know the answer to the question, “Lord, what do you want to do through me to fulfill your will for First Church?” Thank you for this opportunity to grow in our faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Mondy, November 4th And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. - Luke 10:25-28
On a Sunday in January the call was put in the Church’s bulletin for church members, preferably a family, willing to care for a young lady for 2-3 weeks while she Sam & Elsie Morissette was being evaluated for medical purposes and possible surgery. Elsie and I volunteered to open up our home for a few weeks to this young lady. When Patricia arrived, we were surprised to see this young, 27 year old Jamaican woman whose face was contorted and scarred from nine previous surgeries. She was obviously afraid as she introduced herself, and we tried to do and say things to make her feel welcome and at ease. As the weeks passed, we learned more about Patricia. She was a very Christian person and had left Jamaica for Guatemala where she worked as a missionary. Though she learned how to read, write and speak Spanish nearly as well as the natives and became the interpreter for the missionary camp, she had not earned a high school diploma. Elsie suggested that she enter PJC and earn her GED while she waited to take certain tests and examinations. Upon receipt of her GED, Patricia was able to have her visa status changed from visitor to student and, with Elsie at her side, entered PJC’s nursing programs and became certified as a Nurse’s Aide and then as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Our journey with Patricia was not a solitary one. Many people contributed to her welfare while she was with us, and professionals of many stripes gave of their time and resources pro bono. Seldom does the opportunity present itself for one to be placed in another person’s life that is so beneficial to both persons. Patricia was such a blessing to us. She enhanced our spirit of giving when we saw her sharing her gifts with persons who needed more. Yes, nine years of learning that when one gives, he receives much more than he gave.
-Sam & Elsie Morissette
God, open our eyes that we might see what the Good Samaritan saw. Grant us the insight to see the need in others, the wisdom to know what to do, and the will to do it.
Tuesday, November 5th Hebrews 13:1-8; Luke 19:1-10;
Luke 14:1, 7-14; Matthew 25:35-40
Years ago, when asked to cook for Silver and Gold, I didn’t know that I was being called to a ministry that I’ve come to love—Ruth’s Kitchen Ministry. I was amazed at the organization and logistics of feeding large groups but truly loved the camaraderie and fellowship of working together to create a delicious Cindy Smith meal. Cooking requires moments of concentrated effort and periods of waiting. While waiting, we share life’s challenges and celebrations with much laughter, some tears and listening ears. Kitchen friends have become best friends. A recent sermon in Birmingham put my love of kitchen ministry in perspective. The minister talked about eating together as the greatest act of fellowship because it places us in close proximity to people from all walks of life: close enough to touch hands in passing items, to look fellow diners in the eye, and to really hear each other. Strangers become friends, and we might “entertain angels without knowing it.” Jesus got “in trouble” with the Pharisees for eating with the wrong people, tax collectors and other “sinners,” because eating was an activity that encouraged intimate relationships. We know how he responded to that criticism! Jesus said, “I was hungry and you fed me.” From the bounty of what God has given us, we try. We serve busy families on Wednesdays and those in need through our casserole ministry, Serving the Hungry Plus, and funeral receptions. We celebrate with wedding receptions, brunches, fellowship dinners and community events. Our volunteers perform a ballet of controlled movement in limited space to prepare thousands of meals with joyful service, fellowship and an extra cup of love. Some would call it chaos, but I call it fun! Join us anytime. New friends are waiting.
-Cindy Smith
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the love, grace and bounty of blessings that you have poured out on us. Show us how to use these gifts for your purposes and to express our tremendous gratitude to you. Give us hearts to recognize and serve those in need, willingness to share our time and talents, and strength and endurance to finish our tasks. Help us to serve you with such joy that others will want to know and follow you also. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, November 6th Bear one another’s burden, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2 May 12, 1996, is a day I will never forget. Like the Kennedy assassination or 9/11, there are moments in life that shape you and change you forever. It was a Saturday. I was home with my husband doing ordinary Saturday chores. The phone rang. Ruth Klarner
I was currently in a management position with ValuJet Airlines based in Atlanta, Georgia. The voice on the other end of the call was a colleague of mine who simply said, “We have had an incident in Miami, and you should call Tommy right away.” Tommy Kalil was VP of Customer Service and my boss. He told me to pack a bag and head to the airport. I was going to Miami to assist in any way I could, though I had never had crisis training. Upon arrival, the insurance company briefed us. “Do whatever you can for the families of the deceased as they arrive and help them deal with their loss.” Surrounded by hundreds of grief stricken people, I was scared. But then, I prayed and I prayed, and God showed me the right way to be with these families. I held them, listened to the stories of their departed, cried with them, and prayed with and for them.
I had friends on that flight also, and in the midst of all this chaos, I wanted to grieve. If it wasn’t for my faith in God, I know I would not have had the strength to continue. But continue I did, for three more weeks. I came home a changed woman, but my faith had blossomed.
-Ruth Klarner Dear Heavenly Father, you know the depth of grief when a loved one dies. Your son Jesus died for us. Thank you for loving us, always. Amen.
