In the fancy restaurant, Elyse and her parents applauded. A boy had just finished playing a prelude on the grand piano. Elyse’s piano teacher stood. “Next, Elyse Patterson will play Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.”
Wearing a pretty blue gown, Elyse walked to the piano. She placed her hands on the keys, then took a deep breath. She wanted so much to perform perfectly! As Elyse began playing, the lovely melody filled the air. Suddenly she fumbled some notes, lost her place, and had to stop. She sat there, horrified. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” Elyse said, trying not to cry. “It’s okay,” her piano teacher whispered. “Just start over and try again.” Nobody’s perfect, but don’t let that stop you from trying to live God’s way. You’re his child. He loves you. And he won’t abandon you when you make a mistake. Remember, Jesus took care of all your failures on the cross! When you’ve done something wrong, admit it to God. He’ll forgive you and encourage you to keep trying to live a holy life. And as you do, you’ll get closer and closer to being perfect, like he is.
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24
If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
Easter Sunday at GSUMC Join us as we celebrate Easter together. Whether you’ve been part… Read More
Holy Week at GSUMC Holy Week is the journey leading up to Easter, with each… Read More
New Service Time Beginning Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, GSUMC will move to a single weekly worship… Read More
Lent is often described as a journey—but long journeys don’t begin with movement. They begin… Read More
Join us for our Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.… Read More
February 2026 Greetings Members and Friends of Good Shepherd UMC (GSUMC), What a beginning 2026 has… Read More