Worship Preview 3.30.25 Purveyors of Awe: Beauty and Meaning

This Sunday: 10:30am – “Purveyors of Awe: Beauty and Meaning” Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: Psalm 27, Job 42:1-8, Luke 13:1--35

At our Ash Wednesday service, as we began Lent, we heard that beauty is complex. We call something “achingly beautiful” when it creates a pathos within us–a sense of something so precious that we want it to last forever–from the plump cheeks of a newborn to the wrinkled face of an elder. But alas, we are all mortal and not meant to exist in this bodily form forever. We were made from dust and to dust we shall return. We open ourselves to the awe that is the beauty of life in between the first and last breath. Lent helps us walk in this time between and prepares us to see the beauty and meaning of Easter and resurrection.

In his book Beauty: The Invisible Embrace, Celtic poet, priest and philosopher – John O’Donohue, writes: “We live between the act of awakening and the act of surrender. Each morning we awaken to the light and the invitation to a new day in the world of time; each night we surrender to the dark to be taken to play in the world of dreams where time is no more. At birth we are awakened and emerged to become visible in the world. At death we will surrender again to the dark to become invisible. Awakening and surrender: they frame each day and each life; between them the journey where anything can happen, the beauty and the frailty.”

Much research has been done into beauty and meaning. Commenting on research by Rene Proyer on a podcast called “The Science of Happiness,” Shuka Kalantari noted: “When we naturally notice and appreciate the beauty around us, it can lead to all kinds of different benefits. Studies show it can make us feel more satisfied in life, have a stronger sense of meaning, and act with more kindness towards others and the environment.”  We humans are “meaning-mongers.” Our brains are wired to interpret the ordinary stuff of life in metaphorical ways so that we can make some sense of it all. We long for meaningful lives in which we are more sure about the direction of our lives and about what we are to bring to this world. We yearn for experiences that leave us feeling more fulfilled. When we are “on the lookout” for meaning in our lives, we live at a deeper level and mereexistence turns into purpose.

Sunday we will continue to explore what it means for Christians to be “Purveyors of Awe” – to center ourselves in and share the beauty of God’s creation. We do not do this lightly, and in doing so we are not ignoring the difficulties of life – so many senseless cruelties that fill the news; so many heavy burdens that we carry. We’ve been hearing and singing the achingly beautiful hymn “I Believe” – in the sun even when it’s not shining; in love even when we don’t feel it; in God, even when God seems to be silent. As we wrestle with it all, we will hear from the book of Job – a challenging story of tragedy, injustice, and meaning. Will we stop at easy, yet unsatisfying answers that blame those who suffer – or will we go deeper in persistent hope and faith… like Job? A hope that cries out for response.

The author of Psalm 27 seems to mirror Job’s deepest call.

One thing I ask of you, Lord, one thing I seek:

that I may dwell in your house all the days of my life,

to gaze on your beauty and to meditate in your Temple. – Psalm 27 (Inclusive Bible)

As we continue the journey towards the cross, the tomb, and the liberation of Easter morning, you are invited to worship with us, coming just as you are; bringing your questions, your doubts, and your deepest hopes. We gather for Sunday School groups for all ages at 9:30am and share in worship at 10:30am, 301 S. National. Blessings on your journey.

Upcoming Events: 

Wednesday, April 2nd Feeding Families in His Name:  This “to-go” meal is distributed under the portico at 301 S. National. This free meal is available to everyone without obligation. A reminder: Please do not block nearby driveways while waiting. Thank you. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make donations online at: www.firstumcfortscott.org/onlinegiving.