The Community United Methodist Church will continue its six-week sermon series, “Direction: Following the Way,” this Sunday, Aug. 9, with a message titled “The Road Beneath Your Feet,” drawn from the Gospel of Luke’s account of the road to Emmaus.
Services are at 8:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. at 434 Lewis St.
In the story, two disciples walk away from Jerusalem after the crucifixion, confused, grieving, headed home. A stranger falls into step beside them and begins asking questions. They walk and talk for miles. And they don’t recognize Jesus until he breaks bread with them at the end of the road.
Pastor Ken Daniell says the story speaks directly to life in a mountain town like Pagosa Springs.
“There’s something that happens when people move here,” said Daniell. “The excitement of vacation wears off, and real life sets in: the mortgage, the job, the bills. People came for the adventure and end up working too hard to enjoy it. That’s the Emmaus road. Walking and walking and losing sight of who is walking right beside you.”
The sermon will also address the experience of people in life transition, retirees who have arrived in the valley and are asking what comes next, younger residents caught in what some call the “Paradise Paradox,” and anyone trying to find their footing in a season that looks different than they expected.
“The recognition in the Emmaus story doesn’t happen on the road,” Daniell noted. “It happens when bread is broken. In the most ordinary moment. Which means the presence we are looking for is usually closer than we think; we just have our eyes pointed the wrong direction.”
The Community United Methodist Church is a progressive, inclusive, and affirming congregation committed to serving the Pagosa Springs community. All are welcome.
For more information, visit cumcps.org or call (970) 264-5508.
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