Thursday, November 7th Don’t become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. - Romans 12:2 It’s highlighted in my Bible. It’s scribbled in various journals. It’s repeated in my head daily, but I still find all of that isn’t enough. This verse applies to any stage of life, but I find it especially pertinent at age twenty. Twenty-somethings are quite the phenomena these days. I read articles daily telling me about the empowerment of being young, what I should and shouldn’t be doing with my time, how to get ahead Chandler Ann Moore while I still can, etc. Millennials, as they call us, are growing up in what may be the fastest changing time in history. Our interests are vague and our passions are short-lived because we are faced with more options than ever before. With all of this change and newness comes entitlement, which leads to self-sufficiency, which leads to a lack of Christ-centered young people. I understand this idea well. “If I just sink into my culture so deeply that I blend in perfectly, everything will be okay. If I just dress like those girls, I will get in that club. If I just carry out my day-to-day in such a way that I don’t step on any toes or open any clenched fists, all will be well. If I can support myself, I don’t need a God. If I can fix my own problems, why pray? Is anyone even listening if I pray anyway? I can handle this. I’ll Google it; Google knows everything.” -- My Generation The problem is that it’s too easy to play by society’s rules and become so well adjusted that we fit into the mold of the “norm” without even thinking. In Romans 12:2, God asks us to take the road less traveled and “instead, fix your attention on him. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you and quickly respond to it.” If you are straddling the fence of the norm and Jesus, keep your mind open to miracles, to hope. Believe in faith and rely on his love and advice. Go to him first, not last, and learn to question your surroundings so that it becomes difficult to get lost in them.
-Chandler Ann Moore
Student, University of Alabama
Dear God, Help us question our surroundings—where we spend our time and our energy, where our worries come from. Help us to find our identity in you and less in trying to fit into a mold that was never meant for us to fill. Help those struggling with this know that it’s never too late to change their story and hand their future over to you. Amen.
Friday, November 8th For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. - Matthew 18:20 Wednesday morning, September 18, 2013, 5:00 a.m.: I was on my way to the church to help cook for our Wednesday morning Bible breakfast. Weeks before, I had promised to write a piece for a booklet of devotions. The due date was two days away, and I had no idea what to write. Fortunately, traffic was light, since I couldn’t keep my eyes off the brilliant full moon as I crossed the bridge into Pensacola. Maybe I should write about the moon, I thought.
Charlie Davis
The church’s kitchen came alive as volunteers set the tables, made coffee, and prepared food. I’ve been involved with this group for twenty-plus years, and although some might consider our gettogether routine, our menus are not. Our chef, Bob Joseph, often surprises us with such cuisine as baked chicken, roast beef, fried fish, gumbo, and even chili. Members of the non-denominational Joe Harrell Men’s Bible Breakfast are happy to plunk down $5.00 for a delicious breakfast and the camaraderie of this group of great guys. Equally enjoyable is the Bible lesson for the week, preceded by an amusing and informative warm-up and prayer by Gordon Towne of First Baptist. Members volunteer in advance to lead the discussion on specific chapters of a book in the Bible we’re currently covering. This particular morning, Jerry Maygarden provided an inspiring message with several Christian challenges. As I listened, I thought back several years to when I lived in North Carolina and a Presbyterian friend teased me about being a Methodist. He thought Methodists were “too busy with social issues and neglected the good book.” When I challenged him to attend my church, he said, “Charlie, I don’t need to join the Methodist church; I already belong to the Lion’s Club.” He died before I could tell him what a great teaching church FUMC Pensacola is. I have learned much about the “good book” from the church’s “breakfast club.” I think I’ll write about it instead of the moon.
-Charlie Davis Lord, open my eyes and my heart to all you’ve provided, and help me to be wiser today than I was yesterday. Amen.
Saturday, November 9th In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. - Psalm 5:3
My father, John McLaughlin, frequently said that the week goes better when it starts with church. I’ve found that to be true! Those Sundays when I let my worship time give way to a leisure weekend activity— or inactivity—I regret having missed our uplifting worship services and fellowship with friends at First Church.
Mary Riker
While taking the Disciple I class seven years ago, I developed the habit of starting my day with quiet time in personal Bible study. I continue to read scripture and study notes from the NIV Life Application Study Bible—a birthday gift from my parents that I had requested because it was the Bible our Disciple teacher, Doug Lauten, used in class. I also keep a journal of relatable Bible verses and commentary that hits home for me. I write down many morning prayers, as well. In the early morning, our house is quiet. My mind is quiet. I listen as God speaks to me through his word, and I respond in prayer. As I get on with my work day, I am less stressed and more confident. I smile more and worry less, because I’ve been reassured that God is in control. I do not keep perfect attendance at church, and I do not always make time for my morning Bible study, but just as I know that the week goes better when I start it in worship, I’ve learned that my day goes better when I start it in God’s word and in communication with Him.
-Mary Riker
Dear God, Thank you for the Bible, your word that guides us through each day and inspires us to live according to your purpose. Amen.
Sunday, November 10th But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. - 1 John 3:17-18 What does love in deed and in truth look like? I’ve seen love in the work of United Ministries and its community partners, but I surely do have questions about my own response to those in need. A recent event comes to mind. The lady’s story was heartfelt. As her very bright eleven-year-old son translated for her, I learned her husband recently lost his job and also had Peggy Groves medical issues that required surgery, but there was no money for this. Rent and utility bills were past due, and there was little food in the house to feed three children. At first this family seemed like a candidate for help from United Ministries, but as I listened, I knew that their needs were greater than United Ministries’ capabilities. Also, the lady did not have a social security number and neither did her husband, requirements for help from United Ministries and from agencies attempting to distinguish those in need from those who work the system. There was no agency that helps families like this with bills, but Manna provided food and United Ministries gave them a food voucher to a local store. I called a friend, a community angel who works with the homeless and near homeless, and we met with the family under the I110 bypass near United Ministries. He offered the family a glimmer of hope for a job, so I left them in his hands. When you hear someone’s story and begin to build a relationship, you want a resolution of issues, a transformation, but it doesn’t always happen. What will happen to this family? Will they be evicted from their home? Will utilities be turned off? How will this affect the children? What else could I have done to help this family? What should I be doing to help other families like this?
