Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church

09/06/2026

⛪ **WORSHIP RECAP — SEPTEMBER 6, 2026**

This morning at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, we gathered to worship God through Scripture, prayer, music, giving, and Holy Communion.

Our Call to Worship reminded us that God welcomes us with love and grace:

“Come to God’s table.”
“Let us receive the invitation God offers to us all.”

Duncan prepared for worship and played **“In the Garden”** as our prelude. Wayne brought in the light of Christ, and Mel welcomed the congregation and shared our announcements.

Together, we sang **“And Are We Yet Alive”** and **“Be Still, My Soul.”** Our Scripture readings were **Romans 12:9–21** and **Matthew 16:21–28**.

Frank and Wayne served as ushers and received the morning offering. Wayne brought the gifts forward to Rev. Emily for dedication as Duncan played **“Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word.”**

Rev. Emily’s sermon, **“Come to the Table: Hospitality,”** invited us to respond to Christ’s call, follow Him faithfully, and extend His welcome and grace to others. We responded by singing **“Take Up Thy Cross.”**

We then gathered at Christ’s table for Holy Communion. Karen and Phil served the bread and cup, and the choir sang **“Be Present at Our Table, Lord.”** Gifts were also received for the **Good Samaritan Fund**, which helps our church respond to people in need.

Following Communion, we sang **“Now Let Us from This Table Rise.”** Rev. Emily offered the benediction, sending us into the coming week to live as Christ’s disciples.

We are thankful for everyone who helped lead worship, including Duncan, Mel, Wayne, Frank, Karen, Phil, Rev. Emily, the choir, and our media team. We are also grateful for Wayne’s faithful work keeping our attendance records.

May we carry the love and grace we received at Christ’s table into our homes, church, community, and world.

**“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”**
—Romans 12:10, 13 (NASB 1995)

09/06/2026

DAY 7: LOVE THROUGH JUSTICE

SCRIPTURE

“He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?”
—Micah 6:8 (NASB 1995)

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

Food insecurity means lacking consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life.

Compassion is concern for another person’s suffering that moves us toward a caring response.

Advocacy means speaking or acting in support of a person or cause, particularly when people are not being heard.

Partnership means people working together toward a shared purpose.

Justice means actively seeking what is right and addressing conditions that harm or exclude people.

SCRIPTURE CONTEXT

Micah spoke to people who participated in religious practices while injustice continued around them. God called them beyond impressive offerings and into lives shaped by justice, kindness, and humility.

Jesus lived out this calling. He protected the woman whom the religious leaders used. He confronted her accusers’ hypocrisy. He extended grace while calling her toward change. On the cross, He offered mercy to a guilty man who turned to Him.

Biblical justice is love expressed through faithful action.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Information shared following our community health fair indicated that approximately one out of every five people in the Pleasant Grove area experiences food insecurity.

Our Blessing Box is often emptied almost as quickly as it is filled. For a neighbor without a car or dependable transportation, reaching a grocery store that offers fresh fruits and vegetables may be difficult.

We need to pray for people experiencing hunger. But prayer should also prepare us to become the hands and feet of Jesus.

Could we strengthen the Blessing Box ministry? Could we help with transportation? Could our community establish a garden? Could churches, schools, businesses, and community organizations work together?

We should not assume that we already know what people need. Love through justice begins by seeing, listening to, and working in partnership with those affected.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Add useful food to the Blessing Box. Ask someone involved in community service what needs are most urgent. Begin a conversation about transportation or access to fresh food. Listen to a neighbor who has experienced food insecurity.

Choose one faithful action instead of stopping with concern.

REFLECTIVE QUESTION

What is one way you can love through justice this week?

POSSIBLE ANSWERS

I can place nutritious food in the Blessing Box.

I can help someone travel to a grocery store or medical appointment.

I can listen to people experiencing food insecurity before suggesting solutions.

I can help explore a community garden or fresh-produce ministry.

I can speak up when vulnerable neighbors are overlooked.

I can invite another person to pray, learn, and serve with me.

