Weekly Reminders

The passage of the Bible that we are focusing on this Sunday is Luke 16:1-15. It contains one of Jesus’ most unique (not in a good way) parables. In most surveys of Jesus’ approximately 46 parables, the most popular parable will be either the Prodigal Son or the Good Samaritan. So, what do you think is at the other end of the spectrum is? What is Jesus’ least popular parable? Luke 16:1-15. In it Jesus tells a story about a lazy scoundrel who faces ruin, so, to save himself, he defrauds his employer. This is not someone we naturally admire. But, to the readers surprise, Jesus says we are to learn something important from his behavior. Join us at Elberton First this Sunday as we consider what lessons Jesus wants us to learn from the thief.

Blessings,
Pastor John

Picture Directory
Last year, our directories were a hit, so we're doing a new one. If you did not have your picture taken in the previous year or would like a retake, Jake Harper will be set up in the Fellowship Hall on October 19th and 26th. If you cannot make one of those day’s you can either come by the church at a time arranged with Jake, or email a picture to the church office. Also, we would like to add group pictures this year from Sunday School Classes, First Kids, First Youth, Choir, and Bible Studies. Please send group pictures to the church office.

Coffee Time
Join us as we continue providing coffee, donut holes, and a non-sugary breakfast option each Sunday from 10:45–11:00 a.m. before the Traditional service. Stop by the Overflow Room to enjoy a treat and some fellowship!

Remember to come back on Sunday evening for the evening chapel service. We are still enjoying the faith lessons video series, which offers lessons on how the actual geography of the Holy Land adds to the meaning of a passage.

Mark Your Calendar!
The Annual 1st Youth Fall Festival will be on Wednesday, October 29th, from 6-8 pm. We will have games, food, a cakewalk, a hayride, and trunk or treat. If you would like to donate baked goods for the cakewalk, please tell Bryce Keely, Youth Director. His email is bryce@elbertonfmc.com

Church “Drama” Team
If you would be interested in helping with dramatic readings or short skits in the worship service, please email the pastor, john@elbertonfmc.com. ?

Recognition of Joe Johnson
Elberton’s Salvation Army will be recognizing longtime Advisory Board Member Joe Johnson for his years of service at an open-to-the-public gathering on Thursday, September 25th, at McIntosh Coffee Shoppe.
Please click the button below to read more.

GMC Women's Retreat
There will be a Women’s Retreat on Saturday, October 11th, at Woodlawn GMC. The title is “Beauty from Despair.” Synopsis: Life’s heartaches can leave us broken and overwhelmed, but this theme reminds attendees that God turns pain and loss into a beautiful testimony of His faithfulness. Through Joy Griffin’s story of restoration, the conference will help women find hope and purpose in their struggles, trusting that God uses every broken piece to create a masterpiece.

*You are encouraged to bring an item for the Christmas Shoebox for the youth to create boxes

The link to register can be found at www.woodlawngmc.com

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In 1959 Bill Gaither graduated from Anderson College, Indiana, with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in Music. He went to work as an English teacher, pursuing music on the side. In 1963 he was asked to play the piano for a revival meeting in the area that featured the preaching of Dr. Dale Oldham. The meeting went well and afterwards Dr. Oldham asked Bill to write a song that included the words, “He touched me.” Gaither, who would later say that “songs are like whispered answers to questions of the heart”, took the words from Oldham as the theme of his first hit song, “He Touched Me.” This song would later be recorded by the Imperials, Elvis Presley, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and, more recently, Steven Curtis Chapman. Bill Gaither might have been writing about the woman that Jesus made whole in Luke 13:10-17.

We are looking at the Luke passage this week and the spiritual wholeness that Jesus wants to bring to us all.

Blessings,
Pastor John