Weekly Reminders

January 29th, 2026
by Elberton First Methodist

Sunday, February 1, 2026

"The Blessed Journey"
Matthew 5:3-10, NIV
Rev. John Donaldson

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105 NIV

Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount starts with an 8-stanza poem known as the Beatitudes. Scholars have written for years that this poem might actually be a picture of what Christian growth looks like and a description of the challenges we face as we follow Jesus. We might call it today a road map to heaven. Lord willing, we’ll have church Sunday, and we’ll be able to take a closer look at the upward way.

Blessings,
Pastor John

News & Announcements

The menu for the February 4, Wednesday Night dinner, will be smothered chicken, green beans, baked potato, and cake! Following the dinner, we will have an early “valentine’s program”, with a few couples playing the “newlywed game.” Cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child 10 & under. Contact the church office to sign up or click the link to register online. https://elbertonfmc.subspla.sh/pdy3536

Missions Announcement
We are partnering with Circle of Life and giving Valentine's and small gifts to residents at Nancy Hart Nursing Center, and a goodie basket for staff. There are 67 residents and 70 staff. Suggestions are hard candy, pocket tissues, chapstick, etc. Items can be brought to the church office, and donations are welcome. Circle of Life has bought hand lotion for the residents, which has a scripture on it. When speaking to a staff member, we were told they would appreciate anything!

Connect Groups
Are you looking for a way to build closer friendships and grow deeper in your faith? During the Lent Season (Feb. 22-March 22), the church will offer Connect Groups for all ages! These groups (formerly known as Sunday School Classes) will meet from 10:05 to 10:50 a.m. Sunday mornings, with separate classes for the 2-4 year-olds, K-2nd Grade, 3rd-5th Grade, 6th-8th Grade, 9th-12th Grade, and a new Young Adult Class. Thank you to everyone who has agreed to teach!

Soup Ministry Postponed
Due to potential winter weather predicted for Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Soup Ministry has been postponed. Please see the updated plans below.
Updated Plans:

If you are preparing soup, please stop by the church office Monday, February 9 – Thursday, February 12, to pick up individual containers.
Prepare your soup, place it in the individual containers, and freeze it. (Please note on top what the soup is and if it contains meat)
Bring the frozen soup to the church kitchen on Sunday, February 15.
The soup will be distributed the following week.

Still Have a Christmas Cantata Book?
If you still have a copy of the Christmas Cantata book, please return it to the church office.