-Peggy Groves Make us worthy, Lord to serve those people throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them through our hands, this day, their daily bread, and by our understanding love, give them peace and joy. Amen. –from Pray For the Poor by Mother Theresa
Building a Life of
Generosity
You already excel …in faith, knowledge, enthusiasm and love. Now add generosity to your virtues. 2nd Corinthians 8:7 Remember the generosity of Jesus Christ. 2nd Corinthians 8:9? The Bible mentions faith 246 times, hope 185 times and love 733 times. Giving is mentioned 2,285 times! Why? Because giving is the outward expression of our faith, hope, and love. There are at least five reasons why you should give to God: GIVING DRAWS US CLOSER TO GOD. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, Where your treasure is there your heart will be also. We invest more in the people, things and causes that we care about; and we care more about the people and things and causes that we invest in. When we give money to God, we are drawn closer to God. GIVING BREAKS THE GRIP OF MATERIALISM. We live in a materialistic culture. Even compulsive savers can be trapped by materialism. How do we escape materialism? By giving! If the essence of materialism is getting, the essence of Christianity is giving. When we give generously to God, we break the grip of materialism on our lives. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, You cannot serve both God and money. We have to choose what’s most important in our lives. GIVING STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH. Sooner or later you’ve got to decide, “Can God be trusted with my finances? Can God be counted on to keep God’s promises?” The Bible says in 2nd Corinthians 9:13, Your giving proves the reality of your faith. When we give, it’s not an obligation but an opportunity to stretch our faith. GIVING IS AN INVESTMENT FOR ETERNITY. How do you invest for eternity? Do as it suggests in 1st Timothy 6:18-19, Use your money to do good… Always being ready to share with others whatever God has given you. By doing this you will be storing up real treasure for yourselves in heaven. It is the only safe investment for eternity. And you will be living a fruitful life down here as well. There is no greater investment than the kingdom of God. GIVING BLESSES THOSE WHO GIVE. Jesus said in Acts 20:35, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Deuteronomy 15:10 promises, Give generously and do so without a grudging heart and because of this the Lord God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Dear Lord, help us to answer the question, “Lord, what do you want to do through me to fulfill your will for First Church?” Help us to trust in your abundance and find, as never before, the joy of giving. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Monday, November 11th Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. —Luke 12:32 A little flock was gathered in our living room on Charles Street Avenue on a snowy evening in late November 1953. I was seven years old. This particular flock consisted of neighbors, parents of my playmates, and my Sunday school teachers. These were adults that I knew, even at my young age, loved the Lord. They had been led by The Holy Spirit to come together, ask for His guidance, and make plans Marcia Enquist, 7 years old to form a mission church. They knew they were “stepping out in faith,” but they were also convinced this was a work they had been called to do. They drew up a charter and started to work. A hall was rented, and on Sunday mornings, beer bottles were removed, floors were swept, chairs were set up, hymnbooks were passed around, and men of God took turns preaching. By October 1954, the ten families stepped out again, pooled their money, secured a loan, and bought a property out in the beautiful Dulaney Valley of Baltimore County. There was an old manor house and lots of land for further building. Saturdays were spent cleaning windows in the old parlor, sweeping floors, setting up chairs, and passing out hymnbooks to prepare for Sunday classes and worship. Pastors were called, a sanctuary was built, education buildings were added, other missions were started, and so it went. In the past sixty years, thousands of services, prayers, people, programs, mission trips, tears, and good works have taken place in the now heavily populated Valley. As a child, I watched all this and took part in all that went on in those early days. What a lesson in faith and vision for the future! I saw the Kingdom of God taking place in the hearts and hands and feet of those dear souls. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
-Marcia Enquist
Precious Lord, all through the Scriptures, you have taught us to “fear not.” We praise you for loving us enough to call us your little flock, to let us call you Our Father, and for promising us your Kingdom. Help us to increase our faith to step out when called, like others before us, and do your will without fear. Amen.
Tuesday, November 12th For the body does not consist of one member but of many. - 1 Corinthians 12:14 I have been going to First United Methodist Church since the third grade, and I am now in the seventh grade. I have felt a part of the church from the very beginning because of how welcoming everyone has been and especially how caring the children’s and youth directors are. Even though I just started youth in August, the youth ministry is becoming my favorite. Jackson Bare I love having a building just for the youth and more surprises and trips. Ms. Denise welcomed me to tweens in fifth grade and is still taking great care of me in seventh. I have only known Mr. Clay for a short time, but I have formed a pretty good relationship with him already. There are so many others in our church who have made a difference to me. I think of the verse above from Corinthians when I think about my church. I want to help make a difference like others did for me. Ms. Lisa has recently given me an opportunity to do just that by volunteering every Wednesday at WACCI. I really like First United Methodist Church, especially ICON, and am so happy it is my church home.
