We are excited to once again gather for our annual Worship in the Park service this Labor Day weekend! On Sunday, September 6, at 10:00 a.m., churches from across the Richland County area will meet in Krouskop Park, behind the Killian Meyer Building. Together, we will worship Jesus Christ, pray, and enjoy fellowship with friends and neighbors from throughout our community.

This year’s message is shared by Rev. Chuck Hayes. Pastor Chuck formerly served as pastor of the Richland Center Church of the Nazarene and was among the local leaders who helped establish Worship in the Park many years ago. His involvement from the event’s early years gives this year’s service a special connection to its history.

Our regular service will not be held at Richland Center Free Methodist Church that morning. Join us at the park as churches from across Richland County gather with one shared purpose: to glorify Jesus Christ together.

Sermon Notes

Big Idea: Because the Lord created us, redeemed us, and continually stays with us, we can live unafraid, walk closely with Jesus, and love one another in visible unity.

Overview

Preaching from Isaiah’s message to exiled Israel, Rev. Chuck reminds the gathered congregations that God still addresses His people with three life-changing assurances: “I created you,” “I redeemed you,” and “I am with you.” Like captive Israel, believers today often sit in the mess of personal failure, church frustrations, and a broken world—yet God’s parental love never lets go. His redeeming grace not only cancels guilt but transforms character, and His abiding presence empowers the church to welcome all people and display real unity. Our task is to respond by making Jesus Lord, walking daily with Him, and out-loving the world around us.

Key Scripture

• Isaiah 43 — The foundation of the whole message: God tells His exiled people, “Fear not… you are Mine.”
• Ruth — Illustrative example: the kinsman-redeemer picture that explains God’s costly redemption.
• Ephesians 4 — Unity anchor: “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” calls believers to live as one family.

Main Points

1. “Fear not, for I have created you.”

• Identity starts with God as Creator; we did not create ourselves.
• The language carries parental joy: God delights in the children He formed and never stops being their Father.
• Even when life, the church, or our own hearts are messy, the Creator stays invested in His workmanship.

2. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you.”

• Old-Testament redemption is seen in the kinsman-redeemer (Boaz for Ruth)—someone who pays the debt and rescues the family.
• God’s forgiveness is a knowing forgiveness: He sees every failure yet chooses restoration.
• Grace is free but always transformative; real salvation reshapes how we live.
• “Kitchen-table theology”: instead of only a courtroom scene, salvation is a Father inviting His child to sit, talk, and be changed.

3. “Fear not, for I am with you.”

• Presence changes people: you become like those you spend time with—so stay near Jesus.
• Believers need each other; unity is strengthened as we walk with the Lord together.
• Illustration from Greeley, Colorado: when the pastor stopped striving and let God work, multiple immigrant groups were welcomed, worshipping in several languages yet as one body. Outsiders felt loved because the church invited them “to be part of you.”
• The world is won not by arguments but by out-living, out-loving, and—if necessary—out-dying it through Christlike presence.

Application

The call: Repent, believe, and keep walking with Jesus so His fearless, transformative love can flow through you to others.

Head — Remember your true identity: created by God, redeemed at great cost, and accompanied every moment.

Heart — Let perfect love drive out fear; receive the Father’s delight and allow gratitude to replace shame.

Hands

1. Make daily space to “hang around with Jesus” in Scripture, prayer, and listening.
2. Actively welcome people different from you; invite them to full fellowship, not just guest status.
3. Support and encourage other churches and pastors—be “fans” of the whole body of Christ.
4. When conflict or mess arises, choose forgiveness that releases anger and seeks restoration.

Reflection Questions

1. Which of the three assurances—created, redeemed, or accompanied—do you most need to embrace today? Why?
2. Where do you see “mess” in your life, church, or world that makes you doubt God’s presence?
3. How has God’s grace already transformed you, and where is He still inviting change?
4. Who around you feels like an outsider? What concrete step could welcome them into the family?
5. What practices will help you spend consistent, meaningful time with Jesus this week?

Prayer

Father, thank You for creating us, for calling each of us by name, and for redeeming us through the costly love of Your Son. Drive out our fear with the certainty of Your presence. Transform our hearts so that we may walk with Jesus daily and love others as You have loved us. Make our churches places of safety, unity, and gracious welcome, all for Your glory. In the strong name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.

Recorded September 6th, 2026
Message by Rev. Chuck Hayes