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
Let us pray that we learn to forgive the way the Lord forgives: All-loving Father, you are good and patient, compassionate, loving, and merciful with sinners like us. May your pardon bring us joy and stimulate us to forgive the debts, often small, that others owe us. Lead us to share with others the pardon we have received from you so that they feel a bit of your goodness in us. We ask this through Jesus our Lord. Amen. (Claretian Publications)
Prayer is at the very heart of the ecumenical movement. Jesus prayed that we – his followers – may all be one. When we pray with and for one another, we can feel God’s gift of unity.
Sunday Reflection upon 18:21-35
The Scripture parable for this week highlights mercy as the essential basis for forgiveness. In the narrative, the master of a household forgave a servant's substantial debt, estimated at approximately $6 million, allowing the servant to depart joyfully. However, this same servant was unwilling to forgive a much smaller debt of about $1,000 owed to him. Although he had received mercy, he chose not to extend it, thereby rejecting reconciliation and seeking retribution. Consequently, his master responded severely because of his lack of mercy.
Since God has forgiven us and reconciled us through Jesus Christ, we, as Christians, are called to extend merciful forgiveness to others, thereby initiating reconciliation. Having experienced God's grace, I believe we should strive to live graciously with others and actively pursue reconciliation. Failing to forgive places us at risk of divine judgment. In my experience, genuine forgiveness can be challenging, particularly when the offense is severe. The seriousness of the offense often determines the time and effort required for healing and reconciliation. Reconciliation is a collaborative process that requires participation of all parties involved. Both extending and receiving forgiveness can be a lengthy and demanding journey.
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