Worship Preview for September 6th, 2026 "Hardened Hearts and Broken Bread."

FIRST UNITED METHODIST

WORSHIP SEPTEMBER 6TH: 10:30am. “Hardened Hearts and Broken Bread...”  Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: Psalm 95 and Hebrews 3:12 - 4:13

Last week, when we gathered for our special service at Gunn Park, we heard the parable fo the Sower and I suggested that all the different types of ground – that is receptiveness to the Word – are us. It’s not about deciding we are the fertile ground and then categorizing other’s deficiencies. It’s about recognizing when in our lives we have let the Word be crowded out by thorny distractions, when we have been shallow and not let it really take root, and when we have been packed, resistant. I gave some examples of situations and issues when we encounter hardened hearts. We’ve also heard some stories of Moses and the people that give us such examples, which the Psalm reminds us of. This week we return to our historic Sanctuary and we’ll continue that line of thought, hearing from Psalm 95 and then from a section of Hebrews that quotes it. We’ll think about what it means to “enter God’s rest” and what the Bible says about God’s anger. The great Methodist preacher Fred Craddock wrote in a commentary on Hebrews that “The Christian faith grows out of and is sustained by the conversation between the church and its Bible.” He notes that the Epistle known as Hebrews demonstrates that conversation with “the most extended treatment of the Old Testament in the New.” Hebrews proclaims Christ’s Superiority, Humility, Faith, and Mercy. It called for believers to mature in faith with fidelity and mutuality. In the section we’ll look at, a quote from Psalm 95 is presented as the Words of the Holy Spirit. We believe all Scripture is inspired, “God-breathed” and this attribution affirms that and collapses the distance between past and present. Today – in the Psalmist’s time, in the author of Hebrews’ time, and yes, Today in our time - God is speaking, through the Spirit. Let those with ears hear! As we listen, we hear Christ's invitation to the table. We will celebrate Holy Communion, a visible and outward sign of an inward Grace, the gift of God. Christ's table is open to all - even me. Even you! So, 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 find our paths and share our journeys. Thanks be to God!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

FEEDING FAMILIES IN HIS NAME: Wednesday, September 9th  - 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 September 18th at 1pm. Aimed at retired adults for lifelong learning and fellowship, all are welcome to attend. Our last gathering for this year will feature information about the new Railroad Museum being developed in Fort Scott – you won’t want to miss it – bring a friend! Light refreshments served.