Worship Preview 10.4.26 "As I Have Loved You..."
FIRST UNITED METHODIST
WORSHIP OCTOBER 4th: 10:30am. “As I Have Loved You...” Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: 1 Samuel 8:4-22, John 13: 1-5, 12-17; 34-35.
Last week we heard from Micah 6. The beloved verse about acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God comes between a lament about God’s people not worshiping properly and taking God for granted and a prophetic caution against injustice. Micah calls out: “Listen! The Lord is calling to the city— and to fear your name is wisdom— “Heed the rod and the One who appointed it. We connected that to the part of Romans 13 we’d previously skipped over, where the Apostle Paul says: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” We talked about how we Christians love to quote that when we agree with those in power but skip over it when we don’t. Rather than cynically using Scripture as clobber text, our call is to discernment and obedience. Romans 13 is not a call to absolute subservience to any authority – it is, as I said last week, a caution against Christians trying to control others and dominate society. As we will hear from the Gospel of John this week, our task is to love God and love neighbor. To serve as Jesus served. When we read Romans 13 about government and authority, we must do so mindful of Paul’s words in Romans 12 “let love be genuiine” and “do not repay anyone evil for evil” rather we are to “overcome evil with good.” and the latter part of Romans 13 “for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Yet if the authorities are murdering, stealing, coveting – Paul is clearly not saying we should go along or acquiesce – and remember, Paul, by tradition, was executed by Rome. We are to work within systems for justice and mercy, but not simply impose our undertanding or rule – rather we are to serve. This week we’ll continue this conversation, hearing God’s response to Israels demand for a King “like other nations “ and with John’s account of the last supper and Jesus’s actions and example as we continue our series “Love One Another.” God has, indeed, shown us what is good! We will gather at Christ’s table, which is open to all, to celebrate that and continue to learn to love our neighbors, as Christ has loved us. Thanks be to God.
If the world has you down. If you can’t make sense of what is happening. If you need a shot of hope – and if you’d like to see a different way emerge, you are not alone. We’d be delighted to have you join in worship. We don’t have all the answers. We aren’t perfect and we won’t dictate your choices. But together we keep finding that God makes a way – and that all our stories matter. So, come just as you are – with your doubts and questions, with your laments and fears, and with your deepest hopes and joys. Whether you are a longtime member, have never been to church at all, or find yourself needing a change - together we will find our paths and share our journeys. Thanks be to God!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
FEEDING FAMILIES IN HIS NAME: Wednesday, October 7th - A free, no obligation meal is served “to-go” style from underneath our portico from 5:15pm to 6:15pm 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.
FELLOWSHIP SOUP LUNCH Friday, October 23rd – join us beginning t 11:30am for a selection of tasty soups, desserts, and fellowship. Freewill donation for the meal supports the ministries of First UMC and our “Hospitality, Outreach, and Community Relations” team known as HOCROC. Bring a friend!
TRUNK OR TREAT – Saturday, October 31st. Bring the kids or grandkids to the parking lot behind the church for a safe, lit, and level place to gather treats from over a dozen “trunks” – we will start at 5:30pm and close at sundown with the lot blocked off for safety beginning at 5:15pm.
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