Worship Preview 11.1.26 All Saints Sunday “and I mean, God helping, to be one too”

 Happy “All Hallows Eve.” Remember to “Fall Back” and set your clocks this weekend, and before that, join the fun at our Trunk or Treat event this evening from 5:30 to 6:30pm!

WORSHIP NOVEMBER 1ST – ALL SAINTS SUNDAY: 10:30am. “and I mean, God helping, to be one too”  Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: , Hebrews 11:1-3, 12:1-3, Acts 6:1-8:1.

This week we will celebrate All Saints Sunday. This is a day of looking forward, even as we remember the past we shared with the beloved of God. We long for the fulfillment of the promises and the in-breaking of eternity that we might stand with those who have gone before us. So, while there is sadness and the grief of loss, there is also the joy of the promise. Christians see death not as an end but a transition. I’ve often used the symbol of the butterfly. We can watch crawling caterpillars build their chrysalis. After a week or two, emerging completely transformed with beautiful wings. That time in the chrysalis involves a complete reworking, the caterpillar doesn’t just slap on a costume, it goes through a process where the old body is broken down and remade completely. At one stage the chrysalis is just filled with an unrecognizable goo. I often wonder if the caterpillar really understands what the transformation will mean? Do they see clearly all the changes? Do they eagerly anticipate the transformation? Does it take courage? Sometimes people are surprised when I, as a pastor, tell them I don’t know much about what happens after death. I don’t know – I do trust. I’m confident that death and suffering do not have the final word – but right now my job isn’t to define what’s next, but live fruitfully and faithfully in Christ, in the here and now.

The author of the Book of Hebrews understands this – talking beautifully about what is seen and unseen, about hope and faith. About the difference between certainty and assurance. We are, indeed, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. We are called to share the stories – to embody the best of those who have gone before, but also to recognize shortcomings and continue to grow. That’s what we see in both the Old Testament and the New. Hebrews tells the stories of faith to point us to “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” – Jesus. As we continue the Christian year, treasuring the past and looking with faithful confidence to the future with our observance of All Saints Day, we’ll also draw from the Book of Acts. There is grumbling in the growing church – ethnic and language divisions – and the disciples address it by growing the leadership. They authorize a group of seven to take on specific roles, assuring everyone gets what they need. One of the seven, Stephen, becomes known for “great wonders and signs” and his witness. Yet jealousy abounds and some religious leaders seek to frame him for blasphemy with false witnesses. Stephen is hauled before the authorities and, in Chapter 7, gives a long, spirited sermon that covers the major stories of the Hebrew Scriptures while proclaiming faith in Christ. It is a powerful read. In worship we’ll hear the beginning and end of the story told in Acts 6 through 8:1 – where we hear from Stephen, and first meet Saul – the man who will become the Apostle Paul. But here he approves of the stoning of Stephen! We’ll wrestle with the injustice of it, and claim the promise of transformation.

Last week we looked at Jesus drawing in the dust – challenging those ready to stone a woman over an allegation - and we wrestled with topics of sin, false witness, dropping the stones of hatred, judgment and projections and yet recognizing when Jesus might flip tables – challenging both individual and systemic injustice. This week we’ll continue to explore what it means to love one another and bear witness, even in the face of death. A prayer often used at the graveside includes the line “We are slow to accept death as part of your plan for life.” I think again of the caterpillar turning to goo and being remade. Sunday we’ll engage in rituals of remembrance and anticipation – lifting up the names of our “great cloud of witnesses,” celebrating the light of Christ, and taking our place at Christ’s table, sharing Holy Communion. You, yes you, are invited! We will remember the stories of old but also celebrate God doing a new thing in our midst. We’ll sing songs of the saints of God and, with God’s help, rededicate ourselves to following in them in the footsteps of Christ.

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, November 4th- 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.  If you would like to support this ministry, you can make donations online at: www.firstumcfortscott.org/feedingfamiliesdonation. Thank you.

*NATIVITY SHOWCASE – Part of “Christmas on the Bricks”. The community is invited to share your favorite nativity set with us Dec. 3-6th. Look for signup information and viewing times soon. Do you have Grandma’s Nativity set in the Attic or Basement like I did? Has it not been displayed in a few years, or maybe just in your home but few see it. Join our Showcase – each year since we’ve started we’ve had about 100 different Nativity sets from all around the world to help us kick off Advent and look forward to the birth of Christ. Join us!

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