Laughing, Weeping and Unbinding... Worship Preview for April 3, 2022

First United Methodist Church

This Weekend: Sunday at 10:30am “Laughing, Weeping and Unbinding…” Scriptures: John 2:1-12 and John 11:1-46. Pastor Christopher Eshelman preaching.

We near the end of the journey of Lent. On Sunday, April 10th we’ll celebrate Palm Sunday and enter into Holy Week with Christ. On Thursday, April 14th at 7pm we will remember the last supper and Jesus humble service and example, on Friday, April 15th at 7pm we will hold a service of Tenebrae, darkness. We will acknowledge the disciple’s denials and abandonment and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. These difficult and challenging days will prepare us to truly enter into the light of Easter, a glorious celebration that love has already won; that Jesus faith and service have already broken the power of sin and even death. This Sunday, April 3rd we will begin to grapple with all of that.

Life is glorious, and difficult. Jesus has walked this lonesome valley. Jesus gathered with friends in laughter. Jesus wept. Sunday we’ll look at our own times of celebration and despair and consider what Jesus is telling us his actions in the events of his friends - a wedding at Cana of unnamed friends and the death Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary. These can be difficult stories to grapple with - especially for those of us in the midst of our times of celebration or mourning. We often consider them separately - this week we’ll ponder what they tell us together, along with a sharing of Holy Communion. All are welcome at Christ’s table and you are specifically invited. Bring your whole self, bring your joys and your sorrows, and encounter Jesus in laughter, tears, and a call to be the church together in the world.

This Week Wednesday, April 6, 5:30pm Feeding Families in His Name – this weekly free meal is available to everyone without obligation.

Community Office Hours this week: Pastor Christopher would love to visit with you, he’ll be at Common Grounds Monday from 9:30-10:30am and Hedgehog, Ink from 2-3pm on Thursday. Appointments are available other times - call the church at (620) 223-1950.

301 Prayers: You are invited to set an alarm at 3:01pm every day (or another regular time that works better for you) and pause for intentional prayer for our church, community, nation and world as we seek God’s will in 2022.