- Jackson Bare
Lord, I am so grateful for my church. I ask for your wisdom and guidance over all of us as we look to the future. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Wednesday, November 13th So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. - Jeremiah 18:3-4 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. - 2 Corinthians 4:7 A mosaic is made of broken pieces. We usually discard that which is broken, thinking it is worthless and of little use. I discovered that is not always true when I took a month’s spiritual leave in February 2009. I attended “Approaching God Through Poetry” at Cathedral College. One evening we explored the crypts and chapels in the National Cathedral. I was so taken with the mosaics in the Resurrection Chapel, especially one depicting the scene from John 21. It was large, exquisite, yet some of the pieces were tiny as the tip of your fingernail. I came to Florida for my remaining weeks, reading, writing, and wading. One book I read used mosaic as a motif, Finding Beauty in a Broken World by Terry Tempest Williams. The day before I returned home, I purchased a mirror which was framed by broken pieces of pottery. I couldn’t help but think of the broken pieces of my own life that God has fashioned into the person I am. Lynn McLargin
-Lynn McLargin
May we always offer our brokenness to God. God may return it to us as something of beauty. Amen.
Thursday, November 14th Community is vital to spiritual survival; Christ weaves us together as one body. Scripture: Acts 2: 42-47; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Romans 1: 11-12; Philippians 2: 3-16; Leviticus 19: 9-18 Returning to First Church in May, 2010, was the best decision I could have made for my continued faith journey. Following my husband’s death, I later traveled for a few years, but I became lonely for “home.” I missed my friends, my home, and church. But this time, it would be different; I made the commitment to become more involved, doing much more than just attending church on Sunday mornings.
Camille C. Barr
I joined a Sunday school class, started attending Wednesday night dinners, renewed old friendships, and made many new ones. Volunteering at United Ministries as my faith commitment to the Church keeps me centered in service in addition to being a member of the Pastoral Care Team and being involved in “50 Forward,” our Seniors Ministry. Attending Women at the Well provides opportunity for support and study with new and old friends; using the daily study “Disciplines,” which follows the Lectionary, makes my daily study have a purpose, gives meaning to the Lectionary lunches on Wednesdays, and prepares me for Sunday worship; and Sunday night and Wednesday night studies led by our pastors enrich my “belonging” in more ways than I can express. The Bible is very clear that we are to live in community with other believers. When we do so, we become the hands and feet of Christ as we go about our daily lives. My activities provide purpose for my life, and when I “work at it” with desire to grow in the Spirit, my life is enriched as I share with others who are busy doing the same. God is blessing me daily, and I am thankful that I live with immeasurable satisfaction and purpose in community with others.
-Camille C. Barr They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love; they will know we are Christians by our love.
Friday, November 15th I lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. - Psalm 121:1-2 Recently I was asked to contribute a devotional writing. My first and, yes, second response was, “Not me, I’ve got nothing.” Then I thought about it a bit, and it seemed to me that many of don’t have one of those mountaintop revelations, road to Damascus Dolly Gibbons epiphany, “ah ha” moments. What we generally have is a series of joyful experiences that make small but meaningful changes in our lives. Some of my experiences are: my first solo as a student pilot, and a few years later, the first student I soloed as an instructor; many actual mountain tops, breathing in the cold crisp air of Vermont and then later the Rocky Mountain ski areas, and of course, the exhilaration of making it to the bottom in one piece; watching my first foal born on a bright April morning, and eighteen years later, her (and my) last foal born at midnight late in March. There have been many memorable airplane experiences. The most notable may have been watching the Northern Lights from a jump seat all the way from Anchorage to somewhere over Nebraska. So awesome. I could go on, but you get the idea. We all have these kinds of memories, and they are the positive milestones along the way that keep us mindful of who we are and who is responsible for these gifts. A favorite scripture of mine is found in Job, not a particularly happy book. But in there are these words: “Hast thou given the horse strength? Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Canst thou make him afraid of a grasshopper? The glory of his nostrils is terrible. He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength.” (Job 39:19-21) When feeling blue remember the words of Psalm 121: “I lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”
-Dolly Gibbons Help us, Lord, to be forever grateful for what we have, and help us all to bring joy to others. Amen
Saturday, Movember 16th We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us - and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. - 1 John 3:16-18 Action. That’s where I got tripped up. Turning my faith Gene Schmidt into action. My faith has always been strictly internal. I didn’t talk about it much; it was too personal. But I knew that wasn’t all there was to it. Then I found something that stirred me to action. It took an earthquake in Haiti to make me realize that I could serve God. I found a way to use my gifts to love a small group of kids by standing for truth and taking action.
-Gene Schmidt
Dear God, Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. Reveal to us how we can use our gifts in this world to spread your love. Give us the courage to action.
