We Are First - First United Methodist Church of Gadsden

We Are Rooted

June 23, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Sermon Notes: Thursday, June 20 & Sunday, June 23, 2024 Last year, I visited Epworth by The Sea on Saint Simon’s Island, Georgia. While I was there, I explored the massive oaks which adorn the property, many hundreds of years old and draped with Spanish Moss. I stood in awe of these massive trees, considering the history which occurred in their lifetimes. Were they seedlings when John Wesley made his missionary journey to the region? What occurred under their branches during the Revolutionary War or Civil War? What did the trees witness as generations of campers and conference goers rested in their shadows? Then my mind went to the storms which they endured. To have grown that big they had to have endured drought, floods, storms, and tremendous hurricanes. Yet the trees stand strong. It is likely that they stand strong and endure because of their root system. The root system holds them in place through all seasons, and because of the root system they can grow strong. I believe that we as a congregation can say the same. Paul writes in Colossians that we are to be rooted and built up in Christ, established in faith (Colossians 2:6-15). We are a congregation deeply rooted in Christ and out of that deep connection we are also “rooted” in tradition, liturgy, and Wesleyan theology. This is not an attachment to the past which keeps us stuck or looking back, but a firm foundation which anchors us so that we can grow in Christ. During my first year of service at the church, I have come to appreciate just how deep those roots go and what a beautiful strength they are for this congregation. #WeAreFirst Rev. Sherri

We Are Rooted

June 23, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Sermon Notes: Thursday, June 20 & Sunday, June 23, 2024 Last year, I visited Epworth by The Sea on Saint Simon’s Island, Georgia. While I was there, I explored the massive oaks which adorn the property, many hundreds of years old and draped with Spanish Moss. I stood in awe of these massive trees, considering the history which occurred in their lifetimes. Were they seedlings when John Wesley made his missionary journey to the region? What occurred under their branches during the Revolutionary War or Civil War? What did the trees witness as generations of campers and conference goers rested in their shadows? Then my mind went to the storms which they endured. To have grown that big they had to have endured drought, floods, storms, and tremendous hurricanes. Yet the trees stand strong. It is likely that they stand strong and endure because of their root system. The root system holds them in place through all seasons, and because of the root system they can grow strong. I believe that we as a congregation can say the same. Paul writes in Colossians that we are to be rooted and built up in Christ, established in faith (Colossians 2:6-15). We are a congregation deeply rooted in Christ and out of that deep connection we are also “rooted” in tradition, liturgy, and Wesleyan theology. This is not an attachment to the past which keeps us stuck or looking back, but a firm foundation which anchors us so that we can grow in Christ. During my first year of service at the church, I have come to appreciate just how deep those roots go and what a beautiful strength they are for this congregation. #WeAreFirst Rev. Sherri

We Are Empowered

June 16, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Sermon Notes: Thursday, June 13 & Sunday, June 16, 2024 One of my spiritual disciplines is to “pray” my way down the road. I use what I see out the window to prompt me to pray for a particular situation or need. Often, when I drive by a church where women can’t serve or lead, I pray for the girls in that congregation, that feel called to ministry, leadership or service within the church, to find mentors in their lives so that they may find a place to serve God. I am so thankful that I don’t have to offer such a prayer when I pull into the parking lot of First United Methodist Church. Paul writes in Ephesians that God gave us Gifts of the Spirit for the equipping of God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ. God gave all people gifts, so that we might use them for the glory of God and these gifts are not for a select few but for all who follow Jesus. (Ephesians 4:1-16) During my first year of ministry at FUMC, I have come to appreciate how God has gifted you for ministry and how many of you use those gifts within the church. The use of gifts is not limited by gender, age, marital status, a pristine past, sainthood, or a checklist from the church. We are a place where all are empowered and equipped to use their gifts for ministry. This is wonderful, because I don’t think that God created you the way which you are and blessed you with the gifts that you have been given by the Holy Spirit, so that you or the Church could squander those gifts. At FUMC, we believe and practice the priesthood of ALL believers, and that is beautiful for the Body of Christ. #WeAreFirst Sherri Reynolds

We Are Empowered

June 16, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Sermon Notes: Thursday, June 13 & Sunday, June 16, 2024 One of my spiritual disciplines is to “pray” my way down the road. I use what I see out the window to prompt me to pray for a particular situation or need. Often, when I drive by a church where women can’t serve or lead, I pray for the girls in that congregation, that feel called to ministry, leadership or service within the church, to find mentors in their lives so that they may find a place to serve God. I am so thankful that I don’t have to offer such a prayer when I pull into the parking lot of First United Methodist Church. Paul writes in Ephesians that God gave us Gifts of the Spirit for the equipping of God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ. God gave all people gifts, so that we might use them for the glory of God and these gifts are not for a select few but for all who follow Jesus. (Ephesians 4:1-16) During my first year of ministry at FUMC, I have come to appreciate how God has gifted you for ministry and how many of you use those gifts within the church. The use of gifts is not limited by gender, age, marital status, a pristine past, sainthood, or a checklist from the church. We are a place where all are empowered and equipped to use their gifts for ministry. This is wonderful, because I don’t think that God created you the way which you are and blessed you with the gifts that you have been given by the Holy Spirit, so that you or the Church could squander those gifts. At FUMC, we believe and practice the priesthood of ALL believers, and that is beautiful for the Body of Christ. #WeAreFirst Sherri Reynolds

