A Year of Hope

There has been so much to be thankful for over the last year, where we learned to lean into what we have always known to be true: with God, nothing is impossible. We’ve been blessed abundantly, and prayers are answered in our midst every single day. When we moved to our new location on Highway 280, we planned and prayed to be a church for and with our community. God has said yes, over and over. He has gone before us and made the impossible possible. He has opened hearts and eyes to see what His Kingdom looks like when we seek Him first. First United Methodist Church is a body of Christ excited to serve others both here at home and abroad. This body of Christ has seen and felt what it means to gather together in His name, to love one another and those around us, to meet the needs of the lost and lonely, and to find joy in all things.

To celebrate all God is doing, we began today by lifting the roof in song during worship. Goodness! The Holy Spirit’s presence was palpable! With tears in our eyes and chills covering us all, we said, “Thank you, Lord,” for all you’ve done. Rev. Donald Smith brought us to audible “Amens!” over and over. Worship continued as we broke bread together over brunch and an update from our Long Range Planning team. Again, trusting God has gone before us, we are excited to see what 2024 has in store!

Because our true calling is to serve God and serve others, the day wouldn’t have been complete without reaching others in His name. We partnered with Rise Against Hunger to pack 22,464 meals to be shared across the world! It is such a blessing to know thousands of people will be touched all because we understand what’s important: loving others as Christ loves us.

Friends, neighbors, and community…we pray you have a church moving heaven and earth to show and demonstrate God’s love. If you are looking for a church that is embracing every moment together, loving God, reaching others, and seeking the lost, we’d love for you to join us. Trust this; you will be welcome here.

Tough Dad with Tender Touch

I grew up with a Dad who was tough as nails and a hard disciplinarian. He lied about his age and joined the old CCC Camps when he was not quite fifteen years old and sent his paychecks back home to Winston County, Alabama to his blind mother. As his oldest, growing up under him was not easy. His expectations and standards were high and the consequences of noncompliance painful. Before I was ten, I could plow, cut and split firewood with an ax, use a scythe, lay tongue, and groove flooring, and many other “grown-up” tasks. I got to play sports only after the assigned duties were accomplished. It was not easy being my Dad’s son. However, it was a blessing. 

Because he had a rough time early in his life, he was determined to see that we had it better. He never ran around with the other men. He always worked all the overtime he could get, raised a huge garden, and spent all his free time with us; showing us how to do things or fishing or hunting. We kept two freezers full of home-grown vegetables and fish and game. Life was tough but, life was good. I knew my Dad cared about me. Later, I began to realize I was loved.

When I was about twelve, I remember being really sick with a high fever that would not go away and I remember my Dad coming into my room when he thought I was asleep. He put his hand on my head and prayed a simple prayer, “Lord, make my boy well.” The “Ole Man” has been gone for Sixteen years now. I’ve moved on down the road myself and, until this day, that touch is one of the most tender I’ve ever felt, and that prayer is forever in my heart. My Dad was a tough Dad with a tender touch.

Psalm 46 Says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of need. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea.”

My Dad always referred to God as “The Man Upstairs” and, anytime he had a problem, he would say, “I need to have a talk with The Man Upstairs,” and he always advised us to do the same. 

As I write this, our world is in a time of crisis; fighting an enemy we cannot see. Life’s toughest battles are in times such as this; so many challenges, so many unknowns, so much fear. These things call us to cling to that which we do know and understand. Behold the truth! We have a tough God with a tender touch who can deliver us from the things of this world.

 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of need.”

Blessings, Mike.