Through looking at some of these questions that were faced by the early church, we will explore and make connections to the current/modern structures, functions, and organizational components of The United Methodist Church. For example, although we understand that Christ is the foundation upon which we build the church, what does it take to build up the church in today’s culture? What kind of community is it we are trying to establish and who can be a part of it? What difference does church membership make in our busy and hectic lives? And what does it mean to belong to the body of Christ?

There are many things that we, as the universal church, are still figuring out. There’s stuff that we’re learning and yes, even relearning – and there are still, so many aspects of our shared life that require grace upon grace upon grace… Hopefully, this worship series will create opportunities to discuss and engage with how far we’ve come (as an individual congregation, a global denomination and a universal religious institution) and how far we still have to go. Perhaps there are practices and traditions that we need to re-implement or strengthen – and maybe there are others that we need let go of… Through looking at scripture and making connections to our modern era, we will discern together how the church is supposed to work.

April 12 – Second Sunday of Easter

• Scripture Reading: John 20:19-23
• Worship Theme: We are sent as Christ was sent and have been given the Holy Spirit by whose authority we forgive or retain sins! The church isn’t just something to come to, but something we are sent out from. All this holy and powerful stuff we talk about/do in church is supposed to be talked about/done out in the world.

 

April 19 – Third Sunday of Easter

• Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-35
• Worship Theme: Christ, as a stranger, enters into our private and intimate moments. He interjects himself into conversations, walks with us in troubling times, and enters our homes so that we might be blessed. Too often we do not invite Christ to stay for dinner, we do not share our struggles or allow others to walk with us in troubling times. The church is supposed to be a place where we can be vulnerable, invitational, and open.

 

April 26 – Fourth Sunday of Easter

• Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47
• Worship Theme: This vision of the early church is one of a shared and sacred community. The people of God gathered with intentionality and purpose to both give and receive, to worship and to fellowship. The church is supposed to be this kind of devoted community – a community where needs are made known and met, a community where food is shared with generosity, where God is praised, and where those who believe seek common ground.

 

May 3 – Fifth Sunday of Easter (Communion)

• Scripture Reading: John 14:1-14
• Worship Theme: Jesus repeatedly prepares his disciples for both his earthly departure and his eventual return. He talks about the work he has done and the work his disciples will do. In all things Jesus seeks to clarify both what is and what will be – it’s a recognition that the reign of God is both a present and a future reality. Today, it can feel as if the problems of the world are too big to even begin to address, and that we as individuals (or even as one church) aren’t powerful enough to transform the world, but Christ himself has told us “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” The church is supposed to do great work now, while also continuing to wait for Christ’s return. God’s will is to be done on earth - as it is in heaven - now and in the future.

 

May 10 – Sixth Sunday of Easter (Mother’s Day)

• Scripture Reading: Psalm 66:8-20
• Worship Theme: The Psalmist affirms that all that we will ever know or have are both from and of God. God protects, provides, and is with us “through fire and through water; bringing us out to a spacious place.” Because of God’s generosity and in acknowledgement of our dependance on God, the church is supposed to be a place where people give back to God. Through tithes, gifts, service, and other acts of generosity and ministry, we witness to our faith through our generosity trusting and believing in the God of abundance and provision.

 

May 17 – Seventh Sunday of Easter

• Scripture Reading: John 17:1-11
• Worship Theme: In a long and elaborate prayer, Jesus boldly prays that his disciples will be “one” just as he and the Father are “one” The church is supposed to be a place of “oneness” – specifically a “oneness” that is reflected in the relationship that exists between our triune God. Sometimes it’s hard enough to get along with your own family, friends, and neighbors, but how can the Church (a group of people that encompasses maybe even more than one congregation or one denomination) ever really be “one?”

 

May 24 – Pentecost (Memorial Day Weekend)

• Scripture Reading: Numbers 11:24-30
• Worship Theme: In Numbers 11:29, scripture reads: But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit on them!" God calls all kinds of people – the Spirit of the Lord rests on whomever God chooses. We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God.

For more information about participating or leading in worship, please click the following links:

• Sunday Morning Worship Information
• Stilwell UMC's Worship Ministries