Worship Preview for 10.19.25 "A Still More Excellent Way: Serve Joyfully."

Scriptures: Isaiah 55:1-13, Philippians 3:10-14, Matthew 14:13-23. Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. 

Last week I started a short series on the new vision statement the United Methodist Council of Bishops released last summer. “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”

Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12 and 13, we talked about how the “still more excellent way”  of Loving Boldly involves using the gifts we have been given in community with others in the Body of Christ. This week we will continue to unpack the vision statement, building on “Love Boldly” and considering what it means to “Serve Joyfully.”

I will admit that I am often one to sigh and grumble about tasks on my to do list. I am one that sometimes lets the burdens and suffering of the world weigh me down. I feel too busy and put upon. Yet the church’s call to serve joyfully is not about adding more to overstuffed schedules. It’s about helping each of us rediscover service as a way of being—an outflow of a life deeply rooted in God’s abundance, humility, and joy.

When I find myself grumbling - it’s time for an attitude check. It’s time to recenter myself in God’s presence, to focus on the abundance of God’s creation, the gifts I’ve been given AND the gifts others have been given. We do not serve alone! So, this week we will begin by revisiting Paul’s words to in Philippians 3 that we read a couple weeks back. Paul – despite apparently being imprisoned – writes one of his most joyful letters. He emphasizes that God isn’t done with him yet – and that what he longs for is to set aside his own pride, arrogance, and privilege and instead “know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

We’ll hear from Isaiah, continuing to root ourselves in the prophetic texts. Isaiah too, regards service as joy. Recounting the wonders of Creation, the Prophet speaks for God saying “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”

And with that we will turn to the Word become Flesh and hear anew the familiar story of Jesus feeding the 5000. He’s just learned of John the Baptist’s execution. He longs for quiet, but the crowds see and follow him and the disciples. He is filled with compassion. The Disciples, however, are being practical. They say, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

We too sometimes feel overwhelmed and if our service is impossible or ineffective. In those times, as I said above, it is time to recenter ourselves in God’s presence, to focus on the abundance of God’s creation, the gifts we’ve been given AND the gifts others have been given.  Remember the end of the story – after the 5000 are fed (and more counting women and children) they collect 12 baskets of leftovers!  God makes a way, even when it seems there is no way.

No matter where you are on your faith journey, we invite you to experience the hope and presence of Christ together with us at 10:30am each Sunday and explore your next steps! 301 S. National here in Fort Scott.  Find your path, share your journey!

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Press Release for October 18th, 2025

First United Methodist

Treasurer Wanted – First UMC is searching for a person to keep the books, produce clear and timely reports, and help us be good stewards of all God has blessed us with. It is a very part time position – 8-12 hours a month, or so. See https://www.firstumcfortscott.org/post/treasurer for more information. To apply, send a cover letter with your interests and a resume/statement of experience to our Search Committee at 301 S. Judson, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Wednesday, October 22^nd, 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 each week by our members as well as several area churches and community groups. We aim to provide 400 meals per week, even with government funding lapses withholding commodities and increasing our costs. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make donations online at: www.firstumcfortscott.org/feedingfamiliesdonation. Thank you.

Our 5^th Annual Trunk or Treat - Friday, October 31^st – 5:30pm to dusk. Parking Lot behind the church: 301 S National Open to all. Parents and grandparents are invited to bring the kids. Come in costume and celebrate All Hallows Eve with your friends and neighbors! There is no charge for this event.

Chamber Coffee Thursday, October 23^rd – 8am. We are pleased to host the weekly Chamber Coffee this week. We’ll be sharing information about a few upcoming community events such as those listed here as well as our 3rd Annual Nativity Showcase - a part of Christmas on the Bricks the first weekend in December.