Sunday, November 17th Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret... - Psalm 37:7 My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, and make music with all my soul. - Psalm 108:1 When my son was small, his favorite phrase was “Say no words” when he didn’t want to listen anymore. Over the years “Say no words” became a go-to phrase we all used. This phrase applies to an incident that happened to me. Sandy Bush
I was studying pipe organ when my teacher announced he had been offered a position at another church and was leaving soon. He asked me to fill in for him after he left. I told him I couldn’t possibly fill his (organ) shoes. But he persisted, and I agreed to try. I worked myself into a frenzy of fear while prepping my music, telling God I must have been crazy to do this, so would He please get me out of it?!! Well, I guess He didn’t hear my words. Sunday came and I was certain I would fail. I prayed that God would prevent me from doing this—maybe have me fall down the steps or something drastic. I should have said, “Say no words,” because God totally ignored me. I was in a full blown panic attack. I knew I was going to die right then and there on that organ bench when I heard a woman say, “You look like you’re in great distress. May I pray for you?” She told me to close my eyes and take a deep breath. She placed her hands on me and began praying softly, and though I don’t remember all her words, I recall her saying “the Holy Spirit.” A feeling of peace came over me. She asked if I felt better, and I said “There are no words. . .” I never knew who she was or why she was there. I had said the wrong words in my fear and panic. . .”Say no words.” But she had said the right ones, and God listened. Thirty years later, on the first Sunday I visited FUMC, the organ music washed over me, inspiring me so that I knew this was where I would worship. Music is an integral part of worship for me every Sunday and for many of us at First Church.
-Sandy Bush
Lord God, you know our inner fears and doubts. Your timing is perfect, not ours. Help us to find that place where words are not necessary; where you enter into our hearts to guide us. Amen.
Monday, November 18th Be still and know that I am God... - Psalm 46:10 I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. - John 10:10 When I was 47 years old, I collapsed due to a serious cardiac dysrhythmia. I was placed in the cardiac unit for a week where I prayed to God day and night to save my life. It was a scary time. When I went home from the hospital, I literally could not walk from one side of the room to the other and was forced to be still for the first time in my life. It was three months before I could return to my hectic job as a nurse anesthetist.
Linda McDade
But blessings occurred...I began to read the Psalms, which led to writing poetry. I learned to draw. I made a sculpture out of driftwood that would later be placed in the member show at Pensacola Museum of Art. Most importantly, I realized that God had been with me the entire time, just as I know God is with me now. I don’t deserve his grace, but he gives it freely. I endured the test and received His blessing. The Grace of God The elation I feel comes from God alone I’ve stepped into grace I stand mute before His Majesty My sin lies before me Not in neat packages but in messy piles Needing to be cleaned and straightened The tablet of commandments is in pieces I have broken most all of them Where do I go in my anguish But to God’s always open arms I step into grace
-Linda McDade Dear Heavenly Father, Please help me be still and remember whose I am and be forever thankful. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, November 19th I know what I am going to do. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. - Jeremiah 29:11-14 What in this scripture captures your attention? Is there a word, a phrase, perhaps a feeling or some sense that bubbles up inside?
Kaye Westmark
When I read scripture, a poem or sacred reading, I often read it as though it is a love letter to me from God. I read it when I am by myself, slowly taking in every word. Usually there is a word, phrase or feeling that touches me, and I am invited to sit with it, pondering what God is communicating to me. I read it a second time slowly and find myself again struck by the same word, phrase or feeling. I sit in silence before God, simply digesting what comes, holding space to hear deeply what the Holy Spirit might be illuminating to me in this reading. When I leave this holy space and enter into the world, I carry this communication from God with me, continuing to ponder the message. Back in May, I encountered a poem by the famous poet Rainer Maria Rilke that captured my attention. I have used it as a prayer practice throughout the summer, anticipating the possibilities to what God is birthing in me. I share it as one that might speak into embracing the future, aware of God’s presence in all of creation, in all things. You must give birth to your images. They are the future waiting to be born. . . fear not the strangeness you may feel. The future must enter into you long before it happens. . . Just wait for the birth. . . for the hour of new clarity.
-Kaye Westmark
Spiritual Director
Wednesday, November 20th For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:8-10 Through the course of my Christian faith journey, the message of grace and sharing the message of grace has become increasingly important me. You see, many times the church universal seems to demonstrate Joe Taylor more un-grace through judgment and condemnation rather than grace. Philip Yancey, in his book What’s so Amazing about Grace, shares a story of a counselor who, while counseling a prostitute, is at a complete loss as to advice to offer about the terrible things she’s done to herself and her child, and who finally asks, “Have you thought of turning to the church?” She replies, “Why would I ever go there? I was already feeling terrible about myself; they’d just make me feel worse.” People who were at their worst—prostitutes, tax collectors, and thieves—were drawn to Christ instead of away from Him. Have we lost the gift to draw people when they’re at their worst and need our help the most? Do we open the doors to receive all those who come seeking, or do we slam the doors shut with judgment and condemnation? Each Christmas and Easter our churches are filled, and I think it’s because people come seeking new beginnings, hope, and most of all grace. If we’re truly to become Christ’s Holy church in this world and respond to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), I believe we must open wide the doors to receive all who are seeking hope in Christ and extend the message of grace that we’ve been so blessed to received.
-Joe Taylor Lord, help us to offer love and grace to all your children and to bring hope to those living in desperate circumstances so that they may come to know your love and the perfect plan for a life that can be lived joyously. Amen. Prayer Focus: Those who need us to share the grace that God has given to us.
Thursday, November 21st O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! - Psalm 96:1 There are many references to singing and singers in the Bible. As a Sanctuary Choir member, I am privileged to attend choir practice to learn the anthems to be performed at Sunday worship services. We practice these anthems many times to learn our notes and how to say the words (for instance--no Rs and don’t chew the words!)
