Today In Worship

Sunday, September 27, 2026
SERIES: Hope for Cynics
Liturgist: Rev. Mark Taylor, Minister of Faith Development
Preacher: Rev. John Regan, Executive Minister
We Share Our Gifts
We Hear the Word Proclaimed‍ ‍CLICK HERE for today’s Scripture

Reflection
In Hope for Cynics, Stanford psychologist Jamil Zaki distinguishes cynicism, which distrusts people, from skepticism, which questions our assumptions. When we assume the worst, we weaken the trust that makes community possible. Zaki invites us to practice what he calls hopeful skepticism, leaving room to discover goodness and act on the possibility of a better future.

Maybe part of our spiritual journey is questioning the certainty with which we have written people off, including ourselves. In the church we might call this “holy skepticism” - examining our assumptions in service of truth and love, remaining open to what God may yet make possible. At First Christian Church Edmond, we take what is broken seriously while refusing to believe it tells the whole story of what is possible.

This week, try this: Be skeptical of your cynicism. Choose a thought such as “Most people are selfish.” Ask: What evidence supports this? What am I overlooking? What might change my mind? Then listen to someone with fresh curiosity. Let that become a practice of loving your neighbor.

We Gather At The Lord’s Table
Jesus didn’t put any rules around coming to the table, so neither do we. All are loved and embraced here and all are welcome at this table of Love. Our communion bread is gluten free. We come forward to the table to receive bread and cup at 9AM, we pass the bread and cup at 11AM. Please place your empty cup in the rack on the pew back. If you are worshipping from home, we invite you to find bread and juice or other elements to use as we share this feast.