Worship Preview 4.27.26

WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY: 10:30am. “Hallowed…”

Scriptures: Psalms 19:1-2, 24:1, Genesis 1-2:3, Romans 8:12-24 and Acts 17:28

Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching.

Prayer is the Heart of the Matter. We are exploring the practice of prayer through the framework of the “words that Jesus taught us” known as the Lord’s prayer. They are a great prayer in themselves, which is why we say it every week in worship – but they are also a guide to how to pray. How to be in relationship with God, our Creator. Last week we talked about the words Our – we do not pray alone, we are immediately and constantly in relationship with others – and Father – that relationship is personal, familiar, one of family. This week we will continue exploring that first line, focused on Hallowed.

The full line is “Our Father who Art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.” God dwells in heaven. Heaven is that place where God dwells. Last week we heard Jesus tell the disciples “if you have seen me you have seen the Father” and say that “I am the Vine, you are the branches” – if we abide, that is dwell in Christ, then we are enabled and empowered to do the works Christ does – and indeed, Jesus promised in John 14, to do still greater things – if you abide, dwell, work, and pray – that is “ask for” “in Jesus’ name.” What does it mean to speak in the name of Christ. Does it just mean saying “Jesus” over and over as we pile up words and wishes? Or is it something more? When we pray “Hallowed be Thy Name” we are saying God’s name is holy. Sacred. Not merely a tool, but a presence, a way.

What if prayer is about recognizing how we are related to all of creation. When Jesus called God’s name “hallowed,” he was drawing us to the sacred nature of the holy. When we pray, we set apart our time and attention to things that matter deeply. In Genesis 1, we are told of God’s intentional act of creation. A purposeful creation of order, rhythm, and diversity, in which humanity is created to care for God’s creation and in which sacred rest is the capstone. God “hallows” the seventh day. God sets it apart as holy. Most of us have been taught that “taking the Lord’s name in vain” is about swearing – but what if it is much more than that. What if it is about how we “live, and move, and have our being.” (Acts 17:28). Last week we talked about names for God. From these verses, theologian Paul Tillich primarily revered to God as “the ground of all being.”

This 4^th Sunday of April falls after “Earth Day” and we will celebrate an annual offering called Native American Sunday through which our denomination supports indigenous congregations and ministries. We do so in part to make amends for past denominational actions that harmed indigenous peoples, but even more so to lift up and celebrate what these same people bring to the life of the United Methodist Church here and now. Native Americans are not a footnote of people, but a living, diverse reality, many of whom are United Methodist! One of the great witnesses they share is how we are connected with all of Creation. This is not an idea foreign to Scripture. The Psalmist proclaim: “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1) and “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1) Paul understands it as well and writes that “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit.” We are connected. Wesley understood the “new Creation” to include all of the world – thussalvation is not an escape, but a renewal of all. Who and what do we deem “worthy” and what happens when we make praise a regular expression? To live “as Easter people” is to live knowing that death is not the final word. What would we do differently if we really believed that we are loved beyond all endings? That there was nothing to fear? That all will be renewed and made whole?

Sunday Pastor Christopher will share a story about his time with the Santa Clara people of New Mexico and the wonder of being permitted to spend time on Puye Mesa when it was not readily accessible to outsiders. It was a moment is which he came to understand his faith and his connection to creation much more deeply, and one that remains a touchstone of his prayers. Hallowing God’s name and recognizing that we walk on hallowed ground – both in “set aside” sacred places and in everyday spaces is part of what it means to “abide in the Vine” and to walk in the ways Jesus shows us and dwell in the place Christ has prepared for us!

Christ is risen indeed! In life, in death, in life beyond death. God is with us! We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen! Wherever you are on your walk of faith, you are invited to bring your whole self to worship at 10:30am each Sunday. 301 S. National. Blessings on your journey!

UPCOMING EVENT: FEEDING FAMILIES IN HIS NAME: Wednesday, April 30 - 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.