Worship Preview for May 22nd, 2022
This Weekend: Sunday at 10:30am “Teacher, Light, Gate, Shepherd … Discover How Love Has Already Won!” Scriptures: John 8:1-12 and John 10:1-21 .Pastor Christopher Eshelman preaching.
Sunday we will continue pondering what it is to be Christlike in the world and how Scripture, and Jesus himself uses a variety of metaphors and stories to teach us. The Bible story is not just one story but a collection of stories, leading us to love God and love neighbor – and even love enemies. The journey of faith is not simple, it’s challenging. Certainly the church is a place of comfort and sanctuary, yet if we expect church to only to be that, and not to challenge us to grow and change as we learn more about ourselves and about God, then we aren’t really hearing the lessons of Scripture nor following the movement of the Holy Spirit. Sunday we will hear several images, Jesus as Teacher, as the Light of the World – and a perhaps surprising context for those titles to be used – and then Jesus as both the familiar - Good Shepherd – and perhaps less familiar – as the gate.
Each of these titles or metaphors has important lessons. Scripture speaks to us at every stage of life and faith. God is love and sin and death have already been defeated – Love has won, and yet our journey towards understanding - and more importantly participating in - that victory continues. You are invited to continue the journey of faith with us, coming just as you are with your questions, doubts and hopes - and to experience the transformative love and grace of Christ - which makes us whole. First time considering attending? - see our web site for answers to common questions and more information about what to expect at First UMC.www.firstumcfsks.org/newvisitors
This Week: Wednesday, May 25, 5:30pmFeeding Families in His Name– this weekly free meal is available to everyone without obligation.
Community Office Hours this week: Pastor Christopher would love to visit with you, he’ll again be hanging out at Moe’s Bread in their new space on Monday from 9:30-10:30am, and the returning to Hedgehog, Ink from 2-3pm on Thursday. Appointments are available other times - call the church at (620) 223-1950.
