MESSAGE FROM PASTOR LANCE
May 3, 2025
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“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
Revelation 5:12
Dear Church Family,
In Revelation 5, we are invited into one of the most awe-inspiring scenes in all of Scripture. The curtain is drawn back, and we glimpse the throne room of heaven. There, countless angels encircle the throne. Elders fall down in reverence. And all creation—every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea—lifts its voice in a thunderous song of praise.
But the focus of this cosmic worship is not a lion or a mighty conqueror—it is the Lamb who was slain. This Lamb, Jesus Christ, bears the marks of suffering, yet he stands alive. He is the Risen One. And to him belongs all power and glory. He is worthy.
This is not just a vision of heaven—it’s a vision meant to shape the Church on earth. The early Christians who first heard these words were living under threat and uncertainty. Rome seemed to hold all the power. Faithfulness came at a cost. In such a moment, Revelation doesn’t offer escape—it offers vision: the true ruler of the world is not Caesar—it is Christ, the crucified and risen Lamb.
In every generation, we are tempted to center our worship around ourselves—our preferences, our comfort, our control. But Revelation calls us to center our lives around the only One who is truly worthy.
To say “Worthy is the Lamb” is not just a line of praise—it is a declaration of devotion. It reminds us who reigns. It is a statement of revelation that sacrificial love, not coercive power, rules the cosmos. And it calls us, as Christ’s Church, to center our lives in worship—not as something reserved for Sunday mornings, but as a posture of the heart that shapes how we live, serve, and love.
This week, as we gather in worship, we will reflect on these powerful questions:
How does the reality of the resurrection shape our worship of the risen Lord? How might our daily lives reflect the worthiness of Christ?
The resurrection changes everything. It turns defeat into victory, death into life, and suffering into glory. It reorients our worship—not as a routine we perform, but as a response to the living Christ who reigns with love and mercy.
In a world filled with competing voices and fragile thrones, Revelation lifts our eyes to the throne that will never fall—and to the Lamb whose love will never fail.
Come with open hearts, ready to sing, ready to surrender, and ready to join the song that never ends:
Worthy is the Lamb!
See you Sunday!
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Lance Richards
Senior Pastor
[email protected]
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Here’s Some Of What Else Is Happening At First Methodist!
Volunteer for First Kids Summer Enrichment
This is a one-time commitment on a Sunday morning to volunteer from 9:30–11:00 AM.
Food Distribution Service Day
Serve with Us at Wesley Community Center’s Food PantryJoin us in making a difference! Volunteers are needed for our drive-up food pantry as we support our Houston neighbors facing food insecurity. Your time and compassion can help bring hope to those in need. Come be the hands and feet of service—sign up today and help […]
Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Screenings
You are invited to a Life Line Screening event! Life Line Screening is the nation’s leader in Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Screenings. Trusted by over 10 million customers. Screenings are simple and painless. Get peace of mind or early detection. Who should attend: Anyone over the age of 40 Special Member Pricing for $159 […]
All Youth Mission Trip
An All Youth Mission Trip open to students who will be in the 6th – 12th grade for fall of 2025.
Children and Youth Stock Campaign
The month of May, we’ll have color-coded envelopes available outside our worship areas. Each envelope represents a predetermined giving amount. Choose one that fits your heart.
Vacation Bible Camp
Save the date for Vacation Bible Camp at First Methodist Houston. More details will follow at a later date.
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Quillian Center offers several programs for our children and youth. We are currently in need of volunteers. Let us know how you you would like to help!
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Currently, Lifeline serves 100 sack lunches each week. While we serve both men and women, about 95% of our clients are men. Clients are welcome to visit on Monday or Wednesday mornings. We are looking for Volunteers to help in our efforts on serving the community. We need volunteers on Monday or Wednesdays between 8:45 […]
Kidz Night Out at Quillian Center
Kidz Night Out is hosted several Friday nights per month, and it’s just for kids. Children between the ages of 5 to 14 will engage in a fun, energetic and safe environment focused on keeping the children active. They will have the opportunity to hang out with friends, interact with a professional and fun loving […]
Lifeline Donations
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NIA Weekly Volunteer Ministries
Neighbors in Action is looking for volunteers for our weekly volunteer ministries. Please contact Kathrin Meier for more information: [email protected]
Volunteers Needed
Get Involved! If you’re interested in being a part of the ministry of First Methodist Houston, but aren’t sure where you might fit, scan the QR code and find out! Take our volunteer accelerator quiz, or scroll through the opportunities available and see what feels right to you.