Ruth: A Love Story
August 2024
The short and engaging book of Ruth tells a story of family love. We learn the details of the story from Ruth and Naomi, two recently widowed women drawn together through marriage. The captivating, alluring, and fast paced story will help us have a deeper understanding of God’s nature and how we can become better disciples of Christ. Join William Street UMC this August as we explore this story together.
We look forward to seeing you on Sundays at 10:25 a.m. in person or online at https://www.facebook.com/WilliamStreetUMC/.
A note from Pastor Jennifer Applegate
August 09, 2024
Now Naomi had a kinsman on her husband’s side, a prominent rich man of the family of Elimelech whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain behind someone in whose sight I may find favor.” She said to her, “Go, my daughter.” So she went. She came and gleaned in the field behind the reapers. As it happened, she came to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. Just then Boaz came from Bethlehem. He said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you.” They answered, “The Lord bless you.” Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, “To whom does this young woman belong?” The young man who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, ‘Please, let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.’ So she came, and she has been on her feet from early this morning until now without resting even for a moment.” – Ruth 2: 1 – 7
Dear Friends,
We continue with our worship series on Ruth this Sunday and the story of family love. As we read through the details of the story from Ruth and Naomi, we will grow deeper in our understanding of God’s nature and how we can become better disciples of Christ. Each week we are delving into one of the four chapters of the book. I’d encourage you to read the chapter before coming to worship as I won’t be able to cover it all during worship. This week we will focus on Chapter 2.
Many scholars believe that Ruth is a story of “hesed, that is, loving faithfulness.” (Pressler, Carolyn. Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. p. 262.) The theme of faithfulness is seen throughout many of the characters in this story. Ruth shows faithfulness to Naomi by her willingness to go to work to support the family. Ruth ends up in Boaz’s field to glean grain in order that they may have food to eat.
What can we learn from the relationship of Ruth and Naomi? What does it tell us about God’s desire for our relationships? What does faithfulness mean to you? How do you experience it in your relationship with your family, friends, church, and God? How are you faithful?
I’ll be on vacation this Sunday, August 11, enjoying a family reunion that we haven’t held since before COVID. Pastor April will be preaching with Pastor Kara leading worship. They will see you at 10:25 a.m. in person or online at https://www.facebook.com/WilliamStreetUMC/.
Pastor Jennifer
P. S. If you are a student or educator, please bring your backpack, pens, pencils, or whatever items you may use for school to worship this Sunday. We’ll be “Blessing the Backpacks” as you begin another school year.
P. S. S. If you would like a copy of the Ruth Bible study this worship series is adapted from, please email me at jennifer@williamstreetumc.org and I’ll be happy to provide you with a copy.
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