COVID-19 Pastoral videos
May 19, 2020
May 19 - Prayer Promises Liturgical Prayers
The United Methodist Book Of Worship contains prayers for various occasions. Some are very familiar to us; others may be less familiar. Sometimes we struggle to know how to best express ourselves to God. These prayers can be a starting point. A prayer is listed for each day of this week, with a Prayer Focus for that day. Use them as they best speak to you.
Baptismal Covenant II (Commendation and Welcome)
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the Church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
Service of Word and Table I (Prayer of Confession and Pardon)
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Christian Marriage I (Blessing of the Marriage)
O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of Christian marriage that in it is represented the covenant between Christ and his Church. Send therefore your blessing upon ____________ and ____________, that they may surely keep their marriage covenant, and so grow in love and godliness together that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Covenant Renewal Service
Lord, make me what you will. I put myself fully into your hands: put me to doing, put me to suffering, let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and with a willing heart give it all to your pleasure and disposal.
An Order Of Thanksgiving For the Birth Of A Child
O God, as a mother comforts her children, you strengthen us in our solitude, sustain and provide for us. As a father cares for his children, so continually look upon us with compassion and goodness. We come before you with gratitude for the gift of this child, for the joy that has come into this family, and the grace with which you surround them and all of us. Pour out your Spirit. Enable your servants to abound in love, and establish our homes in holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer For Those Who Are Unemployed
O God of the vineyard, you call us all to productive labor, to employ our gifts and talents for you. We pray for those who are unemployed. Strengthen them in this difficult hour, uplift their spirits, and grant them a place among your laborers until all be employed for the common good, and we share fully in our true work of praising you with heart and mind and soul forever. Amen.
Service of Death and Resurrection
Eternal God, we praise you for the great company of all those who have finished their course in faith and now rest from their labor. We praise you for those dear to us whom we name in our hearts before you. Especially we praise you for _________________, whom you have graciously received into your presence. To all of these, grant your peace. Let perpetual light shine upon them; and help us so to believe where we have not seen, that your presence may lead us through our years, and bring us at last with them into the joy of your home not made with hands but eternal in the heavens; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The United Methodist Book Of Worship contains prayers for various occasions. Some are very familiar to us; others may be less familiar. Sometimes we struggle to know how to best express ourselves to God. These prayers can be a starting point. A prayer is listed for each day of this week, with a Prayer Focus for that day. Use them as they best speak to you.
Baptismal Covenant II (Commendation and Welcome)
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the Church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
- Prayer Focus: COVID-19 limits “Our presence,” but we can still pray, give, serve, and witness
Service of Word and Table I (Prayer of Confession and Pardon)
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Prayer Focus: Confession, forgiveness, love, joyful obedience
Christian Marriage I (Blessing of the Marriage)
O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of Christian marriage that in it is represented the covenant between Christ and his Church. Send therefore your blessing upon ____________ and ____________, that they may surely keep their marriage covenant, and so grow in love and godliness together that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Prayer Focus: Strengthen marriages; Homes to be a haven of peace
Covenant Renewal Service
Lord, make me what you will. I put myself fully into your hands: put me to doing, put me to suffering, let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and with a willing heart give it all to your pleasure and disposal.
- Prayer Focus: Full surrender to God
An Order Of Thanksgiving For the Birth Of A Child
O God, as a mother comforts her children, you strengthen us in our solitude, sustain and provide for us. As a father cares for his children, so continually look upon us with compassion and goodness. We come before you with gratitude for the gift of this child, for the joy that has come into this family, and the grace with which you surround them and all of us. Pour out your Spirit. Enable your servants to abound in love, and establish our homes in holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Prayer Focus: Parents, children, and homes to be established in holiness
Prayer For Those Who Are Unemployed
O God of the vineyard, you call us all to productive labor, to employ our gifts and talents for you. We pray for those who are unemployed. Strengthen them in this difficult hour, uplift their spirits, and grant them a place among your laborers until all be employed for the common good, and we share fully in our true work of praising you with heart and mind and soul forever. Amen.
