Worship Preview - "The Way of Christ and the Will of God." New Series 7.30.23
This Weekend: A new series: “The Way of Christ and the Will of God” Scriptures: Genesis 1, John 1:1-4, 14, 16-18 (and referring to Romans 8 and Matthew 13 from last week). Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching.
How do we walk together in faith? How do we follow Christ? How do we understand the Will of God? Why do bad things happen if God is love? Last week we celebrated the work the Great Plains and Oklahoma Indian Mission conferences do together. We deeply appreciate Courtney Freeman Fowler’s (Mvskoke-Creek).time sharing with us. The week before Pastor Christopher shared some of the insights he has gained from time he has been privileged to spend with the Santa Clara Pueblo people and at their sacred Puye Mesa. One of the beautiful aspects of contemporary Native American theologies (note the plural) is how they have found ways of walking together with the pain and joy of both past and present.
This week at First United Methodist, we will begin a series that builds on what we’ve been hearing and wrestles with how we discern, know, and do the will of God in this life. We will draw on the insights of Rev. Leslie Weatherhead. Trained in the Wesleyan tradition, he served as a Methodist minister in India, then in England at Manchester and Leeds. After that he became the minister of City Temple, a Congregational church in London, serving there from 1936 to his retirement in 1960. During the London Blitz of World War Two, he preached a series of sermons that became the book “The Will of God.” In trying to make sense of the horror and destruction of war, and the nightly bombings, he understood God to have an “intentional, circumstantial, and ultimate will.” Over the next few weeks, we will unpack his helpful insights and continue to hear Scripture that is both comforting and challenging.
No matter where you are on your own journey of faith, you are invited to join in fellowship, worship, and celebration 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 our new web site at www.firstumcfortscott.org and click “New Visitors” for more information on what to expect.
Upcoming Events: Wednesday, August 2, 5:30 pm 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. Note: Please do not block nearby driveways while waiting. Thank you.
Friday, August 4th - Shepherd’s Center / Adventures in Learning - 1-4pm. With a keynote by Linda McGee as she wraps up her field experience time with us and featuring breakout sessions with Officer Michael Trim on avoiding scams, Austin Bolinger from Tri-Valley with fall gardening tips, Jill Jaworski from the Fort Scott NHS and Peggy Cummings from Old Fort Genealogical Society with information about those local resources. First UMC in Fort Scott is partnering with the national network of Shepherd’s Centers to provide educational and social opportunities that bring older adults together. Our signature Adventures in Learning program supports personal growth and discovery with courses, cultural enrichment workshops, hobby and recreational opportunities. Shepherd’s Centers counteract the negative effects of loneliness and isolation by connecting older adults to empowering programs that foster friendships. No charge to attend and snacks provided! Register by calling (620) 223-1950 and leaving a message, email info@firstumcfortscott.org or check the Shepherd’s Center page on our web site www.firstumcfortscott.org. Invite a friend to come for learning and fellowship!
