Worship Preview 9.25.22 A Still More Excellent Way...
This Weekend: Sunday at 10:30am “A Still More Excellent Way” Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and 2Timothy 1:1-14 with Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching.
We’ve been talking about health in terms of wholeness and grace in terms of healing – God going before us, God loving us into what we were created and intended to be. God not letting the reality of sin, shortcoming and suffering be the final word. The Word of God becoming flesh, taking our sin on, and redeeming all it is to be human. “He became like us, that we might be like him.”
God is love. Last week – as Paul taught that God’s grace and salvation did not distinguish between the kinds of divisions we focus on… in his day, Jew or Greek, Male or Female, Slave or Free – perhaps we could come up with some labels and divisions for our time.... Paul would emphasize God’s grace is greater than those divisions too. It’s not that our differences are erased, rather they are included. Paul used the metaphor of the body – the eye, ear, foot and hand are different – and work together. Apostles, prophets, teachers, interpreters – different gifts of the Spirit together forming one Body of Christ. Paul ended that reading with a promise – I will show you a still more excellent way. What is the wholeness God’s healing grace leads towards? What is the wholeness the body of Christ – the church – is called to help inaugurate. Quite simply it is love. We’ll talk about that as we wrap up this series on health and wholeness and get ready for our revival series “Reconnect to Faith,” featuring a few of the Bible’s “fish stories” - Sunday’s in October.
If you do not have a church home, or just need a change, you are invited to join in worship at 10:30am at 301 S. National, coming just as you are with your questions, doubts and hopes - and to experience the transformative, healing love and grace of Christ - which makes us whole. See www.firstumcfsks.org/newvisitors for more information on what to expect.
Registration is now open for our inaugural Shepherd’s Center / Adventures in Learning program. It will be Friday, October 14 – 11:30am to 3pm. First UMC is partnering with the national network of Shepherd’s Centers to provide educational and social opportunities that bring older adults together. Our signature Adventures in Learning program supports personal growth and discovery with courses, cultural enrichment workshops, hobby and recreational opportunities. Shepherd’s Centers counteract the negative effects of loneliness and isolation by connecting older adults to empowering programs that foster friendships. There is no charge to attend this kickoff event. You do need to pre-register to receive a free lunch from Marsha’s Deli as part of your day. Visit www.firstumcfsks.org/shepherdcenter to register.
This Week: Wednesday, September 18, 5:30pm Feeding Families in His Name – this weekly free meal is available to everyone without obligation. 301 S. National. We are thankful for all the volunteers from other area churches and community groups that make this meal possible each week. Last week we provided 426 meals. The need for both food and the human connection is great and community support is so appreciated.
Community Office Hours: This coming week Pastor Christopher plans to be at Common Grounds from 9:30-10:30am Monday and Hedgehog, Ink. from 2:30-3:30 on Thursday. Come say hello! Appointments are available other times, call the church at (620) 223-1950 to schedule!
