November 21st, 2025 | Rev. Rachel Williams

Beloved Friends,

               I pray you are having a week filled with newfound stillness and time to commune with God. I know: I am writing you a note, on a screen, about how wonderful it has been to put down the screens this week. The ironies of this week include that I sat on an eight-hour District Committee on Ministry Zoom call yesterday and have a variety of writings that have required extra attention on my various devices.

Wouldn’t you know, though? Even the extensive time on screens has been holy work, as I heard the stories of those following their calls into ministry; even as I make ready a time of preparation during Advent.

               As this series comes to a close, allow this final week-and-a-half before Advent be a time for you to prepare your heart and mind for the season to come. Yes, Advent is a time of preparation, so it may seem a little redundant to prepare just to prepare some more, but the reality is that we have to be able to settle ourselves to hear the still small voice of God, to look for the spark of hope in the midst of the darkness. For that’s where Advent begins- in the darkness. Even as the streets are bedecked with dazzling lights, even as the Christmas music blasts, even as we indulge in the goodness of friends, family, and food, we recall the darkness of a world longing for a Messiah. So, start in the stillness. Start in the darkness. Prepare ye the way of the Lord.

With Love and Peace,

Pastor Rachel

Memorial Showcases 23 Non-Profits Groups during the Inaugural Gathering in Gratitude

Gratitude, music, and joy filled the air as Memorial United Methodist Church welcomed over 1,000 neighbors to its first-ever Gathering in Gratitude Free Community Fall Festival. The aim of this event was to celebrate the season of thanks and the many helping hearts in our community. Held on their church campus, directly next to the Fernandina Beach Market Place, the festival drew more than 1,000 guests of all ages. Families enjoyed a free lunch while listening to live music. Children bounced in colorful inflatables, tried their hand at carnival games, and got creative with crafts and face painting.

Beyond the fun, the festival spotlighted local nonprofits making a difference in Nassau County. Twenty-three of Memorial’s mission parters, like Barnabas, First Coast Habitat for Humanity, and The Arc Nassau, hosted individual booths to tell the story of how they serve our community and offered interactive games to help the kids learn more about their services. A highlight of the festival was the “Scarecrow Stroll.” Each mission partner created a whimsical scarecrow to represent their organization. Guests at the festival were encouraged to find each scarecrow on the stroll and learn about them. When they did, they received a kit to grow their own sunflowers at home.

“We were thrilled to provide an opportunity for 23 nonprofits to showcase the amazing work they do for our community,” said Associate Pastor Rachel Williams. “As a mission-focused church, we support these groups through fundings, prayers, and volunteer all year long. We know all the excellent work they do. This festival allows

us to share that good work with our community.”

And it truly was a community event, with members from the FBHS Art Honors Society providing facepainting and Keep Nassau Beautiful providing water through their mobile water truck. As with other community events hosted by Memorial, this was completely free to all who attended. “We love being a part of this community,“ Pastor Rachel said. “Inspired by God’s freely given grace, Memorial created this festival, a free gift to our neighbors, as a day of gratitude, joy, and connection.”

Memorial looks forward to making Gathering in Gratitude an annual tradition, alongside its long-running Free Community Easter Celebration which they have hosted each spring for over 15 years alongside First Presbyterian Church.

November 14th, 2025 | Rev. Dr. Mark Charles

Dear Grace-Filled Family,

Last Sunday, I preached on the vital nature of finding that place of stillness where we intentionally open our hearts to be nourished by the closeness of God. How has that been going for you this week? Many of you reached out asking for some help in thinking through what healthy daily spiritual practices might look like, and I wanted to share what's currently working for me. I find it essential to do this first thing in the morning, before I check any social media or emails, so the day's busyness doesn't steal the time.

I rely on three simple practices each day:

1. Lectio 365: A free daily prayer app (ministry of 24/7 Prayer) that offers Scripture-based devotions, moments of silence, and connects deeply with the soul’s needs. The morning devotion is usually around 10-12 minutes in length.

2. Mindful Meditation: I use practices, similar to those found in apps like Positive Intelligence, for longer periods of mindful silence before God. 

3. Personal Journaling: After the devotion and meditation, I take a few moments to jot down my personal reflections.

   
   

By engaging in these three practices, I enter my days with a greater sense of God’s presence with me, and of greater clarity and peace. This daily place of stillness has become the most nourishing habit for my soul. I encourage you to find what will work for you and faithfully make the space for it.

Just a couple more things before you go:

On Saturday morning, we celebrate the return of our “Gathering in Gratitude” Fall Festival! We are so excited to offer this gift to our local community and highlight the excellent work of our mission partners. To everyone who has signed up to volunteer, is coming along and bringing family, or is praying for the event—thank you! Your commitment makes a huge difference.

Finally, throughout this sermon series, we are asking you to bring your Bibles to church each Sunday morning. Pastor Rachel and I will invite you to read the text along with us as we preach. This is another good way to open ourselves to the work of God’s Spirit through the reading of Scripture.

Blessings,

Pastor Charlie