PRAYER

God of justice and mercy, open my eyes to vulnerable people around me. Keep me from seeing hunger or poverty only as statistics. Teach me to listen with humility, serve with kindness, and act justly. Let my prayers lead to faithful action, and use me as the hands and feet of Jesus. Amen.

09/05/2026

🏈 **TEAM JESUS: STRONGER TOGETHER IN VICTORY** 🏈

Congratulations to the Pleasant Grove Spartans on their **42–6 victory over Hale County**!

This week’s Team Jesus theme was **Stronger Together**, and last night’s game demonstrated what can happen when people prepare faithfully and work toward a shared goal.

We celebrate the players and coaches, along with the band, cheerleaders, dance team, color guard, administrators, school staff, press-box crew, volunteers, families, and fans who each contributed to the evening.

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.”
—Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NASB 1995)

We especially thank the **Pleasant Grove Dance Team** and their director, **Heather Roberts**, for sharing their talent, energy, and Spartan spirit.

Lord, thank You for protecting everyone involved in last night’s game. Help the Spartans receive this victory with gratitude and humility. Continue to strengthen their teamwork, guide their decisions, and help them represent their school, community, and faith well throughout the season. Amen.

**FINAL SCORE**
Pleasant Grove 42
Hale County 6

**GO SPARTANS!** 💜💛

09/05/2026

DAY 6: JESUS DID MORE THAN SAVE HIMSELF

SCRIPTURE

“And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!’ And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.’”
—Luke 23:42–43 (NASB 1995)

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

Guilt means responsibility for having done something wrong.

Innocence means freedom from guilt in a particular accusation.

Mercy is compassion shown to someone who is guilty, suffering, or in need.

Salvation is God’s rescue from sin and its consequences through Jesus Christ.

Paradise refers here to being with Christ after death.

SCRIPTURE CONTEXT

Jesus was crucified between two criminals. The religious leaders and others mocked Him, saying that if He were God’s chosen Messiah, He should save Himself.

One criminal joined their mockery. The second criminal responded differently. He admitted that he and the other criminal were receiving the consequences of their actions. He also recognized that Jesus was innocent.

He acknowledged his guilt, recognized who Jesus was, and asked for mercy.

Jesus promised that the man would be with Him in Paradise.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

The people at the cross challenged Jesus to save Himself. But Jesus did more than save Himself—He remained on the cross to save us.

The second criminal could not undo his past or earn a new future. He could only turn to Jesus in faith and ask to be remembered.

Jesus offered saving grace to a guilty man while suffering unjustly Himself.

No person is beyond the reach of Christ’s mercy. Salvation is not a reward for people who have hidden their failures successfully. It is God’s gift to those who recognize their need and turn to Jesus.

The cross reveals both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s grace.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Speak honestly to Jesus about your sin, guilt, fear, or regret. Do not offer excuses. Ask for mercy and trust His promise of grace.

If someone believes that past failures have placed that person beyond God’s love, offer the hope of the criminal who turned to Jesus.

REFLECTIVE QUESTION

What does the second criminal teach us about receiving the mercy of Jesus?

POSSIBLE ANSWERS

I must be honest about my guilt instead of making excuses.

I can recognize that Jesus is innocent and that I need Him.

It is never too late to turn to Christ.

Salvation is received through faith, not earned through good works.

No past failure is greater than the saving grace of Jesus.

PRAYER

Jesus, I confess that I need Your mercy. Thank You for remaining on the cross and doing more than saving Yourself. You gave Your life to save sinners like me. Help me trust Your grace and share the hope of salvation with others. Amen.

09/04/2026

🏈 **IT’S GAME DAY IN PLEASANT GROVE!** 🏈

Tonight, the Pleasant Grove Spartans return to Spartan Stadium to face the Hale County Wildcats!

This week’s Team Jesus theme has been **Stronger Together**. Football reminds us that no one succeeds alone. Players, coaches, band members, dancers, cheerleaders, color guard members, school staff, press-box workers, volunteers, families, and fans all contribute to game night.