- Prayer Focus: Those who have lost jobs or income
Service of Death and Resurrection
Eternal God, we praise you for the great company of all those who have finished their course in faith and now rest from their labor. We praise you for those dear to us whom we name in our hearts before you. Especially we praise you for _________________, whom you have graciously received into your presence. To all of these, grant your peace. Let perpetual light shine upon them; and help us so to believe where we have not seen, that your presence may lead us through our years, and bring us at last with them into the joy of your home not made with hands but eternal in the heavens; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Prayer Focus: Families of those who have died
May 12, 2020
May 12 - Prayers in the Bible
A verse is highlighted each day, but you are encouraged to read the entire passage.
- “The Lord’s Prayer – Matthew 6:7-15
In verse 10 Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Prayer Focus: Confidence that God’s will is good and will be accomplished - Aaron’s Blessing for Israel - Numbers 6:24-26 (The MYF Benediction)
In verse 24 Aaron prayed, “The Lord bless you and keep you.”
Prayer Focus: People who need a reminder that God’s face is shining upon them to bless them - Hannah’s Prayer of Praise – I Samuel 2:1-10
In verse 2 Hannah prayed, “No one is holy like the Lord— no, no one except you! There is no rock like our God!”
Prayer Focus: People who need a rock solid foundation in uncertain days - Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer – John 17:1-26
In verse 15 Jesus prayed, “I’m not asking that you take them out of this world but that you keep them safe from the evil one.”
Prayer Focus: People who feel unsafe - David’s Prayer of Repentance – Psalm 51:1-13
In verse 10 David prayed, “Create a clean heart for me, God put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!”
Prayer Focus: Troubling times can help provide purity of heart - Paul’s Prayer for the Philippian Church - Philippians 1:9-11
In verse 10 Paul prayed, “I pray this so that you will be able to decide what really matters …”
Prayer Focus: How can uncertain days bring discernment and clarity of purpose? - Mary’s Magnificat – Luke 1:46-55
In verses 46 and 47 Mary prayed, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.”
Prayer Focus: A reminder of reasons for rejoicing in confusing times
May 5, 2020
May 5 - Prayer Promises for Common Sense
Kevin Kelly, the founding editor of Wired magazine, recently celebrated his 68th birthday by offering 68 bits of advice. Below are seven items I selected from his list. For each, I have added a thought and a scripture verse.
- “When crisis and disaster strike, don’t waste them. No problems, no progress.”
“Trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and
character produces hope.” Romans 5:3,4
2. “Acquiring things will rarely bring you deep satisfaction. But acquiring experiences will.”
During COVID-19, acquiring experiences within our homes has become the norm.
“Life isn’t determined by one’s possessions.” Luke 12:15
3. “I’m positive that in 100 years much of what I take to be true today will be proved to be wrong, maybe
even embarrassingly wrong, and I try really hard to identify what it is that I am wrong about today.”
What is considered to be true changes over time. Truth which does not change, if void of
love, can be very un-Christian.
“Speak the truth in love.” Ephesians 4:15
4. “Over the long term, the future is decided by optimists. To be an optimist you don’t have to ignore …
problems; you just have to imagine improving our capacity to solve problems.”
Cynics and skeptics devote a disproportionate amount of time to identifying problems. They
seldom see any truth that may be contained within the problem, so the “problem” is to be
obliterated, not redeemed or transformed. Optimists see truth and use it for transformation.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed … so that you can figure out what is
good and pleasing and mature.” Romans 12:2
5. “For every dollar you spend purchasing something substantial, expect to pay a dollar in repairs,
maintenance, or disposal by the end of its life.”
There are almost always unexpected costs which produced unexpected stress.
