Worship Preview 5.18.25 "Resurrection Stories: Breakfast"

This Sunday: 10:30am –  5th Sunday of Easter – Resurrection Stories: BreakFast

Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: Colossians 3:1-11 and John 21:1-14

We are halfway through the season of Easter, 4 Sundays until Pentecost. We have been looking at Resurrection Stories – not just the stories told of Jesus appearances, but how our own encounter with Christ changes us, and enables us to change the world. Often its small things that are truly big things – like the chosen family and new relationships we talked about last week – and the untold story of Jesus’ brother James who is absent or at least mildly an opponent in the Gospels but in the stories of Acts has become a leader of the early church. We aren’t told his Resurrection Story in detail, but clearly something happened that changed the course of his life. As I’ve mentioned a few times – Scripture itself tells us we don’t have all the stories. After Jesus’ appearance to the women at the tomb that parallel Luke and Matthew’s accounts, and more detailed stories about Mary Magdalene and Thomas that are unique to John, Chapter 20 ends with a statement of purpose for the book: “Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples’ presence, signs that aren’t recorded in this scroll. But these things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.” The End.

Except it’s not. There is a 21st Chapter of John that begins “After these things…” The next two Sunday’s we’ll focus on the interwoven stories of Jesus’ appearance to 7 Disciples near the “Sea of Tiberius” – that is, the Sea of Galilee and his conversation with Peter. We will revisit some “fish tales,” see Jesus deftly revisit and undo Peter’s denials, and consider how these stories inform and encourage our own. We'll see that where and how we focus matters to how we understand our stories, and that all the differences are important.

Resurrection is about new relationships – and renewed relationship. Resurrection is about new understandings and encounter with mystery beyond understanding. Resurrection is about eternal life – a re-Creation - that begins here and now and that is open to all willing to break the fast – to accept Christ’s offer and reconsider old patterns. Peter, like many of us, is a bold and zealous at times, and weak and timid at others. He’s often a bit slow to catch on – and Jesus continues to call, equip, and transform him, just as he can and does with all of us.

As we gather for worship as an Easter people, we will acknowledge that life is hard and often painful – and we will recommit to following Jesus who knows and participates in our pain; who suffers with us; and who calls us beyond into joy.

So as we have proclaimed throughout this series -  whatever binds you, whatever locks you up, whatever keeps you from the life for which you were created…can be rolled away, opened, released… for we believe our stories can be rewritten each and every day! The story of Christ proclaims that God is love! A story of truth and mercy, a story of peace and light. Let our lives tell the story!  It is not easy or quick, but let this Easter be a vision of your life unlocked – your life as a Resurrection Story! Alleluia. Amen! We hope you will join us at 10:30am Sunday at 301 S. National.

Upcoming Events: 

Wednesday, May 21st Feeding Families in His Name:  This “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. 

Friday, May 23rd – our next Aging Forward session– intended for retired adults to encourage fellowship and lifelong learning, our “Adventures in Learning” speaker’s series meets in Fellowship Hall at 1pm on the 4th Friday of each month April through September, but we’ll skip June due to the All School Reunion this year. Our May 23rd session will feature Don Tucker talking about some of his mission trips with NOMADS and Pastor Christopher will be teaching about Walking Labyrinths, such as the one currently being expanded at 3rd and Crawford. Light refreshments provided. Mark your calendar and join in the fun!

Vacation Bible School – June 16th -20th 5:30-8pm at 1st Presbyterian (308 S. Crawford). Come on a “Road Trip” with us to learn more about God and each other! Register at www.firstumcfortscott/vbs or by calling 1st Presbyterian’s church office at (620) 224-2055.