You Must
I like to carve out a few free nights a month to play Trivia in pubs and restaurants. Granted I’m not some general information savant, nope I’m very selective. Movies, music, tv, and all things 1990’s are where I shine the brightest. I’ve played in dark low ceiling pubs with twenty people all the way to a large ballroom in a Las Vegas casino against hundreds of living breathing Google Search Bars disguised as humans. I’ve played on a team of twelve strangers squeezed around a table for six and I’ve been a member to one of the most dominant quartets to ever answer questions on the Gulf Coast. At the end of the night there’s a certificate to cover half of our tab and hours of conversations that have added up to years of relationships as long as a decade or as temporary as a 2-hour game and I cherish each of them.
When I think about the 12 disciples, I like to think about what each of them brought to their team. Peter, brought a bold and sometimes overconfident self-assurance that led the others forward. Philip was wise in some areas but knew to defer to the stronger members when he was out of his element. And of course there’s Thomas, probably shooting down a good guess because he’s “not so sure.” Regardless of their strengths and weaknesses, Jesus brought all of them to the table and loved each one. I’ve always held his last command to them at The Last Supper as the beacon to guide me in my life, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34” My favorite part is the “must.” Nonnegotiable, don’t care what you think about them, doesn’t matter what they do or look like, doesn’t matter if they know how many instruments Prince could play: You MUST love one another. When we love each other, we are closer to what He wants from us.
Your challenge this week is to see the “others” you keep at an arms or football fields length away in your life and find a way to love them as Christ loves them: greet them, open your heart, and serve them. You can use your faith in action to bring glory to the kingdom of God and a blessing to you both. Love one another. You MUST!
P.S. - It’s 27
Cuyler Jones works at the Good Neighbor Thrift Store where he is affectionately referred to as Clark because he is Superman.
Back to School: Embracing the 24/25 School Year
As the summer sun begins to set and the “excitement” (based on who’s reading) of a new school year rises, a time of both anticipation and reflection for families in our community comes into focus. Whether you're in Navarre, Gulf Breeze, or somewhere in between, this time of year marks a significant chapter for our middle and high school students. It also signals a time for parents to be relieved from the “I’m bored” and “Do we have anything to eat?” questions and comments.
Middle School and High School today is more than just a rite of passage. It’s a pivotal period where our young people develop skills and character that will shape their futures. The opportunities they encounter in our local schools are designed to equip them for the complexities of the modern world. With the integration of technology in the classroom, students are not only learning traditional subjects but also becoming proficient in digital literacy, a skill essential for future success.
In Santa Rosa County, we are blessed with schools that prioritize not just education, but also the overall well-being of our students. From supportive teachers to engaging programs, our schools are committed to fostering environments where students can thrive both academically and personally.
However, the significance of youth extends beyond the classroom. Our middle and high school students represent the future of our society. They are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and stewards. It’s essential that we, as a community, nurture and guide them; instilling values that will serve them and others well.
As we send our students back to school, let’s remember the importance of supporting them not just in their academic endeavors, but in their growth as individuals. Let’s encourage them to explore their passions, stand up for what they believe in, and contribute positively to our community…and maybe put their phones down a little more often! Most of all, encourage them to adopt a daily prayer habit. Encourage them to be able to put on the “Armor of God” from Ephesians 6:11-18 each and every day. School is tough enough without “armor”.
This school year, let’s be intentional about the role we play in the lives of our youth. Whether it’s through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply showing up, every effort makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that our students not only succeed in school but also develop into the confident, compassionate leaders that our world desperately needs.
Here’s to a new school year filled with growth, learning, and endless possibilities!
Unprecedented
‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16
Unprecedented, unprecedented event. These words appear to have become the buzz phrase over the last few years with regards to the situation the world finds itself in. Big words like this require a dictionary definition. The definition for "unprecedented" is "without previous instance, never before known or experienced. I believe this is an accurate description of life. Most instances in our lives are unprecedented for us as individuals. Our first steps, our first word and so on. There are many situations in history that have been unprecedented, World War 1 and 2, other conflicts, the flu epidemic in the early 1900's, 9/11 and then there is Jesus. Unprecedented that God would come into this world as a baby, grow up, share the good news of God's love with others, die on a cross to pay for my sins and then be resurrected. Something never known before or experienced. But isn't that like God? The Bible is full of stories and experiences of things never seen before.
In each of the previously mentioned unprecedented situations life changed. Our lifestyles have and continue to change as we adapt and adjust. I do know that God is right here in the middle of all of this with us and good is coming out of the not so good. God is with you in the unprecedented and always.
