Get the Hint

Do You Get It?

Acts 10 has a helpful lesson for all of us. A couple of years ago my wife gave me a grill for Father's Day. This was an odd gift because I do not cook or grill. But to be nice, I started grilling. Everything I grilled Sherry went over the top with compliments. "Wow, this is the best I have ever had.” Ok, now I get it—she wants me to cook some. She does not want to cook all the time. She wants me to learn a new skill. Are people in your life giving you hints? What are they hoping that you get? Are you paying attention? Are you listening?

In Acts 10, Peter is on the receiving end of something God wants him to “get.” Verse 1 tells us that in Caesarea there was a man – clearly not a Jew – an Italian soldier – but he was a believer. In verse 9, Peter is praying. He falls asleep and has a dream and in the dream is told, “What God has made clean you must not call profane.” The dream is about food, but the underlying message was that God was calling all people (not just the Jews) into a loving and salvific relationship.

In verse 29, Peter says to Cornelius (the Italian soldier), “According to Jewish law, I am not supposed to be here, but God told me to come.”

Verse 34 tells us that Peter says, (my paraphrase) “Now I get it!” (He does not really, but he will in just a moment.) He is saying the words, but he does not really believe it. He is only there because God told him to come. It has not moved his heart and soul yet.

In verse 44-48 it says, “While Peter was still speaking...” This is important—while he was still speaking. Why is this important? It is just one more example. It is not the eloquence of Peter’s message. It is God’s touch on the people. It is all about God. It is all about the Holy Spirit at work.

While he was speaking, the Holy Spirit shows up and Peter sees the evidence that can only be attributed to God. God was at work there. It was undeniable. Now he does GET it!

To Peter’s credit:

1.) He was praying

2.) He was available

3.) He went

4.) He listened

5.) He saw

6.) He felt

So the question is not, “Do you get or not get it?” The question is, “Do you want to get it?” To hear the voice of God and GET what God wants us to see, hear, know, learn, and feel. We need to follow Peter’s lead:

· Pray

· Be available

· Go where sent

· Listen

· See

· Feel

Blessings,
Jeff

The Commons Project Update

Significant progress was made this week on the underground storm water system. New steel posts were installed on the pavilion, all temporary support was removed from the relocated pavilion, and work continued on site walls. On Monday, May 1, the new storm water system will be connected to the existing storm water system necessitating closure of the drive on the east side of the Sanctuary Building.

To stay up to date and to make your gift to The Commons Project, visit our website.

Roswell UMC is hosting dine-in Community and Fellowship Lunches in the Fellowship Hall every Tuesday. Also join us for Wednesday Night Supper every Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall. Take-out and frozen meals will also be available for purchase. Pre-order and find all the details here.

The Chessie Pelfrey United Methodist Women Circle

The Chessie Pelfrey United Methodist Women Circle will meet on Monday, May 1 at 11 a.m. in the Parlor, Chapel building. All women are invited. Lunch reservations ($6) are required; contact Mary Hagerman, 770.993.9496.

Sing with the Sanctuary Choir

Sing with the Sanctuary Choir for their annual Patriotic Celebration Concert! Rehearsals will be on Wednesday evenings in May and June from 7-8:30 p.m. No auditions and no long-term commitments are necessary. For information, contact Ann Moore.

RUMC Job Networking

RUMC Job Networking wants to help you with your job search. Join us on Monday, May 8 for workshops starting at 2 p.m. For complete agenda, visit our website.

Join us for great food and fellowship, live music, and a message from guest speaker and author Matt McKee on Thursday, May 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Tickets can be purchased at our website. For questions contact Kevin Barre or Eric Stephens.

Mother's Day Brunch

Mother's Day Brunch will be served in Fellowship Hall immediately following the 11:15 services. Brunch is free for all but donations are greatly appreciated. Pre-register at our website.

Wesley Woods Mother's Day Offering

The Wesley Woods Mother's Day offering provides critical funding for older adults living in a Wesley Woods Community. You can give by placing a check in the offering plate made payable to: RUMC and designate on the memo line "Mother's Day Offering" or online.

Burgers and Bluegrass

Enjoy delicious burgers, live Bluegrass music, and inflatables for the kids on your way to Alive in Roswell on Thursday, May 18. The fun gets started at 4:30 p.m. on the The Porch at 846 Mimosa Blvd.

RUMC Preschool & Kindergarten

RUMC Preschool & Kindergarten has limited openings for the 2023-24 school year. This SACS/AdvancED accredited program serves children 18 months through kindergarten. For more Information or to schedule a tour: 770.998.8699 or visit our website.

The RUMC Library

The RUMC Library in the Chapel building Parlor has a wonderful selection of books, DVDs, and puzzles for all ages with easy self-checkout available. Donations of bestsellers or puzzles in good condition are welcome.

The Giving Garden

The RUMC Giving Garden is ready for another great season of sharing bounty with our mission partners and the surrounding areas. Want to join the fun? Contact Lauren Murphy.

D.A.R.E. (Disaster Assistance and Recovery Effort) is RUMC’s mission team that responds to natural disasters across Georgia and neighboring states. If you are interested in joining one of our teams, contact Leonard Scarboro, 706.340.2221.

Special Needs Sunday School Class: RUMC is looking at providing a safe and loving Sunday School class for elementary-age children with special needs. If you would like to be part of a creative team that would provide loving support and encouragement to these children, or if you know a child with special needs (K-5) who could benefit from this program, contact Bailey Farmer.

New App Experience

Our new app is available now! Download it in the App Store or the Google Play Store by searching "Roswell UMC."