“If one of you wanted to build … first sit down and calculate the cost.” Luke 14:28
6. “The purpose of a habit is to remove that action from self-negotiation. You no longer expend energy
deciding whether to do it. You just do it. Good habits can range from telling the truth, to flossing.”
It is the same with spiritual disciplines.
“From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is
admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that
is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. Practice these
things.” Philippians 4:8,9
7. “Learn how to learn from those you disagree with, or even offend you. See if you can find the truth in
what they believe. “
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44
April 28, 2020
Over the next few months, we will being focusing on prayer.
April 28 - God’s Promises: HOPE
Over the last two weeks we've been looking at scripture verses which promise God will hear our prayers and answer our prayers. This week we will look at seven verses which promise that God's answers bring hope.
See Romans 5:2-5
2. “May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! On account of his vast mercy, he has given us new birth. You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” I Peter 1:3
Hope is connected to Jesus’ resurrection.
See Ephesians 2:4-7
3. “This hope, which is a safe and secure anchor for our whole being, enters the sanctuary behind the curtain.” Hebrews 6:19
Hope is an anchor that keeps us safe in life’s difficult times.
See Jude 1:1,24-25
4. “So now, Lord, what should I be waiting for? My hope is set on you.” Ps. 39:7
Hope is connected to God, not to circumstances in life.
See II Corinthians 1:8-11
5. “Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer.” Romans 12:12
Hope is connected to joy and prayer.
See I Thessalonians 2:17-20
6. “Now faith, hope, and love remain—these three things—and the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13
Hope is connected to faith and love.
See I Thessalonians 1:2,3
7. “Therefore, once you have your minds ready for action and you are thinking clearly, place your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” I Peter 1:13
Hope is connected to grace (God’s commitment to us).
See II Thessalonians 2:15-17
“Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures.” Romans 15:4
See also Romans 5:2-5
“Endurance” implies that we can stand firm even in difficult times (COVID-19).
HOPE that comes from God’s promises:
- Helps us endure
- Is grounded in Jesus’ resurrection
- Is a safe and secure anchor
- Focused on God, not circumstances
- Brings joy
- Is connected to love
Is connected to grace
“Brothers and sisters, we were separated from you for a while physically but not in our hearts.” II Thessalonians 2:17
April 28 - God’s Promises: HOPE
Over the last two weeks we've been looking at scripture verses which promise God will hear our prayers and answer our prayers. This week we will look at seven verses which promise that God's answers bring hope.
- “Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures.” Romans 15:4
See Romans 5:2-5
2. “May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! On account of his vast mercy, he has given us new birth. You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” I Peter 1:3
Hope is connected to Jesus’ resurrection.
See Ephesians 2:4-7
3. “This hope, which is a safe and secure anchor for our whole being, enters the sanctuary behind the curtain.” Hebrews 6:19
Hope is an anchor that keeps us safe in life’s difficult times.
See Jude 1:1,24-25
4. “So now, Lord, what should I be waiting for? My hope is set on you.” Ps. 39:7
Hope is connected to God, not to circumstances in life.
See II Corinthians 1:8-11
5. “Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer.” Romans 12:12
Hope is connected to joy and prayer.
See I Thessalonians 2:17-20
6. “Now faith, hope, and love remain—these three things—and the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13
Hope is connected to faith and love.
See I Thessalonians 1:2,3
7. “Therefore, once you have your minds ready for action and you are thinking clearly, place your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” I Peter 1:13
Hope is connected to grace (God’s commitment to us).
See II Thessalonians 2:15-17
“Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures.” Romans 15:4
See also Romans 5:2-5
“Endurance” implies that we can stand firm even in difficult times (COVID-19).
HOPE that comes from God’s promises:
- Helps us endure
- Is grounded in Jesus’ resurrection
- Is a safe and secure anchor
- Focused on God, not circumstances
- Brings joy
- Is connected to love
Is connected to grace
“Brothers and sisters, we were separated from you for a while physically but not in our hearts.” II Thessalonians 2:17
April 21, 2020
Over the next few months, we will being focusing on prayer.
