Worship Preview 4.6.25

This Sunday: 10:30am – “Purveyors of Awe: Connection” Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: Isaiah 55:1-13 and Luke 14:12-24

Lent is often considered a solitary journey as we traditionally use it as a time to examine ourselves and engage in practices that bring us closer to God. While this is a part of the spiritual journey, we also know that human beings were made for relationship. This is why it is so vitally important that we experience collective awe. As we continue to explore what it means to be “purveyors of awe,” we learn of the powerful benefits of togetherness. Our culture had already been isolating. Robert Putnam, in a 1995 essay then 2000 book Bowling Alone traced the “decline of social capital in the United States since 1950. He has described the reduction in all the forms of in-person social intercourse upon which Americans used to found, educate, and enrich the fabric of their social lives.” Then came further blows like the pandemic. In a time when we have recently been through one of the most isolating times in human history, we remember and are grateful for a renewed ability to seek connection offered by the communion table.

Awe is a gateway to connection. As we have experiences that give us a sense of being part of something larger than “just us,” our penchant for self-preservation and obsession with the competitive default-self gives way to a renewed commitment to the greater whole. We need moments of “collective effervescence” that increase hope and joy at being part of the human family. A key part of being “purveyors of awe,” as we have been talking about during Lent, is for Christians to be proactive in forming connection within and beyond the local church, sharing wonder, delight, beauty, and meaning. Jesus models this – It has been said that in the Gospel of Luke “Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.” He engages deeply with people, very often at table.

At the center of Christian worship from the earliest times has been a shared meal – sometimes a full meal, but at least the bread and the cup. Christians gather and remember – reconnect – re-enact – and receive. As United Methodists we emphasize the open table. Because we believe that Holy Communion is hosted by Christ and we gather at Christ’s table – it is Jesus who is the host and thus not our place to decide who comes to receive. There are other important understandings in other traditions, some close the table to those outside their tradition because they are focused on shared understanding. These conflicting views both honor something important and sacred, but a large part of why I am a Methodist is this open table understanding.

Sunday we’ll hear two scriptures about God as the host. Isaiah 55 bursts with excitement sharing a call to gather – inviting not just those of “approved” social standing, but all who hunger and thirst – and a reminder to watch what we focus on. Jesus seems to build on this tradition in his parable in our Luke 14 reading. One of a series of conflicts and lessons Luke shares in this chapter at meals, many of which mirror and seem to repeat the content of Chapter 13 that we focused on last week. As one of my seminary professors often said, "if it's repeated, it's important!” Jesus repeatedly invites people to the table and the kingdom – a kin-dom of all those created in the image of God – if we have the courage, imagination, and faith to connect and participate.

You are invited to worship with us. Christ invites you to the table to experience grace, 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 9th 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. 

Friday, April 24th – Aging Forward returns – each 4th Friday afternoon at 1pm we’ll offer a chance for retired adults (and anyone else interested) to hear from local speakers about all sorts of topics and share a time of conversation and fellowship. Light refreshements provided. Mark your calendar and join in the fun!