Worship Preview 7.13.25 "Heard of This Hope."

This Sunday: 10:30am –  5^th Sunday after Pentecost – “Heard of This Hope”  Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: Psalm 25:1-10, Colossians 1:1-14

In recent weeks we’ve talked about what it means “to be guided” and about “accepting the freedom and power God gives us.” I have shared a bit about how both of these phrases – one from Galatians 5 and one from our baptismal vows are adjacent to things I’ve preached on many times, but are phrases I hadn’t personally focused on. Right now, I am finding great comfort as well as helpful challenge in focusing on them. I am reminded about how our faith is a lifelong journey, returning again and again to the Scriptures for new insight, understanding, and challenge to grow ever more like Christ, even when we think we are already familiar with a passage.  The past couple weeks, we’ve been drawing from Paul’s letter to the Galatians, for the next few weeks we’ll hear from Colossians.

Sometimes, the Pauline epistles feel like we’re picking up in the middle of a conversation or perhaps an email thread. Whatever came before or after, we get only this one snapshot of the stories, events, and questions that exist between the author and the community. They are inherently not complete – they are steps on the journey. This week, we are in the first chapter of the letter to the Colossians. The usual greetings begin the letter, and then the promise of prayers takes the stage. In those prayers is the call to live—a life of fruitfulness, presence, and hope in Christ. “You have heard of this hope,” the author writes. It is as if they were saying, “You know this; you’ve walked in this; this hope is what motivates you and defines you. It is a part of you.”

The letter is traditionally attributed to Paul and certainly has Pauline themes, but may have been written by a later follower – perhaps the Epaphras referenced, a pastor who taught, cared for, and helped the community in Colossae and is presented as the source of information for Paul. Note that such authorship does not mean the letter is not authentic or inspired, in the 1^st Century, writing in the name of one’s teacher was the accepted, respectful practice. Regardless, the author picks up the missive with a transition. “For this reason” is not a beginning place. It is not the launch of a journey or the start of an adventure. Rather, it is more like continuing. Another day, another step, just keep going, living in the hope of Christ.

“For this reason” means what the author has heard about them. He heard that they loved one another and that they loved him in the Spirit. He heard that they bore fruit, that they served and helped and healed and taught. He heard that they lived lives worthy of the gospel. And because of that, because of the love that lived in them and came forth from them, Paul praised God for them and asked that God continue to pour into them all that they needed to live. Paul prayed that they might have wisdom and understanding, the knowledge of God’s will and that they would keep growing and moving forward. That he would have strength that comes from God’s power and, therefore, “Endure with patience while joyfully giving thanks.”  Sunday we will unpack that phrase as well and listen for how God is speaking to us, in our times, through this letter.

We invite you to experience God’s presence and call in the midst of community. If you do not currently have a faith home, we’d love to have you join in worship and service with us here at 301 S. National.

Upcoming Events: 

Sunday, July 13^th – First UMC Night at the Ballpark – about 31 of our members and friends will be at the ballpark for all or part of the Sunday games of the kickoff series for MidAmerica League collegiate summer baseball and we look forward to Fort Scott joining the league next year! Come out and cheer with us as Joplin and Texarkana showcase what the league is about. Pastor Christopher’s sons have both played and coached in similar leagues around the country and it’s a lot of fun!

Wednesday, July 16, Feeding Families in His Name: A free, no obligation meal is served “to-go” style from underneath our portico from 5:30-6:30pm each Wednesday, prepared by our members as well as area churches and community groups who each take a week. We are very appreciative of how people have stepped up with donations and focused on requesting a single meal per person, per week since our recent scare with delayed commodities. We do continue to encourage both carpooling and delivery to others at home and in your neighborhood, while focusing on providing one meal per person. The good news is that our commodities support through TEFAB and SKFB has, at least for now, been restored. We are receiving a July shipment and have an order form for August! If you would like to support this ministry, you can make donations online at: http://www.firstumcfortscott.org/onlinegiving. Thank you.

Friday, July 25^th – Aging Forward Returns After skipping June due to All School Reunion, Aging Forward will return with an entertaining presentation from Trent Freeman of The Artificers! If you haven’t visited, the Artificers is a working studio and gallery hosting all sorts of art exhibits and classes. He’ll share about what caused he and Kate to move the studio from KC to Fort Scott, how they renovated the building and exciting new plans like “The Queen’s Muse” underway. We’ll also have information from FSCC Foundation’s upcoming “Senior-Versity” events. No cost to attend. Light Refreshments will be served. It should be a fun afternoon! Invite a friend!