Worship Preview 10.26.25 "A Still More Excellent Way: Lead Courageously"

Worship This Sunday: 10:30am –  “A Still More Excellent Way: Lead Courageously” Scriptures: Matthew 14:22-39 and Romans 8. Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. I

The last couple of weeks, we’ve been unpacking the United Methodist Church’s new vision statement: “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”  Considering what it means to “love boldly,” we have talked about how our gifts are given to be made manifest for the common good, how we are connected as the body of Christ, and how even seemingly good things, done without Christlike love, reduce us to “clanging cymbals.”  Last week, we heard the first half of Matthew 14 and the feeding of the 5000. Considering what it means to serve joyfully, we looked at Jesus telling the Disciples “you give them something to eat” when it seemed like there was no way. The miracle of the loaves and fishes isn’t just Jesus taking what they had, blessing, breaking and giving it – it is also the disciples participation in that distribution – joining in an effort beyond their own capability or understanding. We talked about God sized dreams and how God can do abundantly far more than we ask or imagine.

This week our phrase is “lead courageously” and we will focus on the 2^nd part of Matthew 14. You likely know the story of Jesus walking on water and Peter getting out of the boat… he takes a few steps, then he becomes distracted. “He saw the waves” and they start to consume him. But Jesus is still with him – we’ll use a wonderful painting by Korean artist Yongsung Kim entitled “the Hand of God” to help us focus on Jesus presence with us and we’ll take a deep dive into the wonderful assurances found in Romans 8. Just as the waves and storms seek to distract us, Paul’s words in Romans 8 come one after another confirming that “we have been set free from the law of sin and death;” that “the Spirit prays through us;” and that “nothing can separate us from the love of God.” This reality allows us to lead courageously. As always, we will hear calls to repent, and to rejoice, and to live in the reality of resurrection - for God is with us! No matter where you are on your faith journey, we invite you to experience the hope and presence of Christ together with us at 10:30am each Sunday and explore your next steps! 301 S. National here in Fort Scott.  Find your path, share your journey!

Upcoming Events:

Community Office Hours – Monday, October 27^th. After some travel, this week, Pastor Christopher will be back at Common Grounds from 2-4pm Monday. Come by to grab a treat or a drink and share conversation and prayer!

Wednesday, October 29^th, Feeding Families in His Name: A free, no obligation meal is served “to-go” style from underneath our portico from 5:30-6:30pm each Wednesday, prepared each week by our members as well as several area churches and community groups. We aim to provide 400 meals per week, even with government funding lapses withholding commodities and increasing our costs. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make donations online at: www.firstumcfortscott.org/feedingfamiliesdonation. Thank you.

Our 5^th Annual Trunk or Treat - Friday, October 31^st – 5:30pm to dusk. Parking Lot behind the church: 301 S National Open to all. Parents and grandparents are invited to bring the kids. Come in costume and celebrate All Hallows Eve with your friends and neighbors! There is no charge for this event.