Count it All Joy!

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4, NKJV

Chapter 1 of James advises us to count it all joy when trials come. But what if Joy was counting on you? If Joy depended on you, would it go on the adventure of a lifetime, or would it stay stuck in your own self-centered heart? Listen to this story of spreading joy...

"Good evening Pastor Settles. I enjoyed your message about joy.  Since we have not been able to come to church, I have been calling people checking on them and making sure they are ok, and that's one of my joys.  I am also crocheting two afghans to give away to two deserving healthcare professionals who have been on the front line with this virus, as a way to say thank you. I also pray for everybody and I know God will get us through this."  

Did you hear the joy threaded throughout the message? Joy is to be shared. Joy is contagious. So pay it forward. Put Joy in the world as if it were a flat Stanley! Where can you take Joy today, without even leaving the house? Joy goes thru airwaves, telephone lines, Joy knows no boundaries. So count your Joys, and count the ways you can pass Joy along to others. Joy is counting on you!

Church, we celebrated our first outdoor worship service last Sunday and there’s one word that sums it up…glorious! We will continue to have limited (in seating and time) worship in the Prayer Garden at 9:00am. We’re capping it at 40 people, so if you would like to come, please go to our website at www.umcgt.org and reserve your spot. And don’t forget to bring your own lawn chair and your mask. Pastor Rocky will bring a stirring message on our indescribable God!

Please don’t forget to join us in celebrating Rita Goddard as she takes the next step on her journey! We will have a car parade in Rita’s honor on Sunday, August 30, at 3:00pm. Feel free to decorate your cars, make signs, bring cards, whatever you would like to do. This will be your opportunity to bless Rita as she has blessed Green Trails for the past five years!

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding JOY, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

Jude 1:24-25, NKJV

Blessings,

Pastor Linda