I welcome you to First United Methodist Church (FUMC). I pray that our worship leads you to an awareness of God’s presence in your life and among us.
If you are looking for a Church home, I hope you find First UMC to be that place. Our Church doors and communion table are open to you.
Sincerely in Christ’s love,
Rev. Mark B. McFadden
Pastor
SCHEDULE CHANGES TO WEEKLY GATHERINGS
Wednesday Bible Study WILL NOT BE HELD THIS WEEK. This includes both the afternoon and evening sessions.
Handbell Practice will not be held this week or next.
Let us pray to God for compassionate and generous hearts: Our generous and loving God, your Son Jesus is risen from the dead and tells us to see the needs of the poor and to give them food and drink. May we recognize your Son in them. We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen. (Claretian Publications)
upon Amos 6:1-8 & Luke 16:19-3
The Gospel reading introduced a man who appears fortunate because of his wealth and health, yet his abundance prevented him from perceiving the suffering of Lazarus, who lives in poverty. The rich man’s life was so insulated that he failed to recognize Lazarus’s suffering. Do affluence and comfort cause us to neglect others? I believe they do, yet I encourage you to reflect on your own perspective.
Consider the actions the rich man could have taken for Lazarus. He might have established a care center for Lazarus and others in similar circumstances. He could have advocated to the Roman authorities for broader support. This parable urges us to examine our own responsibilities. The rich man in the parable assumed he had no responsibility for Lazarus, yet he was ultimately judged for his indifference. The parable is significant at personal, social, congregational, community, and national levels.
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