Embracing Community: A Journey of Love and Service

 

Summary

Welcome to Epworth, where we embrace the presence of God among us. As we gather on this first Sunday of the year, we reflect on the story of the Magi from Matthew 2, focusing on the theme "Welcome All in Blessing." The Magi's journey to honor the Christ child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolizes the diverse ways we can offer our lives in service and love. This Sunday, we celebrate the leaders and volunteers of our inviting ministries, recognizing their vital role in fostering community and connection.

Our Inviting Ministries, symbolized by a puzzle piece, remind us that each person is a vital part of our community. This ministry encompasses various efforts, including our food ministries, which have grown significantly over the past five years. What began as a small initiative has become a powerhouse, providing fresh produce and non-perishables to over 200 people weekly. This transformation is a testament to our community's resilience and adaptability, even in times of crisis.

We also celebrate our FIRE ministry, which stands for Faithfully Inviting and Reconciling Everyone. This ministry aligns with the Methodist Church's recognition of the full humanity of LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing inclusivity and love. Our skate park and preschool ministries further extend our reach beyond the church walls, offering spaces for community engagement and multi-generational connection.

As we reflect on the gifts of the Magi, we recognize that the journey itself is a gift. The hope and yearning that drive us forward are as significant as the tangible offerings we bring. Like the Magi, we are called to be partners in the labor of love, honoring Christ's gift of faith, hope, and love by gifting our lives in service to others. This commitment to love and community is not folly; it is the powerful force that transforms our world.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Community and Adaptability: Our Inviting Ministries demonstrate the strength and resilience of community. What began as a small initiative has grown into a vital source of support, providing food and resources to hundreds weekly. This transformation highlights the power of adaptability and collective effort in times of crisis. [15:26]

2. Inclusivity and Reconciliation: The FIRE ministry embodies our commitment to inclusivity, celebrating the full humanity of LGBTQ+ individuals. This ministry aligns with the broader Methodist Church's recognition of diversity and love, emphasizing that all are welcome at Christ's table. [22:05]

3. The Journey as a Gift: The story of the Magi reminds us that the journey itself is a gift. The hope and yearning that propel us forward are as significant as the tangible gifts we offer. This journey of faith is marked by perseverance and a deep sense of purpose. [46:17]

4. Partnership in the Labor of Love: Like the Magi, we are called to be partners in the labor of love. By offering our lives in service, we honor Christ's gift of faith, hope, and love. This partnership transforms our communities and reflects the divine love that pervades all creation. [51:04]

5. Love as a Transformative Force: Love is a powerful force that transcends circumstances and challenges. It is not folly; it is the essence of our faith and the driving force behind our actions. As inheritors of this love, we are called to let it flow through us, transforming the world around us. [55:03]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [15:26] - Inviting Ministries Overview
- [22:05] - FIRE Ministry and Inclusivity
- [26:17] - Community Impact and Reflection
- [27:39] - Volunteer Recognition
- [41:56] - The Challenge of Giving
- [44:31] - Symbolism of Gifts
- [46:17] - The Journey of the Magi
- [47:21] - T.S. Eliot's Reflection
- [49:34] - Symbolic Gifts and Their Meaning
- [51:04] - Partnership in Love
- [52:53] - Ecumenical Efforts
- [55:03] - Love as a Transformative Force
- [01:14:35] - Closing Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 2:11: "On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

#### Observation Questions
1. What gifts did the Magi present to Jesus, and what might these gifts symbolize? [49:34]
2. How has the Inviting Ministries at Epworth evolved over the past five years, and what impact has it had on the community? [15:26]
3. What is the significance of the FIRE ministry, and how does it align with the Methodist Church's values? [22:05]
4. How does the skate park ministry extend the church's reach beyond its walls? [22:05]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does the journey of the Magi reflect the idea that the journey itself is a gift? How can this perspective be applied to our own spiritual journeys? [46:17]
2. How does the concept of inclusivity in the FIRE ministry challenge traditional views within the church, and what does it mean for the community at Epworth? [22:05]
3. What does the transformation of the food ministry at Epworth reveal about the power of community and adaptability in times of crisis? [15:26]
4. How does the story of the Magi encourage us to be partners in the labor of love, and what does this partnership look like in practical terms? [51:04]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like an outsider. How can you use that experience to help others feel welcomed and included in your community? [15:26]
2. The FIRE ministry emphasizes inclusivity and reconciliation. How can you personally contribute to creating a more inclusive environment in your church or community? [22:05]
3. Consider the journey of the Magi. What are some ways you can embrace the journey of faith in your own life, even when the path is challenging? [46:17]
4. How can you actively participate in the labor of love within your community, and what specific actions can you take to honor Christ's gift of faith, hope, and love? [51:04]
5. Think about the transformative power of love mentioned in the sermon. Identify one relationship or situation in your life where you can let love be the driving force for change. [55:03]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of adaptability. What is one area in your life where you need to be more adaptable, and how can you work towards that change? [15:26]
7. How can you support the various ministries at your church, such as the food ministry or the skate park, to help extend the church's reach beyond its walls? [22:05]