April 21 - God’s Promises: “God Answers Our Prayers”
We began last week by looking at seven scripture verses which promise God will hear our prayers. This week we will look at seven verses which proclaim God not only hears our prayers, but God also answers our prayers.
Most of us have gone through times when we questioned whether or not our prayers were accomplishing anything. There are probably many reasons why that is so, but I have noticed three reasons that are very common.
Let’s look at seven scripture promises that tell us God will answer our prayers.
April 21 - God’s Promises: “God Answers Our Prayers”
We began last week by looking at seven scripture verses which promise God will hear our prayers. This week we will look at seven verses which proclaim God not only hears our prayers, but God also answers our prayers.
Most of us have gone through times when we questioned whether or not our prayers were accomplishing anything. There are probably many reasons why that is so, but I have noticed three reasons that are very common.
- We pray for inappropriate things. Prayer is not a license to fulfill selfish purposes nor evil intents. Prayer is a discipline, and this discipline enables us to more clearly see God’s heart. This helps us focus on prayer that is within God’s will.
- The timing is not right. Things happen on God’s timetable, not our own. We tend to be very impatient concerning when we want things to happen.
- Answered prayer sometimes involves a change in circumstances, but sometimes it involves a change in our attitude about those circumstances. When we pray and nothing seems to be happening, we might need to alter our prayer. Instead of asking God to change the situation, we might ask God, “How does my attitude about this situation need to change?” “What life lessons can I learn from this?”
Let’s look at seven scripture promises that tell us God will answer our prayers.
- “Call to me and I will answer.” Jeremiah 33:3 Answered prayer means that we will take time to pray.
- “If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 Answered prayer is connected to us abiding in God’s word. God’s word brings us clarity about what we want and need.
- “You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit and so that your fruit would last. As a result, whatever you ask the Father in My name, he will give you.” John 15:16 Answered prayer is connected to producing fruit. That would include producing “The Fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22,23.
- “Again I assure you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you.” Matthew 18:19 Answered prayer is impacted by our relationship with other people. We are a part of a covenant community. The community helps clarify and transform personal desires that are amiss.
- “Therefore, I say to you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you will receive it, and it will be so for you. And whenever you stand up to pray, if you have something against anyone, forgive so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your wrongdoings.” Mark 11:24,25 Answered prayer is built on a foundation that takes forgiveness seriously.
- “Enjoy the Lord, and he will give you what your heart asks. Commit your way to the Lord! Trust him! He will act.” Psalm 37:4,5 Answered prayer is connected to our commitment to God’s way (including righteousness and justice).
- “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then, the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds safe in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7 Answered prayer includes a balance in petitions (asking) of what we want God to do, and in giving thanks for things God has already done.
April 16, 2020
April 14, 2020
Over the next few months, we will being focusing on prayer.
The April 14 video highlights God's Promises and specifically His promise to listen to our prayers. You are encouraged to meditate on the following verses this week.
God’s Promises: God listens to our prayers.
The April 14 video highlights God's Promises and specifically His promise to listen to our prayers. You are encouraged to meditate on the following verses this week.
God’s Promises: God listens to our prayers.
- “If my people who belong to me will humbly pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14
- “The Lord’s eyes are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers.” I Peter 3:12
- “This is the confidence that we have in our relationship with God: If we ask for anything in agreement with his will, he listens to us.” 1 John 5:14
- “The Lord’s eyes scan the whole world to strengthen those who are committed to him with all their hearts.” II Chronicles 16:9
- “Answer me when I cry out, my righteous God! Set me free from my troubles! Have mercy on me! Listen to my prayer. Know this: The Lord takes personal care of the faithful. The Lord will hear me when I cry out to him.” Psalm 4:1,3
- “God will turn to the prayer of the impoverished; he won’t despise their prayers.” Psalm 102:17
- “I cry out loud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.”
