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“I am not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the Power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. For in the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness by faith.”
— Romans 1:16-17
In Romans, Paul talks at length about enslavement.
He talks about when the Jews were literal slaves in Egypt.
He talks about people who become slaves to sin.
He talks about people who are slaves to their faith—laws that don’t do them any good.
He talks about how we choose what we are slaves to.
We don’t want to be slaves. We want to be free, but we want our freedom NOW. We want a quick fix, a magic pill. The gospel is not that. The Gospel has power, but it is power that must be carefully accessed through a disciplined, purposeful life.
In choosing who and what we will be bonded too, we are making choices as to the orientation of our life. Paul reasons with us to give us all the information and background we will need to make a sound decision. Paul is following an understanding of the human being that was taught to him in the first century. The major philosophers to date had been Plato and Aristotle. Aristotle taught that if people knew right from wrong then they would choose to do the right thing. If we can just enlighten people, give them understanding of what is right and wrong, then they will choose the right path.
In Romans 1:16-17, Paul makes this wonderful statement and then begins to talk about how evil the world outside the church is. He talks about the heathen, the godless, those who have turned their back on God. He describes the wretchedness of their actions and points out how evil we can be. You know, sometimes that needs to be said. Too often we hide things. We turn the other cheek. We don’t really want to know what goes on around us. We try to pretend it doesn’t exist. Paul won’t let us pretend it doesn’t. He names it. Sometimes we need to name it.
In I Samuel, King David had an affair and killed the man Bathsheba was married to so that he could marry her. Nathan the prophet confronted him about it, and a confrontation needed to happen. Everyone in the palace, including David and Bathsheba, were pretending that nothing had happened. Decent people often say nothing.
Paul throws it out there. Now Paul’s audience loves this. The Jews are saying, “YAY! Go get ‘em Paul.” It’s like they are at a prize fight and Paul is landing blow after blow. Everyone is cheering for Paul!
But then in chapter 3, Paul turns the tables. In a gentle, pastoral way, he turns to his audience and says, “But look at us! We do the same things. Look at the church. Look at the leaders and lay people of the church. We do the same thing.”
The Bible is not a book to memorize. The Bible is a book to apply. The best translation of the Bible is in the life that is living what it says.
Seek first the Kingdom of God, and it will all work out.
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RUMC Offices will be closed on Monday, June 20 in observance of Juneteenth.
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RUMC Book Club
The RUMC Book Club extends an open invitation to its next meeting in the Trinity Café, Chapel building on Tuesday, June 21 at 10 a.m. Come join in the discussion of this month’s selection, The Narrowboat Summer by Anne Youngson. For more information, contact Betty Hunt.
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Patriotic Celebration Concerts
The Annual Roswell Patriotic Celebration Concerts are Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 26 at 3 p.m. with complimentary tickets available in the main office, Worship Arts office, or online at itickets.com. For more information, visit our website.
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Job Networking
Job Networking meets in person on Monday, June 27 starting at 3 p.m. Whether you’re looking for a new job, career change, or just new connections, join us for informative professional workshops, dinner, and other activities. For the full agenda and registration, visit our website.
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The Commons Project
After the Church Conference vote to proceed with The Commons Project, the Building Committee has been finalizing an agreement with a contractor and planning a capital campaign. In the coming weeks, there will be additional activity on The Commons that is necessary for construction documents. The Building Committee welcomes any questions about the project. Please call the church office at 770.993.6218 for a list of the committee members.
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Emergency Response Team
Volunteers with medical training as RN, BSM, PA, EMT, or MD are needed for the Sunday Emergency Response Team. Flexible assignments for Sunday morning worship services are available and based on weekly availability. For more information, email JoAn Hobbs or call 770.261.1731.
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Summer Grocery Program
MUST Summer Lunch/My Neighbor’s Pantry is back on Mondays with a new location—The Porch at 846 Mimosa! Donations can be dropped off on Sundays 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or Mondays 12-4 p.m. Needed supplies include cereal, blocks of cheese, shredded cheese, 1 lb. yellow rice, 1 lb. black beans, 1 lb. dry spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products (pads especially), and fresh produce. For more information or to sign up for the volunteer e-mail list, contact Scotty Brewington.
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Mighty Mentes/Mentors
Roswell UMC is supporting Vickery Mill Elementary and Centennial High School by mentoring at-risk students through Mighty Mentes (Vickery Mill Elementary School) and Mighty Mentors (Centennial High School). Only a small weekly or biweekly commitment is required to make a big difference. For more information or to volunteer, contact Gilma Cantu.
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RUMCK 2022-23
RUMCK has limited openings for the 2022-23 school year. Classes range in age from 18-24 months through kindergarten. For more information, email Sally Newkirk or call 770.998.8699.
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School is out for the summer! If you're looking for a welcoming and FUN space for your kids or grandkids to build community and experience God's love, we have you covered! Visit our website for information on VBS, camps, and more. We can't wait to learn, play, and grow with you!
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Explore Story Hour
Attention preschoolers and parents! Join us on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. this summer for a story, craft, and a snack. We will meet beginning on Tuesday, June 21 in room 169, Sanctuary building. Please note, on June 28 and July 19, we will meet in the Dining Room, Chapel building, and we will not be meeting on Tuesday, July 5. Information, go to our website or email Bailey Farmer, 770.261.1710
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RUMC Musical Beginnings Preschool Summer Camps
Join us for two fun weeks of singing, playing instruments, creative movement, art, games, and more. These preschool camps are designed especially for our youngest songbirds, ages 3 to 6 years old. Camp is offered Monday-Thursday, June 27-30 and July 18-21, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Camp size is limited, so make sure to register online. For more information, contact Nicole Norgaard.
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Serving Through Worship Arts Camp
Register your rising 1st - 5th grader for a week of learning and fun at Serving through Worship Arts Camp on July 11-15, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Registration is free, and snacks will be provided. Kids will enjoy working on art projects and rehearsing for a short musical or taking a ‘behind the scenes’ production class. A live performance will be given at the Historic Roswell Place for Seniors on Friday, July 15. To register, go to our website, and for more information, contact Crisla Paynter.
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