Anibel Tyrrell
One of the beautiful anthems the Sanctuary Choir recently performed is Psalm 139. The words are so powerful: “Lord, you have searched me out and known me; you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” (Please read Psalm 139.) Attending choir practice is a true worship experience in itself as we learn each new anthem, and we get to worship God again as we sing the anthems in the Sunday worship service. I am thankful for the Sanctuary Choir and the part it has played in my life. In the summer when there is no choir practice on some Wednesdays, I feel like something is missing in my life. There are choirs for all ages at First Church; I hope you will find your place in one of them.
-Anibel Tyrrell
Dear God, thank you for the gift of music. Bless all who sing your praises. My prayer is in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Friday, November 22nd You shall observe the festival of harvest, of the first fruits of your labor, of what you sow in the field. . . The choicest of the first fruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. - Exodus 23:16, 19
For four generations the Varnson family has reaped the benefits of belonging to First United Methodist Church in Pensacola. Within the walls of the church, Irene Varnson we have been blessed with weddings, baptisms, confirmations, and communion. Even the five burials we celebrated here have been blessings, knowing we have come from Christian homes and can live on the promises of our God. For over ninety years of membership, we have been nourished with fine music, uplifting sermons, good Christian education, and excellent fellowship. We have also been blessed with the opportunity to serve the church and each other. Tradition is important to us even when it comes in the form of admonishment. God told the Israelites to observe three festivals—one of which was the Festival of Harvest. They were to bring the first fruits of their fields as an offering to God in recognition of the blessings He had bestowed upon them. Today, most of us are not farmers, but we still recognize how blessed we are. The first fruit of our labor is not grain but a paycheck. Before writing our checks for the month, it is good to remember that first fruits belong to God.
-Irene Varnson
Lord, as we go forth into the future, help us to remember our heritage. Amen.
Saturday, November 23rd For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11 As a grandmother of four adored grandchildren, I often wonder what lies ahead for them as they grow into adults. As our world focuses on the turmoil constantly brewing in the Middle East, will there ever be peace in that region? Will my grandchildren be called to put their lives in danger by deploying to faraway places in our military? With the instability Linda Marucci of our nation’s economy, will they be saddled with a lifetime of sky-high taxes? Will our church continue to grow and flourish, as it has in its long and storied past, or will it rest in its present position in our community, merely treading water, and eventually slide backwards? It is frightening to look into the future without the promises God gives us to forge ahead, promises that give us hope for our grandchildren that they will have abundant lives, promises that He will be with us when times become difficult and in times of rejoicing. I cannot imagine facing tomorrow without the knowledge that my Savior is guiding me in my thoughts and actions. This gives me reassurance that, even though we may be unsure of what the future holds, we know our Lord will be with us every step of the way.
-Linda Marucci
Dear Lord, you are the source of all good in my life and in the lives of my grandchildren. You are infinite and inexhaustible. Even though I am sometimes fearful for what lies ahead, I know that you have plans for every one of us, your children, and we know those plans are for good and not for evil. Amen.
How Do I Decide What to Give? Our Embracing the Future Campaign is an exciting opportunity to take a step in faith and trust God as perhaps never before. It will challenge our priorities, our values, our commitment, and our trust in God’s bigger plan for us. How can we give in a way that helps us to grow in our faith? Prayerfully ask these questions and see if God doesn’t impress on your mind a specific amount to give. The amount will almost always be larger than the first number that popped into your mind, since it will be a step of faith. Lord, what do you want to do through me to fulfill your will for First Church?
1. Is my gift based on what I think I can afford OR is it what God wants to give through me? “Remember this: whosoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, but whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
2nd Corinthians 9:6
2. Does this amount stretch my faith?
“God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more, so that there will not only be enough for your own needs, but also plenty left over to give joyfully to others.” 2nd Corinthians 9:8
3. Does my gift show that I value an eternal reward more than material things?
“Use your money to do good…By doing this you will be storing up real treasure for yourself in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity! And you’ll live a fruitful Christian life down here as well.” 1st Timothy 6:19
4. Does my gift demonstrate how much I love God?
“Be a leader in the spirit of cheerful giving…this is one way to prove that your love is real, that it goes beyond mere words.” 2nd Corinthians 8:8
5. Does this amount represent a genuine sacrifice?
“I will not sacrifice to my God an offering that costs me nothing.”
2nd Samuel 24:24
6. Does it express my gratefulness for how God has blessed my life and family? “With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord.”
Psalm 54:6
Loving Creator: I want to give an amount that shows how grateful I am for the many ways that you have blessed me. Help me to grow in faith by trusting you with my needs. Please impress on my heart the amount that you desire to give through me. And show me how I can give sacrificially to you. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday, November 24th Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. - John 14:12-14 Every year, the faculty and staff of Pace High School award ten seniors with the “Pace Setter” award of excellent leadership. The “Pace Setter” award is a very prestigious award, and all students in the David Feliciano school understand how important it is to the seniors who are in the running to win. During my junior year, I was unconcerned with being nominated or receiving the award. I thought that I did not need to be given an award to tell me I was a leader. During my senior year, however, my attitude changed, and I began to see leadership in a different way. Instead of viewing leadership as a position for myself, I saw the importance of leadership as an example for others to follow. Leaders are followed because they are seen by others as being able to offer something unique to the group. In John 14, we are charged by Jesus with respecting our abilities to know we have the potential to do “greater things than these.” Each of us has a leadership role in the Body of Christ. Some leaders’ roles are more verbal, while others are more action-centered; but all are vital to the Church serving God and doing His ministry. Through conversation with God, we can discover what our leadership roles are within the Body of Christ. To believe that we are not all leaders within the Body of Christ is to miss out on opportunities to further the Kingdom of God. Accepting our call to responsible leadership is the first step in being able to accomplish all we can in the name of God.