Psalm 3:4
April 2, 2020
March 31, 2020
March 26, 2020
March 24, 2020
United Methodist Hymnal (Hymns for the Love Feast)
#550 Christ, From Whom All Blessings Flow #554 All Praise To Our Redeeming Lord #557 Blest Be the Tie That Binds #560 Help Us Accept Each Other
#561 Jesus, United By Thy Grace #566 Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love #646 This Is My Commandment
#647 Your Love, O God, Has Called Us Here #699 Come, And Let Us Sweetly Join
#550 Christ, From Whom All Blessings Flow #554 All Praise To Our Redeeming Lord #557 Blest Be the Tie That Binds #560 Help Us Accept Each Other
#561 Jesus, United By Thy Grace #566 Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love #646 This Is My Commandment
#647 Your Love, O God, Has Called Us Here #699 Come, And Let Us Sweetly Join
March 19, 2020
March 17, 2020
March 16, 2020
March 14, 2020
Following the recommendations of our North Georgia United Methodist Conference, our Bishop, the World Health Organization, and the CDC, Tucker First UMC is suspending all worship services through the end of March. The staff is gearing up for live streaming and possibly other digital events in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned.
For this Sunday, please click on the link below to see the bulletin that was created for this Sunday's worship service. We encourage you to have your own family worship this Sunday.
Following the recommendations of our North Georgia United Methodist Conference, our Bishop, the World Health Organization, and the CDC, Tucker First UMC is suspending all worship services through the end of March. The staff is gearing up for live streaming and possibly other digital events in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned.
For this Sunday, please click on the link below to see the bulletin that was created for this Sunday's worship service. We encourage you to have your own family worship this Sunday.
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March 13, 2020
**Please Read**
The past few weeks I have been closely monitoring news concerning COVID-19. At the recommendation of the North Georgia Conference and our resident bishop, and considering input from the CDC and WHO, Tucker First UMC is suspending worship services through the end of March.
The global impact of COVID-19 reminds us of the importance of being spiritually grounded. Communal worship has always played a vital role in spiritual well-being, especially in events of this magnitude. However, our spiritual well-being must also be balanced with physical well-being. During this season when we will not be able to worship together in one location, your church staff is planning resources which an individual or family can use for worship within their home. We will send out the first resource as soon as it is available.
For Sunday, March 15 we will also cancel all small group meetings. After we have had a chance to confer with our group leaders, especially those whose age puts them in a category of greater risk, we will send out a notice concerning any small groups which will continue meeting after March 15.
I am currently focusing on John 14:1,27. Jesus said, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” (CEB) As we trust in God, may our troubled hearts be redeemed and filled with peace. Be safe. Look for the new opportunities that God will provide for us to live out the covenant which unites us as sisters and brothers in Christ.
You are in my prayers.
Gerald Varner
Senior Pastor
Tucker First UMC
The global impact of COVID-19 reminds us of the importance of being spiritually grounded. Communal worship has always played a vital role in spiritual well-being, especially in events of this magnitude. However, our spiritual well-being must also be balanced with physical well-being. During this season when we will not be able to worship together in one location, your church staff is planning resources which an individual or family can use for worship within their home. We will send out the first resource as soon as it is available.
For Sunday, March 15 we will also cancel all small group meetings. After we have had a chance to confer with our group leaders, especially those whose age puts them in a category of greater risk, we will send out a notice concerning any small groups which will continue meeting after March 15.
I am currently focusing on John 14:1,27. Jesus said, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” (CEB) As we trust in God, may our troubled hearts be redeemed and filled with peace. Be safe. Look for the new opportunities that God will provide for us to live out the covenant which unites us as sisters and brothers in Christ.
You are in my prayers.
Gerald Varner
Senior Pastor
Tucker First UMC