What’s Happening at CG 9/22/2021

A Note From Our Associate Pastor:Pastor Marian Royston

March and April of 2020 seem like a lifetime ago. It was a time of great uncertainty and fear. Most of the population was forced to retreat into our homes in an effort to “flatten the curve.” Seemingly overnight, many of us had to creatively convert sections of our living spaces into home offices, classrooms, gyms, and places of worship. Despite the directive to socially distance and shelter in place, many of us found creative ways to be “together apart.” We accepted the challenge of the moment with the hope that our faithfulness to do so would lead us back to our “normal” lives soon. Hindsight is (no pun intended) 20/20. 


During that early phase of the pandemic, one of the things that helped us lean into a new way of operating with as much enthusiasm as we did was the promise of an end in sight. Moreover, we had a sense of solidarity around our shared experience. Yet, it is now September 2021, and it seems that the finish line is continually moving just past our reach. As a result, our enthusiasm for creative solutions has waned. Now, we’re forced to consider what shape our life together as followers of Christ will take in our “new normal.”


Our current state of affairs reminds me of the early church. It was a common belief at the time that the second coming of Christ was imminent. This belief led to enthusiastic involvement among those who followed the Way of Jesus. As their time of waiting on Christ’s return extended, many grew discouraged. It is likely that the writer of Hebrews had this discouragement in mind when they offered the following words in Hebrews 10: 23-25 (CEB):


Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.  And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.


Now, more than ever, we must continue to encourage one another and seek opportunities to connect, just as we did in the beginning. Our only way through is together. Let’s encourage one another and rely on the One whose “promises are reliable.” 


Who can you connect with and encourage today?
 
Blessings,
Pastor Marian
Center Grove United Methodist Church, Huntsville, Alabama, church in Alabama, methodist church, online worship, north alabama conference

To register for the Walking With Nehemiah weekly Bible Study, please email the Center Grove Church office at church.office@centergroveumc.org, scan the QR Code on the flyer, or click the Registration Form Link https://bit.ly/walkingwithnehemiah

Worship Celebration

September 26, 2021
Join us for our Worship Celebration on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. via In-Person, or Facebook Live on the Center Grove United Methodist Church Facebook page.
You can also join our live streaming celebration via the following media outlets:

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfMEFeWdt294sXw_EOH7jA
Church Website:  http://centergroveumc.org/
Vimeo:  https://vimeo.com/event/51681

Remember The Sick & Home-bound


Mrs. Gladys Jacobs
Mrs. Madgie Jamar
Ms. Marjorie Ewing
Mrs. Cora King
Ms. Theresa Hope
Mrs. Zena Love Hill
Mr. Carl Bradley
Mrs. Barbara Baker
Mr. Bobby Readus
Mrs. Ollie Gilliam
Pastor Ruth J. Smith
Mrs. Sara M. Bradley
Mrs. Carla Larry
Mrs. Marion Hall


Words of Encouragement

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