The song by The Bengsons is about reaching for—or “echolocating”—hope. The primordial tone of the song makes it feel connected to the beginning of time, but also the time of Jesus’ birth and today. As you listen and sing along, perhaps you will imagine a people yearning for a messiah, wanting to see the sun metaphorically rise again. Maybe you will think of the wisemen, those hearing the news of hope entering the world as they journey through the dark. May the song help you embody hope this season and point you toward the light of that bright star that continues to shine in our eyes.

"The Advent journey unfolds like a well-worn quilt, each patchwork piece lovingly threaded across time and space. In each thread, we find blessed assurance that with every sacred stitch, God has been moving toward us all along. This season reminds us that, what some may see as discarded scraps, theMaker of heaven and earth calls beautiful and blessed. Mary, an ordinary girl from the obscure corners of Nazareth, was not cloaked in power or prestige—but was blanketed in belovedness. And that was enough." -Kayla Craig This line from our Advent Devotional "Words for the Beginning" speaks beautifully to the theme for Advent this year at Cobleskill United Methodist Church. I hope you will join us this week as we begin Advent with beautiful music in a beautifully decorated Sanctuary. We'll focus this week on the angel's visit to Mary and the simple but profound words: "You Are a Blessing." Our readings this week are Luke 1:26-38 and Isaiah 43:1-7. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-734781. All rights reserved. CCLI Copyright License #11108520 and Streaming License #20460384.

Join us this Sunday for an amazing array of beautiful music celebrating a Sunday of gratitude and commitment.  We'll be receiving 10 new members into our church in addition to blessing our 2025 pledges.  Our children will lead us in a special anthem and our brand new CUMC ukulele band will debut for a spirited send-off.   This Sunday marks the last Sunday in the church year before we begin anew with Advent next week.  Traditionally called "Christ the King" Sunday, we focus this week on the ways we "turn our eyes upon" Jesus to be our sole (...and soul) leader in the face of a world that can disappoint us.  We'll finish up our study of the Book of Ruth and discover the dramatic plot twist at the end no one saw coming. Our reading this week is Ruth 4. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-734781. All rights reserved. CCLI Copyright License #11108520 and Streaming License #20460384.

What does risk-taking have to do with generosity?  This week we continue our walk through the Book of Ruth looking for ways to grow in a generous spirit.  When combined with Jesus' parable of the widow's mite, this week's message illuminates what our role might be in an unfolding drama where we may feel like we have no agency.  Courage comes in surprising ways at surprising times.  Join us this week as find courage to take risks in the pursuit of a more generous world.  Our readings this week are  Ruth 3 and Mark 12:38-44 .Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-734781. All rights reserved. CCLI Copyright License #11108520 and Streaming License #20460384.

This week's worship feels different and it is different.  It is the Sunday after an election that has left a divided nation. While some resonate with the results of the election, many others are feeling frustration, disappointment, concern, or fear.  This Sunday isn't just another Sunday.  It's a day to grieve together and remind ourselves that God is still working through us, in us, and despite us.  Our solidarity and commitment to our calling to be God's love to a hurting world is more important now than ever.   This week in worship, Francis Sengabo will bring us a good word about what life is like being an outsider in this country.  His life and work as a refugee and immigrant activist brings to life the story of Ruth, an outsider who travels with her mother-in-law to a new country where they must survive on the generosity of others.  Listening to Francis' story is one small way we can show up for each other in the wake of a difficult week.  Our reading this week is Ruth 2:1-23.  Finally, on a personal note, I will not be with you in worship this week.  I have had a long-planned trip to visit my dear Grandmother in Kentucky this weekend. As much as I wish I could be in two places at once, I know you will take care of each other by showing up for each other under the wings of refuge that our sanctuary offers.  I am thankful to Scott Barton who will bring his whole heart into the leadership of this week's worship.   Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-734781. All rights reserved. CCLI Copyright License #1 1108520 and Streaming License #20460384.

This Sunday brings the beginning of a new month and a new worship series.  We'll look at what "A Generous Life" looks like in a wholistic sense ranging from relationships to risk-taking.  We will focus our time in worship on the Book of Ruth this month with dramatic readings each week bringing the book to life.  This week we will also celebrate Holy Communion as we recognize World Communion Sunday (a month later than usual, but we'll explain why!).  Our reading this week is Ruth 1:1-19.  PS Don't forget to "Fall Back" this Sunday! Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-734781. All rights reserved. CCLI Copyright License #11108520 and Streaming License #20460384.

We will celebrate All Saints Sunday this week in worship by giving thanks for the lives of those who have gone on before us into the great cloud of witnesses. We will lift up by name those dear to us who have passed this year and light candles in their memory. We'll also conclude our mini-series on the Book of Job--a book rich with insights for navigating loss of all kinds. Our readings following pieces of a conversation between Job and God through these chapters: Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Job 38:1-7,34-41 and Job 42:1-6.

This week we admire the way animals impart their wisdom.  As part of a two-week series exploring the captivating Book of Job, we'll "ask the animals" what lessons they can teach us about living life through challenging times.  We'll look at a few examples from our recent natural disasters and we'll also remember and give thanks for the animals in our own lives that have helped us get by in remarkable ways.  Our reading this week comes from the book of Job 12:1-15.  Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-734781. All rights reserved. CCLI Copyright License #11108520 and Streaming License #20460384.