Worship Preview 8.16.26

FIRST UNITED METHODIST

WORSHIP AUGUST 16TH: 10:30am. “Listen: There Is a River...”  Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: Genesis 2:4-17, Exodus 17:1-7, Isaiah 43:1-11 and mentions of Ezekiel 47, Revelation 21 and other texts featuring rivers – from creation to new creation.

Last week we celebrated the gift of Scripture by sharing Bibles with our Elementary School students. WE talked about how the Bible is inspired – God Breathed. And we talked about how the Bible is a collection of stories, songs, poems, and prose chronicling the human response to God’s presence and pointing us to salvation in the person of Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

This week we’ll continue our “Listen” series thinking about prayer and our response to God by continuing to explore Scripture through the symbol of the River. Our call to worship is again from Psalm 24. “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.” Through the service, we’ll look at some of the mentions of rivers – from Genesis, through the Prophets, and ultimately to Revelation and through these “living waters” we’ll see the overarching story of Scripture – from Creation to New Creation. We’ll talk a bit about a Wesleyan understanding of Scripture and Salvation.

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 love 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 go down to the river to pray! Thanks be to God!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

FEEDING FAMILIES IN HIS NAME: Wednesday, August 19  - 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. 

AGING FORWARD Friday August 21 at 1pm. Aimed at retired adults for lifelong learning and fellowship, all are welcome to attend. We’ll hear from Austin Bolinger, the Horticultural Therapist at Tri-Valley, as he shares the work he does with plants and how the members benefit from the calming affects. He will also be sharing some plants from their greenhouse. Then Susan Karleskint, with the Old Fort Genealogy Society, will be sharing her knowledge about seeking out your ancestors and their history, as well as information about local Bourbon County resources. Light refreshments served.

Sunday, August 30th - Church Service in the Park We’ll worship in Shelter House number 5; the enclosed building above the camping area. With a Fellowship Picnic to follow, so bring your favorite casserole, salad, side dish or dessert and be ready to enjoy goodies in the great outdoors!