Building the Table of Grace: Serving Together in Ministry

Yesterday’s Trunk or Treat event was a beautiful reminder of what it means to be a community rooted in love, gratitude, and service. The simple act of handing out candy and trinkets to hundreds of children became a powerful exchange of kindness—each “thank you” and “you’re welcome” echoing the deeper truth that every person matters and is loved. This spirit of hospitality and generosity is not just something we do for special events; it is woven into the very fabric of who we are as a church family. Our mission field—our neighbors, friends, and even strangers—responds to this language of love, and it is a joy to see that love reflected back to us.

As we gather for worship, we are reminded that our foundation is built on Christ, and that foundation is strengthened every time we come together in praise, prayer, and service. The work of the church is not just about maintaining buildings or organizing programs; it is about nurturing the spiritual health of our community. Every act of faithfulness, whether it’s changing a light bulb, joining a small group, or simply showing up, contributes to the life and vitality of our congregation.

The story of the tools in the carpenter’s workshop illustrates how each of us, with our unique gifts and personalities, is essential to the work God is doing. The carpenter—Christ—uses every tool, even those that feel worn out or overlooked, to build something beautiful and lasting. Ministry is not the work of a few, but the offering of many. Each prayer, each act of service, each gift, and each presence at the table matters. When we bring what we have, no matter how small, God weaves it into a feast of grace that nourishes and welcomes all.

As we look ahead to Celebration Sunday, we are invited to bring our commitments—of time, talent, prayer, and resources—joyfully and cheerfully. Together, we are not just setting a table; we are building a ministry that transforms lives and proclaims the abundance, creativity, and love of God. Our story is still being written, and every “yes” we offer is another chapter in the ongoing work of the Master Carpenter.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Radical Hospitality Reflects God’s Love The simple exchanges of “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome” during Trunk or Treat were more than good manners—they were tangible expressions of God’s love. When we practice hospitality, we affirm the worth of every person and create a space where all feel seen and valued. This is the language our mission field understands, and it is a powerful witness to the love of Christ. [14:51]
• 2. Every Gift and Presence Matters Just as a potluck meal is made complete by everyone bringing something, the life of the church is enriched by each person’s unique contribution. No one is expected to bring everything, but everyone is invited to bring something—be it time, talent, prayer, or resources. When we offer what we have, God multiplies it into a feast of grace for the whole community. [70:33]
• 3. The Church’s True Foundation Is Spiritual Health While trustees may be known for caring for buildings and grounds, their primary responsibility is the spiritual well-being of the church. This reminds us that the heart of our community is not in bricks and mortar, but in the spiritual connections we nurture through worship, small groups, and shared service. Staying “plugged in” spiritually is essential for a vibrant, healthy church. [37:25]
• 4. God Uses Every “Tool”—Even the Worn and Overlooked The parable of the tools in the carpenter’s workshop teaches that every person, regardless of how ordinary or tired they may feel, has a place in God’s work. The Master Carpenter does not waste any tool; even those who feel broken or sidelined are instruments of healing and grace in God’s hands. Our willingness to be used is what matters most. [71:21]
• 5. Ministry Is a Shared Table, Not a Solo Project The table of ministry is set by many hands, not just a few. When we bring our best—whatever that may be—we participate in building a ministry that feeds, welcomes, and transforms lives. This shared work tells the world about the God we serve: a God of abundance, creativity, and boundless love. [72:44]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [13:11] - Trunk or Treat Reflections
• [14:51] - The Power of Gratitude and Kindness
• [16:39] - Shining the Light of Christ
• [17:01] - Worship and Praise
• [22:46] - Prayer and Dedication
• [36:51] - Trustees and Spiritual Health
• [37:25] - Staying Connected in Community
• [38:26] - Blessing Our Gifts
• [43:12] - Prayers for Our Community
• [54:33] - Music and Imagination
• [55:12] - The Carpenter and the Tools
• [68:40] - Ministry as a Shared Table
• [70:33] - The Potluck of Stewardship
• [71:21] - Every Gift Has a Place
• [72:44] - Building a Ministry of Abundance
• [73:27] - Prayer for the Future
• [74:46] - Passing It On and Sending Forth

Bible Reading

Romans 12:4-8 (ESV) — > For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 12:12, 18-20 (ESV) — > For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ... But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 12:4-8, what does Paul say about the different gifts within the church?
2. In the sermon, what simple actions during Trunk or Treat were highlighted as powerful expressions of love and hospitality? ([14:51])
3. What was the main lesson from the story of the tools in the carpenter’s workshop? ([55:12])
4. What does the sermon say is the true foundation of the church—buildings, programs, or something else? ([37:25])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize that each member of the body has a different function? How does this relate to the idea that “every gift and presence matters” in the church? (Romans 12:4-8)
2. The sermon describes hospitality as a “language” our mission field understands. Why might simple acts of kindness and gratitude be so important in showing God’s love to others? ([14:51])
3. In the parable of the tools, even the worn or overlooked tools are used by the carpenter. What does this suggest about how God views our abilities and contributions, even when we feel inadequate? ([01:11:21])
4. The sermon says the trustees’ main responsibility is the spiritual health of the church, not just caring for the building. Why is spiritual health more important than physical structures for a church community? ([37:25])

Application Questions

1. Think about a recent time when you received or gave a simple “thank you” or “you’re welcome.” How did it make you feel? How can you be more intentional about using these small acts to show God’s love this week? ([14:51])
2. The sermon compared the church to a potluck, where everyone brings something. What is one unique gift, talent, or resource you can bring to our church family right now? How might God use it, even if it feels small? ([01:10:33])
3. Have you ever felt like a “worn out” or “overlooked” tool in God’s workshop? What would it look like to offer yourself to God anyway, trusting that the Master Carpenter can use you? ([01:11:21])
4. The sermon encourages us to stay “plugged in” spiritually, not just by attending worship but also by joining small groups or serving. What is one step you can take this month to strengthen your spiritual connection with others? ([37:25])
5. As we approach Celebration Sunday, what is one commitment—of time, talent, prayer, or resources—you feel led to make? How can you bring it joyfully and cheerfully, trusting God to multiply it? ([01:12:44])
6. The story of the tools reminds us that ministry is not a solo project. Who is someone in our church or community you can partner with to serve or encourage this week? ([01:12:44])
7. The sermon says our story as a church is still being written. What is one “yes” you can offer God this week that could be a new chapter in your faith journey? ([01:12:44])