September everyone! I cannot believe summer is already over, it seems like we never really got to experience any real heat wave and it’s already fall like weather! It is an exciting time here at FUMC-Douglas, back to school, confirmation class, and the sale of the property formerly known as Jubilee House! We have the First Thursday Paying It Forward Fund dinner on the 6^th and I encourage you all to come and invite others as well to enjoy some pulled pork sandwiches and fellowship here at the Church. With the sale of Jubilee House we will be addressing some of the items discussed at our Church-wide meeting in July and we will have another meeting at the end of this month as well to discuss and envision the future for our Church. We are changing things up in our worship service and I want to encourage everyone to come with an open mind, and open heart and give us constructive ideas on how to make our worship reflect our faith. I am so excited and encouraged by the ideas which have been coming to fruition in the One Church Council as we continue to plan our outreach projects. I pray that everyone who reads these words understands that you are a part of everything happening here, and your voice, your ideas, your input, are valued and important to the mission of our Church. Paul wrote to the Romans these words which ring true in every situation but seem to be more on point than ever today: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in mutual love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people in low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay evil with evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”-Romans 12:9-21

Let us work together in one Spirit to be the Church God expects us to be. Loving, humble, willing to work, willing to associate with anyone, and at peace with one another. May God bless us all with these gifts of the Spirit

Pastor Donnie