Devotional

Day 1: The Resilience of Community

The power of community is evident in the way small initiatives can grow into vital sources of support. The Inviting Ministries at Epworth exemplify this, having transformed from a modest effort into a significant provider of food and resources to over 200 people weekly. This growth is a testament to the community's resilience and adaptability, especially in times of crisis. The collective effort and willingness to adapt have allowed the ministry to meet the increasing needs of the community, demonstrating the strength that comes from working together. [15:26]

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a time when you witnessed or experienced the power of community support. How can you contribute to fostering resilience and adaptability in your own community today?


Day 2: Embracing Inclusivity and Reconciliation

Inclusivity and reconciliation are at the heart of the FIRE ministry, which stands for Faithfully Inviting and Reconciling Everyone. This ministry aligns with the Methodist Church's recognition of the full humanity of LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing that all are welcome at Christ's table. By celebrating diversity and love, the FIRE ministry embodies a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels valued and accepted within the community. This approach not only aligns with the broader church's values but also reflects the inclusive nature of Christ's love. [22:05]

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13, ESV)

Reflection: Consider someone in your life who may feel marginalized or excluded. How can you extend Christ's inclusive love to them in a tangible way this week?


Day 3: The Gift of the Journey

The story of the Magi reminds us that the journey itself is a gift. The hope and yearning that propel us forward are as significant as the tangible gifts we offer. This journey of faith is marked by perseverance and a deep sense of purpose, encouraging us to embrace the process rather than just the destination. As we reflect on the Magi's journey, we are reminded that our own spiritual journeys are filled with opportunities for growth and transformation, driven by hope and a desire to honor Christ. [46:17]

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current spiritual journey. What are the hopes and yearnings that drive you forward, and how can you embrace the journey itself as a gift?


Day 4: Partnership in the Labor of Love

Like the Magi, we are called to be partners in the labor of love. By offering our lives in service, we honor Christ's gift of faith, hope, and love. This partnership transforms our communities and reflects the divine love that pervades all creation. Engaging in acts of service allows us to participate in the work of love, creating a ripple effect that impacts those around us and strengthens our connection to God and each other. [51:04]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one specific way you can partner in the labor of love this week. How can you offer your time or resources to serve others and honor Christ's gift of love?


Day 5: Love as a Transformative Force

Love is a powerful force that transcends circumstances and challenges. It is not folly; it is the essence of our faith and the driving force behind our actions. As inheritors of this love, we are called to let it flow through us, transforming the world around us. By embracing love as a transformative force, we can overcome obstacles and create positive change in our communities, reflecting the divine love that is at the core of our faith. [55:03]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you allow love to be the transformative force that guides your response and actions?

Quotes



"And so, we celebrate, especially on Communion Sundays. That's why the stoles come out on Communion Sundays because we recognize that Jesus Christ never barred anyone from his table. And so, especially on Communion Sundays." [00:22:44] (13 seconds)


"What am I talking about? The gift of yearning, the gift of hope that never dies. And it doesn't matter how hard the journey is. It doesn't matter how difficult the road. It doesn't matter the barriers that lie in the way. It's like those kids in the skate park that I told you about. It doesn't matter how many times we fall down. That hope, right, that burns like a fire within us that the prophet Jeremiah once said, it's a fire. I can't keep it in." [00:46:25] (29 seconds)


"And afterwards, when they become partners in this ministry and this labor of love, and so are we. We are also partners. And if you want to think about what gift that you offer, how is it that we honor Christ's incomparable gift of faith, hope, and love for the salvation of this world, but by gifting our lives as partners in this labor of love?" [00:51:39] (32 seconds)


"Because love is a powerful force. We don't just celebrate it on Christmas. We don't just celebrate it in the cold or when we're inviting people to choose whatever they would like from the food selections that many others have brought on. And love are powerful forces in this world. And perhaps Jesus unleashed them. Perhaps He created them." [00:54:25] (24 seconds)


"I need to go back and get with the program, so here I am. I have this blessing. It's not all folly. It really isn't. Faith, hope, and love, this is the power that turns the earth around, that fills our hearts to overflowing." [01:14:35] (19 seconds)


"So receive that gift and allow it to flow through you as the gift to the world that God in Christ Jesus has created you to be. Amen." [01:14:54] (13 seconds)


"And after all these mortal years, love knows how to handle it. You better believe it. Amen." [00:55:21] (11 seconds)


"Walk fearlessly into the house of mourning. Grief is only love that has come up against its oldest challenge." [00:55:13] (8 seconds)


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Transcript
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