I bet most of you have gotten a card from our prayer group that meets on Thursday morning. My granddad and grandma both spent some time in the hospital this past month. When they got home, a card from our prayer group was waiting on them in the mail. You wouldn't believe what that did for their spirit! It let them know that someone was praying for them. Someone cared about them. 
 
What do you think a card or letter from a church member would do for someone who hasn't been to church in a while? It would no doubt bless them and remind them of how much their church loves them. 
 
Consider sending a card to someone. It shouldn't be a "Where have YOU been?!" type of card, of course! But simply tell them, "We love you and miss you and hope to see you soon!"
 
Idea #5 tomorrow!
 
--
Rev. Josh Duckworth 

 
We all have family members who for whatever reason have fallen out of the habit of coming to church. Perhaps that's your husband, wife, child, etc. Maybe they have good reasons for not coming. Why not invite them back this Sunday! I'm sure that you've asked them so many times that you feel like you are nagging them, but don't give up! Keep inviting them. Keep sharing with them how important your church is to you. Keep telling them about the difference that being part of the family of God has made in your life. I'll be praying as you share your faith and love for your church with family this week!
 
Idea #4 tomorrow!

 
--
Rev. Josh Duckworth 

Hello First Methodist!
 
Next Sunday, September 18th, is Back to Church Sunday! We've had a great summer (hot, but great!), but now fall is almost here and that's the time to get back on schedule at church. I'm hoping to see all you in your places this Sunday!
 
This week I'm going to send out a daily email to you giving you ways to prepare for Back2Church Sunday! So here goes!
 
Back2Church idea #1: Invite someone to church this coming Sunday. 
 
Did you know that 82% of people would consider going to church if asked? (according to Tom Rainer's book, The Unchurched Next Door.)  
 
Who can you invite? Who will you see in the grocery store? Who will you talk to on the telephone? Perhaps a simple invitation could be the beginning of their lives being changed forever by encountering Christ. Let's all invite at least one person to church this Sunday!
 
Look for Idea #2 tomorrow!
 
--
Rev. Josh Duckworth 

Paying Attention
 
Happy Tuesday! I hope that everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. This week, as we all go through the routines, I want to encourage you to pay attention. If you are like me, much of the day is raced through from church work to soccer practice to parenting. And at the end, I've missed so much along the way. Pay attention to the world around you. Pay attention to the people in the grocery store. Pay attention to God's beautiful creation. You never know what divine encounter God might have planned!
 
Also, pay attention to the needs of our community. In what areas are people struggling in Hazlehurst? And how can we as a church come alongside those in need to help? We'll have a discussion soon about this on a Wednesday Evening. Bring some ideas when we do!
 
Back to Church Sunday-September 18th
 
September 18th is National Back to Church Sunday. It's the day that symbolizes the end of summer for churches and a time to recommit to being faithful in worship. Here's what I'd like from everyone as we prepare for the day:
 
1. Come to Morning Worship. 
I know that many of us have been traveling a lot this summer. We've done some as well and it's been nice to get away to rest and rejuvenate our souls. Let this be the Sunday when we all recommit to being at worship. There's nothing more than meeting weekly with your church family to worship God and grow in your faith.
 
2. Invite someone to worship
Who have you not seen at church in a while? Why not pick up the phone and let them know about Back to Church Sunday?! Who do you know who's not a part of a church family? Invite them to come on September 18th. Invite invite invite!
 
3. Offer to pick up someone to bring them to worship
Who do you know that would love to come to worship, but can't? Call them and offer to pick them up and bring them to church.
 
Let's all be in worship together and bring someone on Back to Church Sunday!
 
Packing Flood Buckets on Wednesday, Sept. 14th
 
Through your great generosity, our church raised $700 to help pay for flood buckets! A group from Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Valdosta will be going to Baldwin, LA next week to help UMCOR and deliver flood buckets. Gina Morris will be leading an effort at our church to put together these flood buckets on Wednesday, Sept. 14th. Please contact her if you are willing to help her shop for supplies and set-up. Thanks for making a difference!
 
--
Rev. Josh Duckworth