| I have long been a fan of the work of St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Having friends who have benefited from their care of children, I’ve seen the efficacy of their work up close. Brooke and I were first introduced to their impact while serving in Macon, Georgia. It was incredible to watch the total care of not only the child, but the entire family. One of the major fundraisers that benefit St. Jude is a PGA golf tournament held in Memphis, Tennessee each year. During this year’s final round on the 18th hole, there were special marshals who greeted each golfer when they completed their round of golf. The marshals were some of the children under the care of St. Jude. I was moved as each golfer stopped their play to acknowledge the special marshals when their names were announced. Each golfer then walked off the 18th green and personally acknowledged each child. The faces of both the golfer and the marshal lit up with joy as they greeted each other. As I watched this, I thought it doesn’t take much to notice the people around you. Do you notice the people around you? What about the person at the grocery counter? What about the attendant who greets you as you enter a business? What about the person who serves you at lunch? What about the person who stands in need at the corner of the intersection? As I write this, I wonder how many people I don’t see because I’m not looking. Yet, as I read the Gospels, I noticed that Jesus saw and acknowledged so many that others overlooked. This week, join me in prayer for open eyes—to see what Jesus sees. It doesn’t take much to notice the people around you.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – 1 Corinthians 2 *Tuesday – 1 Corinthians 3 *Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 4 *Thursday – 1 Corinthians 5 *Friday – 1 Corinthians 6 Prayer Requests: -Teachers, students, and parents as they adjust to the new school year. -Our unwillingly absent members. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |