Worship Preview for Jan 8th
Press Release: Jan. 7, 2023 edition.
This Weekend: Sunday at 10:30am “Behold! Beloved!” Scriptures: Isaiah 42:1–9, Acts 10:34–43, Matthew 3:13–17 – with Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching.
The last two weeks we have celebrated Christmas and New Year’s Day, unusually falling on Sundays. We looked at ancient traditions that might be new to us and were challenged to see ourselves in the familiar stories and people of Jesus’ birth. Now our normal routines are shouting for attention as the our world returns to work and school.
We move into “ordinary time” and yet our faith journey is still extraordinary. The season of Epiphany calls us to continue noticing and to continue reflecting the sacred! How do we recognize and respond to God’s love in the midst of ordinary life?
This week the lectionary celebrates the Baptism of Christ – we move from the infant in the manger to a fully grown adult Jesus embarking on his public ministry. We continue to draw from the prophet Isaiah and look at the first of the “suffering servant” songs from that great text, we hear from Matthew’s Gospel – through which we followed the journey of the Magi and John the Baptist preaching – now Jesus comes to the Jordan “to fulfill all righteousness.” What happens in this scene? What do you see and hear? Who is this Jesus? And we’ll hear another lectionary text – a recounting of who Jesus is spoken by Peter in the book of Acts.
In the midst of the “ordinary” we encounter our savior, journeying with us – inviting us to discover who we truly are and participate in an extraordinary life. When we see, hear, realize and respond – it is an epiphany! Behold!
No matter where you are on your journey of faith, you are invited to join in worship and celebration at 10:30am at 301 S. National, coming just as you are, with your questions, doubts and hopes - and to experience the transformative, healing love and grace of Christ - which makes us whole. Visit www.firstumcfsks.org/newvisitors for more information on what to expect.
Upcoming Events: Wednesday, Jan. 11, 5:30pm Feeding Families in His Name –this weekly free meal is available to everyone without obligation. A “to-go” meal is distributed under the portico at 301 S. National. We are thankful for all the volunteers from other area churches and community groups that make this meal possible each week.
Pastor Christopher’s “community office hours” will return in February.
Mark your calendar for our next “Shepherds Center: Adventures in Learning” event coming March 10th!
