
Welcome to
THE WEEKDAY WORD…
UPDATED: Feb 12, 2025
Sharing Love, Every Day
This week, I found myself at the kitchen table with my kids helping them write out valentines for their classmates. With each carefully chosen card and sticker, they were so excited to share something small but meaningful with their friends. It reminded me that, at its best, Valentine’s Day is about more than chocolates and roses; it’s about taking the time to tell people they are loved.

Valentine’s Day has its roots in the story of Saint Valentine, a priest who, according to tradition, defied Roman law to perform weddings for Christian couples. His act of love was risky, but he believed in the power of love to change lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to share a love even greater than romantic love - the love of God, which is constant, unshakable, and meant to be shared with the world. As 1 John 4:19 reminds us, "We love because God first loved us".
In a world where so many people feel forgotten or unseen, even small acts of love can make a difference. A kind word, a handwritten note, a phone call to check in - these are all ways we live out God's love daily. So whether or not there are valentines on your table this week, know this: you are deeply loved by God. And that love is always worth sharing!
Immerse
Here is this week’s readings for our Immerse study. We are meeting for discussion in person on Wednesday mornings at 9:30am or by zoom at 7pm. Please send me an email if you need the link so you can join us.

Strawberry Festivals
Sometimes supporting missions can be delicious! Come join us at the Strawberry festival on February 22, where you can purchase some delicious fresh treats and support missions like Day4Hope, STREAM, and others.
If you would like to volunteer, you can contact our Mission’s Chair, Kayline Lowe at kaylinel@aol.com.

In Christ's Love,
Pastor Haley
Emmanuel United Methodist Church
941-792-3497
5115 Cortez Rd. West, Bradenton, FL 34210