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.”
—Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NASB 1995)

Tonight, we especially recognize the **Pleasant Grove Dance Team** and their director, **Heather Roberts**. We look forward to seeing these talented students share their gifts and Spartan spirit!

Lord, please protect everyone participating in and traveling to tonight’s game. Help the players compete with courage and good sportsmanship, give the coaches wisdom, and help everyone work together with respect and encouragement. May our words, attitudes, and actions honor You. Amen.

🏈 **Pleasant Grove vs. Hale County**
📅 **Tonight—Friday, September 4**
⏰ **Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.**
📍 **Spartan Stadium**

Come support our students and cheer on the Spartans!

**GO SPARTANS!** 💜💛

09/04/2026

DAY 5: GRACE AND DIRECTION

SCRIPTURE

“Straightening up, Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.’”
—John 8:10–11 (NASB 1995)

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

Grace is God’s undeserved favor, freely given rather than earned.

Condemnation declares a person guilty and without hope.

Repentance is a change of heart and direction that turns away from sin and toward God.

Restoration is the process of repairing what has been damaged and helping someone move toward wholeness.

SCRIPTURE CONTEXT

After Jesus told the sinless person to throw the first stone, the accusers left one by one. Jesus then spoke directly to the woman.

He did not ask her for excuses. He did not pretend that adultery was harmless. He also did not allow her failure to become the final word about her life.

Jesus gave her both grace and direction.

“I do not condemn you” was grace.

“Go. From now on sin no more” was direction.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Some people think grace means ignoring sin. Others think accountability requires shame and punishment. Jesus shows us that grace and direction belong together.

Jesus protected the woman from people who wanted to destroy her, but He also called her toward a different life.

Grace says, “Your failure does not have to be the end of your story.”

Direction says, “Do not remain in the pattern that brought pain and brokenness.”

The justice of Jesus neither crushes people beneath their failures nor abandons them in destructive behavior. It opens a path toward repentance, healing, and restoration.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Think about someone who needs both compassion and honest guidance. Ask God to help you speak in a way that does not shame or excuse, but instead points toward hope and restoration.

Also consider whether Jesus is offering you grace while calling you to change a particular behavior.

REFLECTIVE QUESTION

Where do you need to receive both the grace and direction of Jesus?

POSSIBLE ANSWERS

I need to accept that Christ forgives a failure I continue to carry.

I need to stop using grace as an excuse to avoid change.

I need to leave behind a habit that harms me or others.

I need to seek forgiveness and repair a damaged relationship.

I need to offer someone hope instead of continually reminding that person of the past.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank You for meeting me with grace instead of condemnation. Give me courage to follow Your direction and leave destructive patterns behind. Help me offer others the same combination of truth, mercy, hope, and restoration. Amen.

09/04/2026

✝️ CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP: FOLLOWING JESUS IN PUBLIC LIFE

Christians are citizens of heaven—but does that remove our responsibilities on earth?

Our first and highest loyalty belongs to Jesus Christ. However, while we live in this world, we are called to love our neighbors, serve our communities, seek justice, help those in need, and work for what is good.

Being a citizen of heaven does not mean withdrawing from the concerns of this world. Instead, our heavenly citizenship should transform the way we fulfill our earthly responsibilities.

How can we participate in public life without allowing politics, patriotism, or national identity to become more important than our identity in Christ?

Read this week’s lesson, **Our Citizenship in Heaven and Our Responsibility on Earth**:

https://pgum.org/grow-and-learn/foundations-of-faith/christian-living/christian-citizenship/biblical-foundations-government-and-liberty/our-citizenship-in-heaven-and-our-responsibility-on-earth/

09/03/2026

DAY 4: BEGIN BY EXAMINING YOURSELF

SCRIPTURE

“He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.… When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones.”
—John 8:7, 9 (NASB 1995)

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

Sin is any thought, attitude, word, or action that falls short of God’s will.

Conviction is the awareness, given by the Holy Spirit, that something in our lives needs confession and change.

