Worship Preview 2.9.25 "Fill My Days with Meaning."

FIRST UNITED METHODIST 

This Sunday: 10:30am – “Six Stone Jars: Fill My Days with Meaning” Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: Esther 4:1-14 and Luke 5:1-16

 

The last couple of weeks we have wrestled with Luke 4 and Jesus’ challenging first public sermon. He roots himself in the prophetic tradition and proclaims God’s expansive love. Despite some who reject him, crowds continue to gather and grow. This week we hear from Luke 5 as Jesus teaches along the lakeshore. The crowds are so thick he steps into Simon’s boat and asks them to put out from shore to gain space. 

Jesus teaches and when he’s done, he suggests they cast their nets again. Now, they’ve already tried everything – fishing all night to try and eek out a living. There’s no catch to be had. But Simon’s imagination and hope has been sparked by this unusual teacher. 

Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” And the catch is now overwhelming, threatening, in fact, to sink the boat – and Simon’s path is changed. He is now a fisher of men, a disciple of Jesus, even as he doesn’t yet know all that will mean. 

Last week in talking about the crowd in Luke 4, I suggested that some of the folks there began to realize their anger at Jesus was misplaced and that I believe I am called to “make a way” that Jesus might pass through and lead. As we continue our series Six Stone Jars, looking at the economy of Jesus and our call to serve as disciples – we will also hear the familiar call of Esther. The dramatic story of this girl become queen and the dangerous palace intrigue that surrounds her is fascinating. It is the only book of the Bible in which God is not explicitly named and yet is it is a story of faith, trust, obedience, hope, and courage. Who knows – perhaps we too have been created, equipped and called forth for a time such as this!

Looking back at Luke 5. The question is can we be made well? I believe God still says, “I do so choose!” This grace fills our lives with meaning – if we are willing to accept the gifts God offers and shared them with others - to speak out for others, to let down our nets again in hope and trust. Will we follow him where he leads? We’ll talk about it all in worship Sunday at 10:30am as we continue the season of Epiphany with our “Six Stone Jars” series. I hope you’ll join us. Come as you are, wear what you have – including your favorite football jersey’s, and join with others as we sing, pray, and seek to find our path and share our journey!  - Pastor Christopher Eshelman.

Upcoming Events: 

Wednesday, February 12th  – Feeding Families in His Name: A “to-go” meal is distributed under the portico at 301 S. National. This free meal is available to everyone without obligation. A reminder: Please do not block nearby driveways while waiting. Thank you. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make donations online at: www.firstumcfortscott.org/onlinegiving. 

Fellowship Soup Luncheon Friday, February 28th. We will again have soups and chilli along with dessert for a freewill donation beginning at 11:30am. This month our proceeds will benefit Feeding Families in His Name. Mark your calendar and invite a friend for food and fellowship. Then join us again on March 14th for a Potato Bar to celebrate St. Patrick’s and benefit United Women in Faith’s programs and ministries.

This Sunday: 10:30am – “Six Stone Jars: Fill My Days with Meaning” Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: Esther 4:1-14 and Luke 5:1-16

 

The last couple of weeks we have wrestled with Luke 4 and Jesus’ challenging first public sermon. He roots himself in the prophetic tradition and proclaims God’s expansive love. Despite some who reject him, crowds continue to gather and grow. This week we hear from Luke 5 as Jesus teaches along the lakeshore. The crowds are so thick he steps into Simon’s boat and asks them to put out from shore to gain space.

Jesus teaches and when he’s done, he suggests they cast their nets again. Now, they’ve already tried everything – fishing all night to try and eek out a living. There’s no catch to be had. But Simon’s imagination and hope has been sparked by this unusual teacher.

Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets."

And the catch is now overwhelming, threatening, in fact, to sink the boat – and Simon’s path is changed. He is now a fisher of men, a disciple of Jesus, even as he doesn’t yet know all that will mean.

Last week in talking about the crowd in Luke 4, I suggested that some of the folks there began to realize their anger at Jesus was misplaced and that I believe I am called to “make a way” that Jesus might pass through and lead. As we continue our series Six Stone Jars, looking at the economy of Jesus and our call to serve as disciples – we will also hear the familiar call of Esther. The dramatic story of this girl become queen and the dangerous palace intrigue that surrounds her is fascinating. It is the only book of the Bible in which God is not explicitly named and yet is it is a story of faith, trust, obedience, hope, and courage. Who knows – perhaps we too have been created, equipped and called forth for a time such as this!

Looking back at Luke 5. The question is can we be made well? I believe God still says, “I do so choose!” This grace fills our lives with meaning – if we are willing to accept the gifts God offers and shared them with others. Will we make way? Will we follow him where he leads? We’ll talk about it all in worship Sunday at 10:30am as we continue the season of Epiphany with our “Six Stone Jars” series. I hope you’ll join us. Come as you are, wear what you have – including your favorite football jersey’s, and join with others as we sing, pray, and seek to find our path and share our journey!  - Pastor Christopher Eshelman.

Upcoming Events: 

Wednesday, February 12th  – Feeding Families in His Name: A “to-go” meal is distributed under the portico at 301 S. National. This free meal is available to everyone without obligation. A reminder: Please do not block nearby driveways while waiting. Thank you. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make donations online at: www.firstumcfortscott.org/onlinegiving. 

Fellowship Soup Luncheon Friday, February 28th. We will again have soups and chilli along with dessert for a freewill donation beginning at 11:30am. This month our proceeds will benefit Feeding Families in His Name. Mark your calendar and invite a friend for food and fellowship. Then join us again on March 14th for a Potato Bar to celebrate St. Patrick’s and benefit United Women in Faith’s programs and ministries.