-David Feliciano Dear Lord, we ask you to be our leader always. As you have charged us with being your hands and feet, we ask you for guidance and help to keep all of our decisions focused on your will. We ask you to keep us motivated to do great things, but to keep us humble and help us remember that you are the standard we are striving for. Amen.
Monday, November 25th The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. - Psalm 92:12-15 Embracing the Future! That can be scary! I remember when I decided I should retire, how apprehensive I was. Since my children were grown, my life was absorbed with my professional responsibilities. Who Jean Wallace would I be when I no longer had that responsibility? What would I do to feel worthy? But it was time. I didn’t realize God had my retirement already worked out. I discovered that He goes before us to prepare the way! I have learned a lot about myself since I retired and have been more able to pay attention to what God has in store for me. He has provided a wonderful ministry for me with my therapy dog that has given me much pleasure. Theodore has given me confidence to interact with strangers who might be lonely or need loving, and at the same time memorialize our daughter. (Theodore was born on the date our daughter was killed fifteen years later, so they have a connection!) With the help of the wonderful ladies in our Prayer Shawl Group, I have learned to knit. . . something I never had the patience or time for before. Not only have I been able to serve God by making prayer shawls, but I am learning how to be still with God. Another new concept for me: you can pray with just your hands as you knit. . . or your body with praise dancing. . . or even by lighting a candle! I have had some experience in praying with simple “groanings too deep for words”, but this is better. I’m thankful to be able to participate in the activities of my church and have developed some wonderful Christian friends who exhibit ways to grow in Christian faith. I am convinced that God not only loves us with unfathomable love but also prepares our way into our future.
-Jean Wallace Dear loving, heavenly Father, Forgive our faithless fears. Help us to rely on your love for us and trust our future to your hands. Amen.
Tuesday, November 26th As Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew. They were fishermen casting their net into the water. Jesus said, “Come! Follow me! I will show you how to fish for people!” They immediately left their job and old life to follow Him. - Matthew 4:18-20 (paraphrased) “Follow me” is the substance of the call in the power of which Jesus makes people his saints... their looking to Jesus as their Lord is not an idle gaping. It is a vision that stimulates those to whom it is given to a definite action. The call issued by Jesus is a call to discipleship. - Karl Barth
Sea of Galilee
In July 1995, I made my commitment to Jesus Christ. I had tried life my way for 40+ years. I was a good person with a sharp tongue and battered heart. As I had done in any new job position, I began to read and study the manual of this new life, the Bible. In the gospels and through the New Testament, I studied the lives of the first century church members, and they were more than believers of Jesus Christ. They lived their faith. It is in the everyday touching and serving of others in the streets and homes of His community where Jesus revealed who He was and the Father that sent Him. There was no ambition for recognition or status in the world. He did not attempt to change the Roman law to fit God’s law. His focus was living God’s way so that His life would be testimony to the Father. 2000 years later, everyone around us should know who Jesus is by the way His disciples, you and me, live the totality our lives.
-Jody Neufield Father, may my life be a living sacrifice, an imitation of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, guide and direct me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, November 27th This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. - Psalm 118:24 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13 Meeting daily obligations and responsibilities is difficult for everyone in today’s world. Making choices, juggling chores and demands on our time can be overwhelming. Trying to keep life simple is exhausting. I find it hard to justify relaxing when there are a dozen things that need to be done. My Sandra Davis secret weapon is daily prayer, beginning with my favorite verses; and my not-so-secret weapon is my church life and family. First Church has blessed me with opportunities to grow in my faith, make my small contribution to helping others, surrounded me with loving friends, and helped me understand some of life’s difficult moments. Janie Moseley and Marian Guthrie’s Disciple classes piqued my interest in Bible study. Henry Robert’s sermons spoke directly to me with humor but subtle instructions. Wesley Wachob’s classes and lectures give me new and scary insights into the Lord’s Word but inspire me to be a better person. Larry Mosley’s Stephen Ministry training and my experiences as a Stephen Leader guided by Debra Tallman taught me to gently relate to those suffering losses or devastating illnesses and allayed my fears of aging and dying. With enthusiastic guidance, Dr. Mary Ann Gantt encouraged me and my fellow library volunteers, dear life-time good friends, Jeanne Tew, Nettie Joseph, Sarah Francis Mosley, Sue Glenn, Sue Nicholson, Barbara Vititow, and Betty and Quentin Roosevelt, to modernize the church library. Karen Bower’s Prayer Shawl Ministry has been a new blessing with new and old friends Mary Riker, Jean Wallace, and Christine Russo. Crocheting prayer shawls is my therapy and my way of giving hugs to people who need a “warm fuzzy.” For all this, I am truly grateful.
-Sandra Davis
My daily prayer begins with: This is the day the Lord hath made; I shall be glad and rejoice in it. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -- Thank you, Lord for your many, many blessings—my loving husband, my family, my friends—and help me fulfill your plan for me. Amen.
Thursday, November 28th Those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. - 1 John 4:21 We love FUMC, Pensacola. Not only is it God’s House, but it is also filled with God-loving people. God commands us to minister to others, and our church offers us many ways to minister. We both support the out-reach programs of Watson & Anne Aldridge “Serve the Hungry Plus,” “Pastoral Care,” and “Milk & Honey.”is involved in providing clothing assistance to women through “Suit Yourself.” All these programs need volunteers to survive, and they are all so worthy of your time. Serving others helps us serve God. Jesus served others and gave his life for the lost. We can do likewise.