Self-righteousness is the belief that we are morally better than others or have little need to examine ourselves.

Accountability means honestly accepting responsibility for our behavior.

SCRIPTURE CONTEXT

The religious leaders brought the woman before Jesus and demanded an answer. Jesus responded by turning their attention toward their own lives.

He did not say that only perfect people could ever recognize wrongdoing. He exposed the hypocrisy of people who wanted to punish someone else while refusing to examine their own sin and motives.

One by one, beginning with the oldest, the accusers left.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

We often recognize another person’s failures more easily than our own. We may demand accountability from someone else while making excuses for ourselves.

Jesus’ words do not eliminate accountability. They place humility before condemnation.

Before we pick up a stone—whether that stone is an accusation, angry comment, social-media post, or harsh judgment—we should allow God to examine our hearts.

Have we listened to the whole story? Are we applying the same standard to ourselves? Are we seeking restoration, or do we simply want to win, punish, embarrass, or remove someone?

The justice of Jesus begins with honest self-examination.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Before criticizing someone today, pause and pray, “Lord, show me what I need to see in myself.” If you have harmed someone, take responsibility and make amends where possible.

REFLECTIVE QUESTION

What might you need to lay down instead of throwing at someone else?

POSSIBLE ANSWERS

I may need to lay down a harsh judgment.

I may need to release resentment.

I may need to stop repeating someone’s failure.

I may need to admit my own part in a conflict.

I may need to replace self-righteousness with humility.

I may need to ask for forgiveness.

PRAYER

Merciful God, examine my heart. Show me where pride, resentment, or self-righteousness has shaped my response to others. Help me accept responsibility for my own choices and extend to others the mercy I have received from You. Amen.

09/03/2026

⚖️ **BEFORE WE THROW A STONE**

When religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, they wanted Him to judge her. They were eager to hold her accountable while overlooking their own sin and dishonest motives.

Jesus answered:

“He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
—John 8:7 (NASB 1995)

Before we throw a stone—through an accusation, harsh judgment, angry comment, or damaging social-media post—Jesus calls us to examine ourselves.

Have we heard the whole story? Are we applying the same standard to ourselves? Are we seeking restoration, or do we simply want to embarrass, punish, or remove someone?

WWJDJ asks: **What Would Jesus Do Justly?**

Read the complete sermon-based lesson:
https://pgum.org/grow-and-learn/foundations-of-faith/christian-living/sermon-based-lessons/wwjdj-what-would-jesus-do-justly/

What would Jesus do justly? Explore how Jesus combines justice, mercy, truth, and grace in John 8, Luke 23, and Micah 6:8.

09/03/2026

🏈 **TEAM JESUS: COMMUNICATION KEEPS US CONNECTED** 🏈

During a football game, the press box can be a busy place. Plays happen quickly, numbers must be identified correctly, statistics must be recorded, the scoreboard must be updated, and information must be communicated clearly to the crowd.

Throughout the Pleasant Grove football season, **Sandy Parker, Mel Travis, and Alan Wood** work together in the press box.

Sandy announces the action and recognizes the players involved in each play. Mel and Alan carefully watch the field, track catches and tackles, and help keep the scoreboard and game information accurate.

Their work depends on listening, concentration, cooperation, and clear communication. Each person has a different responsibility, but they must work together for everything to run smoothly.

The same is true on Team Jesus. God gives us different responsibilities, but He calls us to listen to one another, communicate with kindness, and work together faithfully.

“But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.”
—1 Corinthians 14:40 (NASB 1995)

Lord, thank You for Sandy, Mel, and Alan and for the work they do behind the scenes. Help them remain alert, communicate clearly, and work together well. Bless everyone serving in the press box and throughout Spartan Stadium this Friday night. Amen.

🏈 **Pleasant Grove vs. Hale County**
📅 Friday, September 4
⏰ 7:00 p.m.
📍 Spartan Stadium

Thank you, Sandy, Mel, and Alan, for helping keep everyone connected to the action!