We Are Investing

June 9, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Sermon Notes: Thursday, June 6 & Sunday, June 9, 2024 I grew up on a farm. My grandfather and my parents always had a garden. Every year they did the same time and went by the same routine for planting. However, every crop did not yield the same results. There were times when the garden did not produce enough to fill our table and there were seasons when our table overflowed and there was enough to share with neighbors. Every year they planted, despite the results of the year before, trusting that this year would be the bumper crop. Jesus said that our sharing about God’s kingdom was like a farmer planting seed. There would be times when the kingdom would grow greatly and there would be times when the message would not produce growth. Despite the results, we are called to continue to plant (or invest), trusting God for the increase. (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23) During my first year at First United Methodist Church of Gadsden, I have come to appreciate that you are a generous congregation who invests your resources, time, prayers, service, and witness in this congregation. Through your generosity we are changing lives and creating a firm foundation to make disciples of Jesus for the transformation of the world. It is truly beautiful to see how you come together investing to be the church. #WeAreFirst The next time you gather with your church family, I encourage you to notice the generosity evident in the Body of Christ. Give thanks to God for the opportunities of investment and look for new avenues to live into your membership vows. #WeAreFirst Rev. Sherri

We Are Investing

June 9, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Sermon Notes: Thursday, June 6 & Sunday, June 9, 2024 I grew up on a farm. My grandfather and my parents always had a garden. Every year they did the same time and went by the same routine for planting. However, every crop did not yield the same results. There were times when the garden did not produce enough to fill our table and there were seasons when our table overflowed and there was enough to share with neighbors. Every year they planted, despite the results of the year before, trusting that this year would be the bumper crop. Jesus said that our sharing about God’s kingdom was like a farmer planting seed. There would be times when the kingdom would grow greatly and there would be times when the message would not produce growth. Despite the results, we are called to continue to plant (or invest), trusting God for the increase. (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23) During my first year at First United Methodist Church of Gadsden, I have come to appreciate that you are a generous congregation who invests your resources, time, prayers, service, and witness in this congregation. Through your generosity we are changing lives and creating a firm foundation to make disciples of Jesus for the transformation of the world. It is truly beautiful to see how you come together investing to be the church. #WeAreFirst The next time you gather with your church family, I encourage you to notice the generosity evident in the Body of Christ. Give thanks to God for the opportunities of investment and look for new avenues to live into your membership vows. #WeAreFirst Rev. Sherri

We Are Diverse

June 2, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Sermon Notes: Thursday, May 30 & Sunday, June 2, 2024 If you look at those gathered with Jesus on his last night with his disciples (Luke 22:14-23), you will find a diverse bunch. There was a man who worked closely with Rome and a man who despised Roman occupation. There were men from Galilee and a man from Judah. You would find headstrong leaders and those who blended into the surroundings. They came from differing backgrounds and occupations, even arguing from time to time. Jesus called them all to follow him. During my first year at First United Methodist Church of Gadsden, I have come to appreciate that we are a diverse group. Look around and you will find people of differing political views, just like the disciples. You will find people from differing places, just like the disciples. You will also find those headstrong leaders and people who blend into the background. We are the beautiful mosaic which is First United Methodist Church of Gadsden. #Wearefirst. The next time you gather with your church family, I encourage you to notice the beauty of the Body of Christ. The richness of our differences makes that beauty even richer. And while we are not the same in all ways, we are connected by what is important: the love of God found in Jesus Christ. #Wearefirst, Rev. Sherri

We Are Diverse

June 2, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Sermon Notes: Thursday, May 30 & Sunday, June 2, 2024 If you look at those gathered with Jesus on his last night with his disciples (Luke 22:14-23), you will find a diverse bunch. There was a man who worked closely with Rome and a man who despised Roman occupation. There were men from Galilee and a man from Judah. You would find headstrong leaders and those who blended into the surroundings. They came from differing backgrounds and occupations, even arguing from time to time. Jesus called them all to follow him. During my first year at First United Methodist Church of Gadsden, I have come to appreciate that we are a diverse group. Look around and you will find people of differing political views, just like the disciples. You will find people from differing places, just like the disciples. You will also find those headstrong leaders and people who blend into the background. We are the beautiful mosaic which is First United Methodist Church of Gadsden. #Wearefirst. The next time you gather with your church family, I encourage you to notice the beauty of the Body of Christ. The richness of our differences makes that beauty even richer. And while we are not the same in all ways, we are connected by what is important: the love of God found in Jesus Christ. #Wearefirst, Rev. Sherri