06/08/2026
Where do I begin to tell the story of how great a love can be....I know, it harkens back to a very secular song from my younger days, but that line has been on my mind all day. Everything today at Carterville First United was about love...about the transforming love of God...a love unlike any other you will ever experience.
The morning began with prayer with a group of scouts who are charted from the church. That group reached out a couple of weeks ago and asked if people of the church would pray for them before they headed out on a long trip! What a blessing that they asked and what a blessing to engage with this group on a spiritual level. The love of God sure was present!
Today marked the second, monthly trip, of the newly established bus ministry. Four women, some of whom used to be present in services, and now who mostly worship online, were transported to church to sit in the pew once again with their church family. The love of God, led to the startup of this ministry, and each person on that bus expressed gratitude and their love for their church family. And that love was reciprocated by those who welcomed them.
June, marked the change of the 10X10 focus to missions. Four local missions will be featured throughout the month. Today, the congregation watched a short video about the Gum Drop Kids program. The founders were present to receive a check from monies raised a couple of months ago as a result of a fasting week. Love is evident in the purpose of this community mission that provides weekend food to over 1900 school aged children from September through mid-May. Today was the church's "official" kick-off of the second annual backpack mission with the school district. Love sure does abound in that mission!
A beautiful anthem was performed by the choir..."To Honor Christ".
Pastor Larry delivered a powerful message about love, based upon the text, Isaiah 58:6-9. Caring about the those struggling in the world is required of Christians. Not caring about others, isn't an option. God is a God of love. As His children love is a part of our DNA.
The service ended with Holy Communion. Evidence that while we were still sinners, God sent His son to die for us. For God so loved the world....
Looking for a place to make a difference in the world? Looking for a place to love and be loved? Welcome Home! There is a place for you at Carterville First United Methodist Church! You are invited every Sunday morning at 9:30 am to attend, as you are, in person, or to worship live, by watching YouTube . You are invited to watch today's service on demand at the same place!
Come...engage and experience the transforming love of God for yourself!
