Gainesville First United Methodist Church

09/06/2026

Dear Church Family,

In Worship today, Jason and MaryHamilton Erickson shared their foster care story: the joys, challenges, and importance of caring for vulnerable children.

Not every family is called to foster, but everyone can help through prayer, encouragement, meals, childcare, or practical support. Perhaps God is calling your family to learn more. You do not need all the answers; the first faithful step may simply be asking questions.

To learn more, visit wellroot.org or contact Misty Leach at [email protected].

Thank you for helping children and families know they are seen, loved, and not alone.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Jamey

09/06/2026

Thank you for worshiping with us at GFUMC

09/04/2026

WHEN GOOD THINGS QUIETLY PULL YOU AWAY FROM WHO MATTERS

Distraction turns service into resentment, and it turns love into scorekeeping.

Responsibility became distraction. Distraction became anxiety. Anxiety became resentment. Resentment became accusation.

In Luke 10:41-42 Jesus says, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. One thing is necessary."

He asks for her attention, and He asks gently.

There are moments when the most holy thing we can do is stop doing. Stop producing. Stop fixing. Stop preparing. Stop proving.

Your value is not measured by your usefulness.

You are more than what you can accomplish. You are more than what you can provide. You are more than the problems you set out to solve.

Need prayer or want to speak to a pastor? Send us a DM.

09/03/2026

Coming Up at Gainesville First!

September Sermon Series: Exodus
This September, we’re spending four weeks in the story of Exodus—looking beyond the familiar story to what it teaches us about what holds us, what feeds us, and what we’re really looking for.

Gadabouts / Empty Bowl Painting / September 9
We had so much fun painting bowls for the Georgia Mountain Food Bank’s Empty Bowl fundraiser last year that we’re doing it again! All materials are supplied, and designs can be simple or complex. Come create with us while helping neighbors in need! Menu: Spaghetti with meat sauce, mock Olive Garden salad, garlic bread, and assorted cookies.

Bridges + Student Ministry Empty Bowl Painting / September 9 / 6:45–7:45pm
Bridges kids and Student Ministry students will also be painting bowls to support the Georgia Mountain Food Bank. Each painted bowl helps provide 50 meals for neighbors in need! Register at gfumc.com/events

September 11 Remembrance | September 11 / 8:30am
Join us at the GFUMC Bell Tower as we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, honor those who responded with courage, and pray for those who still carry grief. The bell will ring at 8:46am, followed by Scripture, a moment of silence, and prayer.

There’s always something happening at Gainesville First, and we’d love for you to be part of it, visit gfumc.com/events to learn more!

09/03/2026

Congrats to GFUMC member Haynes Kaufman!

🎉 Congratulations to Ms. Haynes Kaufman, our September Valuable Viking! 🎉

If you know Ms. Kaufman, you know that her smile, kindness, energy, and joy are contagious! 💛🖤

Her colleagues describe her as someone who is always helpful, always willing to go the extra mile, and always looking for ways to make EHMS a better place. Most importantly, she loves her students—and they clearly love her right back! ❤️

Ms. Kaufman, thank you for bringing so much joy, kindness, enthusiasm, and Viking spirit to EHMS. We are so lucky to have you on our team!

🖤💛 Congratulations! You are one AMAZING Valuable Viking! 🖤💛

09/03/2026

Ladies, we want to see YOU there! It’s a night you won’t forget! Register at https://gfumc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/304/responses/new

09/03/2026

Don't wait until they're gone to appreciate them.

09/01/2026

Help Us Share Some October Joy!

Do you know a local business or nonprofit that makes Gainesville a better place?

Throughout October, we will deliver special Boo Baskets as a fun way to recognize and thank organizations that serve, support, and strengthen our community. We need your help choosing the recipients!

Nominate a Gainesville-area business or nonprofit that deserves a little encouragement. Perhaps it is an organization doing meaningful work behind the scenes, a business known for caring for its neighbors, or a team whose service often goes unnoticed.

Submit your nomination and tell us briefly why you chose them:

https://gfumc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/331/responses/new

Let’s fill October with gratitude, generosity, and a few unexpected treats.

Your nomination could help us remind some wonderful people that their work matters and their community appreciates them!

09/01/2026

What has your attention?

08/31/2026

You probably know the Exodus story: the burning bush, the plagues, the parted sea.

But there’s a lot in between those moments.

There’s Moses wondering if he’s the right person for the job. People finally getting the freedom they wanted, only to find themselves afraid of what comes next. Long stretches in the wilderness where they have to learn to trust one day at a time.

Maybe that’s why this story still feels so familiar.

This September, we’re spending four weeks in Exodus and asking some questions that still matter: Where is God getting our attention? What’s holding us back? Can we trust God when we don’t know what’s next? And what happens when we realize God may be closer than we think?

It starts this Sunday.