-Watson & Anne Aldridge
Father, help us to reach out to others so we may better serve you..
Friday, November 29th We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is contributing to the needs of others, then give generously; if it is to lead, then lead diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. - Romans 12:6-8 Olivia Keene
God has given me some great gifts. Some of my gifts are drawing, loving, and hugging. I can use my gift of drawing to draw pictures of Him as a way to worship Him. I can use my gift of loving to love people who need to be loved. I can use my gift of hugging to hug people who are feeling sad or lonely. God loves us so much, and He gives all of us gifts. He loves everybody equally. God’s gifts are way better than any birthday present you could ever get!
-Olivia Keene
Dear Lord, I love you. I pray that you would help me use my gifts. Amen.
Saturday, November 30th [Read Psalm 145: 8-18] The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. - Psalm 145:13 As a Stephen Minister at First Church, I met a remarkable woman who had outlived most of her family, including nine siblings, her husband, and two sons. She was very much alone in her declining years. I first visited her weekly in her home, and subsequently, in a nursing home for many years until her death. At the close of our visits, we would often say the Lord’s Prayer together. In spite of her increasing memory problems, she could always recite the Lord’s Prayer with me.
Ruth Sneed
My care receiver had very few visitors and looked forward to seeing me, telling the nurses each time that I was from her church. I think she felt safe knowing her church was looking out for her. Many times she said to me, “You are so faithful.” This comment reminds me of our relationship with God. The psalmists repeatedly tell us of God’s faithfulness and steadfast love. As God’s children we are called to be faithful to our brothers and sisters in Christ and to share God’s love with them. We just might be the family that someone needs.
-Ruth Sneed
Dear God, thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Help us to follow your divine example as we serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.
Sunday, December 1st Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. - Matthew 18:5 I doubt that when I was a baby my parents thought, “When she is 74, we hope she will think that we were good parents.” Well, I do. I believe that because my parents were good Christian people, they gave me a childhood surrounded by their love, caring and trust. I was raised in a country Methodist church with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles who lived close by. They were good role models for me. Faith, education and music were important parts of my life.
Janis Hand
Later in life when difficulties and tragedy happened, I was able to trust God to get me through the storms. Years after working through the pain, I was able to see joy had returned and my life was truly blessed. I owe much to my parents and their guidance in my formative years to help me get through hard times. In June 2005, my husband and I started sponsorship of Martha Derebe, age 7, from Ethiopia. Compassion International Sunday was held at our church. We looked at many pictures of children. Martha was our “chosen one”. She is now 14, and I have all of the letters that I have received from her and copies of those I sent to her. She belongs to a Christian church and attends a Christian school through her monthly sponsorship money. I feel blessed to be able to invest in a child’s life through Martha. I want to be able to give to her and my own child, living in Pensacola, what my parents gave to me—love and faith. I am grateful that my church introduced this program to us, and we have been able to make a contribution to help a child.
-Janis Hand Dear God, thank you for parents who instill love and faith in us. Help us to give our love to someone today. Amen.
Monday, December 2nd Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you. - Deuteronomy 31:8
Drew Kent
I think when I try to do all of these things it takes the worry out of my heart. Then the bullies and the tests and all the new challenges seem as small as little ants. When I follow God I can face my fears because I know I’m not alone.
I don’t know. . . If I will be a doctor, author or teacher If I will live in the mountains or by the sea or in the forest If I will have sons or daughters If I will live to be 102 I don’t know the titles of all the books I will read I don’t know the names of all the songs I will play on the piano But God knows it all! So I pray. . . To love God with all my heart and all my strength and all my mind To share God’s love To serve others To share the story of Christ, and To trust God.
At church I hear over and over to trust God. I hear it from my Sunday school teachers. I hear it in the songs we sing in choir. I hear it at VBS. It makes me feel good to know that all these people love me and want me to know God.
-Drew Kent Dear God, Please help us trust in you. Thank you for helping us face our fears. Help us remember we are not alone. Give us courage and strength to always follow you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, December 3rd ...for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7 My relationship with Jesus began as a very young child. When I was baptized and confirmed at age 14, Jesus became not only my closest friend but my savior. JOY filled every cell of my body and continues today. In Acts 20:35, Jesus tells me “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”As a follower of the world’s greatest giver, I give my time, talent, and resources joyfully.
Nancy Shealy
Jesus whispers and sometimes shouts in 2 Corinthians 9:7: “I love a cheerful giver.”
-Nancy Shealy
Prayer focus: Pray continually for His guidance as we continue on this earthly journey...GIVING...GIVING...GIVING.
First United Methodist Church of Pensacola is a historic church. Since 1821, First Church has provided a place for Pensacola and the surrounding communities to worship and grow in Christ. Over the years First Church has grown from a one-room meeting house into a mission-focused congregation of over 3200 members. Embracing the Future: A Historic Church for Generations to Follow is the theme of our 2013 Capital Campaign. This campaign will raise funds to allow our ministries to continue to expand and prepare for the future, while helping First Church create a lasting impact in our community for generations to follow.
www.fumcpensacola.com 6 Wright Street, Pensacola, Florida 32501 | (850) 432-1434