A colleague shared a benediction I would like to leave you with:
May the Lord disturb you and trouble you
May the Lord set an impossible task before you and dare you to meet it
May the Lord give you the strength to do your best
And then, but ONLY then
May you be granted the Lord’s peace.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Let Them Eat Cake
Elijah has to be one of the coolest people in the Bible. I think because we now have the stories of Jesus, we forget how amazing Elijah actually was. When we look at his life, it’s easy to see why people wondered if Jesus was Elijah reincarnated. Raising people to life? Yep. Multiplying food? Yep. Fasting for 40 days? Seems counterproductive to multiplying food, but also yes.
The pinnacle of his ministry is when he faced 450 prophets of Baal in an epic showdown on Mt. Carmel. However, the story that gets preached on the most is when he’s hiding in a cave waiting for the Lord to show up. There was wind, an earthquake, and fire before the Lord showed up in a gentle whisper.
But there are a few verses connecting these two stories that are vastly misunderstood. After Elijah called down fire from heaven and then had 450 prophets of Baal killed, he ran away when he heard that the queen wanted him dead. The usual thought process is that this is Elijah’s biggest failure, that he had just done one of the mightiest deeds and now cowers before a woman (with full misogyny intended by these people).
In recent years, we have become more familiar with a concept known as crisis fatigue. After major events in our lives that cause stress, our bodies will do things to adapt to that stress. Besides the physical changes to our body that can occur, other symptoms include physical and mental exhaustion, changes in sleep, changes in appetite, and feeling numb or empty. Read these following verses with crisis fatigue in mind:
Then [Elijah] went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.”
I don’t think this passage describes a moral or faith failing on Elijah’s part like most people would have you believe. When you look at it through a crisis fatigue lens, it checks off all the boxes and becomes one of the most natural reactions possible. What I think is most important, though, is God’s reaction to Elijah’s fatigue. There was no condemnation. In fact, in most translations, there was cake. God let him sleep and gave him comfort food. Then there was more sleep and more cake.
For 40 days, God let Elijah recoup before coming to him in that gentle whisper. In that conversation, there was still no condemnation but rather a plan laid out to give Elijah next steps and the promise of help. Don’t freak out if you find yourself having the same thoughts that Elijah had. You are not alone in your feelings, and God has made sure that you don’t need to be physically alone by preparing people to be in your life to support you. And if it helps, apparently eating cake is a God-approved means of recovery.
Summer Camp
Hey NUMC family,
I'm beyond excited to share that next week, our Revive Youth Group is heading out to the best summer camp ever! We're getting our bags packed, our sleeping bags rolled up, and our hearts ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Now, I know some of you might be wondering, "Why all the fuss about summer camp?" Well, let me tell you, summer camp isn't just about campfires and s'mores (though, let's be honest, those are pretty great too). There are so many benefits to heading out to camp that go way beyond the surface.
Building Lifelong Friendships
One of the biggest perks of camp is the opportunity to make new friends. And I'm not just talking about the kind you exchange socials with. These are the kind of friendships that last a lifetime. According to the American Camp Association (ACA), 96% of campers say that camp helped them make new friends. That's a whole lot of future friendships!
Growing Closer to God
Camp is also an intentional time for our youth to grow closer to God. Being out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, gives us the chance to connect with God in a deeper and more meaningful way. There's something truly special about worshipping under the stars and feeling the presence of God in the great outdoors.
Learning Life Skills
Summer camp isn't just about fun and games (though there's plenty of that too). It's also a place where our youth can learn important life skills. From teamwork to leadership, these are skills that will benefit them long after camp is over. The ACA also reports that 74% of campers say they did things they were afraid to do at first but felt really proud of afterward. Its a major confidence boost.
Unplugging and Recharging
In our digital age, it's more important than ever to take a break from screens and enjoy the world around us. Camp provides a perfect opportunity to unplug and recharge. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids aged 8-18 spend an average of 7.5 hours a day on entertainment media. Camp gives them a much-needed break from all that screen time and a chance to reconnect with nature and each other.
As we get ready for this incredible adventure, let's keep our campers in our prayers. Pray for their safety, for their hearts to be open to God's word, and for them to have the time of their lives.
Parents, thank you for entrusting us with your wonderful kids. We're committed to providing a safe, fun, and spiritually enriching experience for them.
And to our amazing youth – get ready for a week filled with laughter, learning, and lots of God's love. I can't wait to see all the incredible things God has in store for us at camp!
See you soon, and don't forget to pack your sunscreen!
Blessings,
Director of Youths, Chris Gersic