Worship Preview: Belonging in God's Temple - New Healthy Congregations Series
This Weekend: Sunday at 10:30am “Belonging in the Temple of God” Scriptures: Galatians 5:13-26 and 1 Corinthians 3:1-19a with Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching.
One of the most exciting thing happening at First UMC is our participation in the United Methodist Great Plains Conference’s “Healthy Congregations” program. Through this grant and resource, we are equipped to improve the “spiritual, physical, social and emotional health of our congregation and community.” Drawing on some of the same resources and insights that the Bourbon County Action Team does for their great community efforts, we at First UMC are seeking to improve life in Fort Scott and revitalize not just our congregation, but our community. Healthy Congregations gives us access to a number of resources and opportunities.
The conference sees good things happening here at First UMC and has again invested in it with a grant to assist us in this work. We are still nailing down details, but soon you will see information about the launch of our main project for this year and next – launching a new affiliate site of the Shepherd’s Center / Adventures in Learning program which will be open to the community! This resource, focused on lifelong learning and fellowship for retired adults, will launch with our first event on Friday, October 14th, 2022. Then in 2023 we will have several more events as we grow into a full-fledged program site.
As we build towards that, Sundays in September we will draw on a sermon series developed by the Healthy Congregations staff that focuses on our individual bodies and our joined community as the Temple of God. We will draw from Paul’s letters the Corinthians and Galatians to think about themes like belonging, dwelling, community and loving – and we’ll think about the spiritual, physical, social and emotional (including mental) health as individuals and communities. This week, we will celebrate Holy Communion at Christ’s table and again look at the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control and we delve deeper into what Christian Discipleship looks like with some resources to help increase our emotional intelligence. Pastor Christopher is excited to share some of these insights with you.
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.
