The Faithfulness of Doubt
I had had my doubts about the 2004 reboot of Battlestar Galactica, a schlocky sci-fi TV show from the late 70’s—why remake something so corny as that? But I was wrong; I rented the DVDs and the show proved to be greatly entertaining and well-written, exploring a lot of important social, cultural, political, and religious themes.
Then there was one episode in particular in which a fighter pilot was being sent out on an important mission by her commander. He had a great number of reasons to be suspicious of her loyalties. She said to him, “How do you really know that you can trust me?” “I don’t,” he replied. “That’s what trust is.”
I remember pausing the episode and marveling at that line. “I don't [know]. That’s what trust is.” I immediately wrote it down and knew it would preach.
For here in this sci-fi space opera about human beings fleeing murderous robots was a fundamental truth that so many in the church get wrong: faith—that is, trust—is not about knowing; it’s about stepping out boldly even when we do not—or cannot—know.
So many Christians worry that they’re not being faithful enough if they have doubts, but it is precisely those doubts that make their actions faithful actions. For it is not in the certainty, it’s not in the knowing that we’re faithful; it’s in the willingness to follow the call of the One who summons us to do so, even when we don’t always know how it might turn out or where that road might lead.
Rev. Mark Schaefer, Pastor
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Ecclesiastica
SUNDAY’S WORSHIP SERVICES
Thanks to everyone who participated in worship services Sunday. Thanks to Crystal Reed and Cara Schaefer for running the Zoom and Facebook livestreams during worship, and to Chiara Griffith for taking the time to record and provide our music.
Sermon: “Am I Lost If I Have Doubt?” Rev. Mark Schaefer
Sunday’s attendance: c. 60
Collection: $ TBD
NEXT SUNDAY SERVICES, APRIL 26, 2020, 10:00 a.m.—ONLINE
Third Sunday in Easter
Sermon: “Faith Questions: Is the Resurrection Real?” Rev. Mark Schaefer
Scripture Lessons: Acts 2:14a, 36–41; Luke 24:13–35
To Join Online:
- Watch the livestream on Facebook
- Using Zoom on a smartphone, computer, or other device
- Calling in on your telephone
- Dial +1 (301) 715-8592
- Enter meeting ID: 418 392 652#
- Enter password: 001873
- To give an offering or tithe
- For all information and resources, including bulletins
Want to help out in worship? Use our online sign-up to be a greeter, usher, liturgist, lector, or communion server.
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HOW TO MAKE A DONATION ONLINE
If you’re looking to make your contribution of tithes and offerings online, you can do so easily at the following links:
bit.ly/CUMCVanco
www.cheltenham.com/give
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Community Events & Information
STAYING AT HOME? JOIN MONDAY METHODISTS!
Are you one of the many who’ve never been able to join the Monday Methodists prayer group because you’ve always had to go to work? Are you now stuck at home and looking for ways to connect with other people? Then we have the solution for you. Join Monday Methodists every Monday at 9 a.m. for a time of fellowship and prayer via Zoom. You can use a device to log in or call in by telephone. To join us, use the login information below:
- Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/CUMCMM
- Via Phone:
- Dial +1 (301) 715 8592
- Enter meeting ID: 306 194 066#
- Enter password: 001873
REVELATION BIBLE STUDY
Mondays, 5:30 p.m., Online
Join us for a special post-Easter Bible Study on the Book of Revelation. This oft-misunderstood text is viewed with fear and apprehension by many, but in reality has a powerful message of hope. Join us via Zoom video or conference call, beginning this Monday, April 20, at 5:30 p.m. using the login information below:
POST-EASTER SERMON SERIES: QUESTIONS OF FAITH
April 19–May 24, 2020
Join us for an exploration of some of the more frequently encountered questions of faith that people have. Throughout the Easter season we'll explore questions like: Am I lost if I have doubt? Is the resurrection real? Why does God allow evil? Do non-Christians go to heaven? How is Jesus both human and divine? and Does forgiveness require me to be a victim?
PASTOR’S OFFICE HOURS
As with all our other programming, Rev. Schaefer’s regular office hours are online. If you cannot make office hours but would like to talk with Rev. Schaefer, you can book a time to do so through a handy online tool called You Can Book Me. You can use this to book time to talk online via chat or by phone. You can also reach him by phone at (202) 486-6061. One final option is to use Google Chat: From your online gmail, initiate a hangout chat and invite him (cumcpastormark@gmail.com) to chat. Once you're connected, you can talk online through chat.
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