July 2019 -

Shell ChimesShell Chimes

July 9, 2019| Sandy Ratliff| 0 Comment| 10:33 pm

Almost all of the empty shells on the beach reveal a small, round hole. It is this hole through which they were attacked and killed by a creature that drills into the shell. A friend on the island collects these shells in varying sizes and fashions them into wind chimes. Carefully she balances the weight of each shell, combining both thick and thin so there is tone and melody when the wind dances over them. They are strung together and suspended from her porch ceiling; their sound is music directly from the sea. Certainly God does that in our lives. Sin has bored a hole into us, rendering us vulnerable and dead. But God rescues us, arranges us with others, and from our broken lives he creates beautiful music. I thank you, Lord, for the song of the seashells and especially I thank you for the song you create from our daily lives with the gift of your Son. Amen.

Dangling LuresDangling Lures

July 6, 2019| Sandy Ratliff| 0 Comment| 11:38 pm

I passed a fisherman on the beach today just as he was selecting among his lures. There were shrimp in a cooler, iridescent plastic lures, and shiny metallic lures. I watched him select from among them and throw his line into the sea. I think about the fish that will be drawn to these lures, fish that will bite on what’s offered and lose their lives as a consequence. What lures do I ‘bite’ on? I’m drawn to food and its physical pleasures, a lure I must confess I find very attractive. I’m often drawn to fancy gadgets, like the rubbery plastic lures that seem so bright. And, of course I’m fascinated and tempted by shiny lures—wealth, prestige, power, popularity. These lures dangle before my eyes more often than I admit, inviting me to nibble, taste, succumb. Lord, Please help me resist the lures that tempt me, help me see beyond them to your promise, and help me never to dangle false lures before the eyes of others. Amen.

Fourth of July!Fourth of July!

July 3, 2019| SGIUMC| 0 Comment| 4:52 pm

Fourth of July! If ever there is a summer celebration, it is this day when patriotism, vacations, and perfect outdoor weather coincide. I’ll do my walk early this morning to avoid crowded roads and beaches. The air will be ripe with the scent of hamburgers and hot dogs grilling, steaks over hot coals, damp potato chips and coleslaw. I’ll hear children squealing in the surf, throwing bits of bun to seagulls, shouting as they run up and down the beach. Tonight there will be fireworks that split the darkness and shower sparks of living color. So much to celebrate, so many reasons to be grateful. We are a free country, a freedom dearly bought and purchased with the death and sacrifices of those who defended her. In the same way, I am free from sin and the permanence of death, a freedom purchased by the blood and death of Jesus Christ. What reason to celebrate! Lord, I come to your Sacramental Table to remember your sacrifice and to honor the anniversary of this occasion. Please help me never forget my reason to celebrate freedom and the price you paid.

VBS Prayer CalendarVBS Prayer Calendar

July 2, 2019| SGIUMC| 0 Comment| 1:43 pm

A Lot goes into making VBS a success! Teachers, worship team, volunteers, and all the kids who attend are what makes this great! Most importantly we are introducing Jesus to the next generation. Please pray for all those involved. Here is the prayer calendar of all things we’d like you to pray with us about as VBS approaches.

https://sgiumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/VBS-Prayer-Calendar-2019-7.pdf