Embracing Grace: A Call to Unity and Service

Devotional

Day 1: Praying for All People, Including Leaders

God calls us to pray for everyone, including those in authority, so that we may live peaceful and godly lives. This practice not only shapes our hearts toward compassion and humility but also aligns us with God's desire for all people to be saved and to know the truth. When we intercede for others—friends, strangers, and even those in power—we participate in God's work of reconciliation and peace in the world. Let your prayers today be wide and generous, trusting that God hears and responds with mercy. [11:32]

1 Timothy 2:1-6 (ESV)
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

Reflection: Who is one leader or public servant you can pray for by name today, asking God to grant them wisdom and compassion?

Day 2: God Hears Our Cries and Delivers Us

The Lord is attentive to the cries of His people, responding with mercy and compassion in times of trouble and sorrow. When we are overwhelmed by grief, fear, or uncertainty, we can call on God, trusting that He hears us and delivers us from despair. God's faithfulness brings rest to our souls and turns our mourning into gratitude, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. [12:31]

Psalm 116:1-9 (ESV)
I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!” Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Reflection: When was the last time you called out to God in distress, and how did you experience His presence or deliverance?

Day 3: Forgiveness and New Life in Christ

Through Jesus Christ, God offers complete forgiveness of our sins, freeing us from guilt and shame and inviting us into a life of grace. This forgiveness is not earned but given freely, so that we may delight in God's will and walk in His ways. Embracing this gift means letting go of past failures and living each day in the assurance of God's mercy, extending that same forgiveness to others. [05:39]

1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Reflection: Is there a sin or regret you need to bring before God today, trusting in His promise to forgive and renew you?

Day 4: Serving Others with Generosity and Compassion

God calls us to serve those in need, sharing what we have so that all may experience His provision and love. Whether through feeding the hungry, supporting community partners, or volunteering our time, we are invited to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Generosity is not just about giving resources, but about opening our hearts to the suffering of others and responding with compassion and action. [38:46]

Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV)
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.

Reflection: What is one concrete way you can serve someone in need this week, either through your church or in your community?

Day 5: Welcoming All to Christ’s Table

At the Lord’s Table, all are welcome—regardless of background, status, or past—because Christ’s invitation is for everyone. Holy Communion is a reminder of God’s inclusive love and the unity we share as the body of Christ. As we receive the bread and cup, we are strengthened by grace and sent out to share that same welcome and acceptance with others, embodying Christ’s hospitality in our daily lives. [44:39]

Luke 14:16-23 (ESV)
But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.

Reflection: How can you extend Christ’s welcome to someone who may feel excluded or overlooked, inviting them into community or fellowship this week?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s grace, a welcome home for all who have returned or are visiting, and a reminder of the deep unity we share in Christ. We began by acknowledging our need for God’s mercy, confessing our sins, and receiving the assurance of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. This forgiveness is not just a private comfort but a call to live differently—with hearts open to God and to one another. We prayed for our leaders, our community, and those in need, recognizing that God’s desire is for all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

The reading from 1 Timothy reminded us that our prayers and intercessions are to be made for everyone, including those in authority, so that we might live peaceful and godly lives. This is not a passive peace, but one rooted in the active love and justice of God, who desires the flourishing of all. The Psalm echoed this, testifying to God’s compassion and deliverance, and calling us to walk before the Lord with gratitude and trust.

We also reflected on our mission as a church—to serve, to feed the hungry, to support our neighbors, and to be agents of reconciliation in a divided world. Our partnerships with organizations like Care and Share, our support for local schools, and our upcoming mission trips are all expressions of Christ’s love in action. We are called not only to pray but to participate, to offer our gifts and our presence for the sake of others.

At the table of Holy Communion, we were reminded that Christ welcomes all, that his body and blood are given for the forgiveness of sins and the unity of his people. This meal strengthens us to go out into the world, empowered by the Spirit, to give ourselves for others as Christ gave himself for us. As we leave, we do so with the blessing of God, sent to serve in peace, trusting that God will multiply our efforts and use us to bring hope and healing wherever we go.

Key Takeaways

1. Confession and forgiveness are not ends in themselves but beginnings. When we honestly bring our failures before God, we are met not with condemnation but with mercy. This mercy is meant to transform us, freeing us to love God and neighbor with renewed hearts and to walk in the ways of Christ each day. [05:39]
2. Prayer is a calling to intercede for all people, including those in authority, regardless of our agreement with them. This practice shapes our hearts toward humility and compassion, reminding us that God’s desire is for the salvation and well-being of everyone, not just those we find easy to love. [11:32]
3. God’s compassion is not abstract; it is experienced in the midst of trouble, sorrow, and need. The psalmist’s testimony encourages us to call on God in every circumstance, trusting that God hears, delivers, and restores us so that we may walk before him with gratitude and hope. [12:31]
4. Our faith is lived out in community and service. Whether through feeding the hungry, supporting local schools, or volunteering in the church, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. True worship overflows into action, as we seek to meet the needs of others and embody God’s love in tangible ways. [38:46]
5. The table of Holy Communion is a place of radical welcome and unity. Here, Christ gives himself for all, breaking down barriers and inviting us to be one body. As we receive, we are sent out to be agents of reconciliation and peace, empowered by the Spirit to serve a world in need. [44:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:39] - Confession and Forgiveness
[07:11] - Opening Hymn and Prayer
[11:32] - Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 2
[12:31] - Psalm 116: God’s Compassion
[30:05] - Apostles’ Creed
[30:56] - Prayers for Leaders and Community
[32:10] - Prayers for Healing and Justice
[33:15] - Offering and Mission Moments
[38:46] - Announcements and Opportunities to Serve
[41:00] - Passing the Peace and Gathering the Children
[43:25] - Offering Prayer and Preparation for Communion
[44:39] - Words of Institution and Holy Communion
[46:08] - The Lord’s Prayer
[58:50] - Post-Communion Blessing and Sending
[59:30] - Closing Hymn and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Timothy 2:1-6 (ESV) — > First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

Psalm 116:1-9 (ESV) — > I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!” Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Timothy 2, who are we called to pray for, and what is the purpose of these prayers? ([11:32])
In Psalm 116, what reasons does the psalmist give for loving and trusting God? ([12:31])
The sermon described confession and forgiveness as a beginning, not an end. What does this mean in the context of the service? ([05:39])
What are some specific ways the church is living out its mission in the community, as mentioned in the sermon? ([38:46])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize praying for “kings and all who are in high positions,” even if we don’t agree with them? How might this shape our attitudes toward leaders? ([11:32])
The psalmist says, “I will call on him as long as I live.” What does this reveal about the relationship between God and those who trust him, especially in times of trouble? ([12:31])
The sermon said that God’s mercy is meant to transform us, freeing us to love God and neighbor. What does this transformation look like in everyday life? ([05:39])
Holy Communion was described as a place of radical welcome and unity. How does this challenge or encourage our understanding of who belongs at the table? ([44:39])

Application Questions

The sermon called us to confess our sins honestly and receive God’s mercy. Is there an area in your life where you need to experience God’s forgiveness in a fresh way? How might that change your attitude toward others this week? ([05:39])
Praying for leaders—especially those we disagree with—can be hard. What is one practical step you can take this week to pray for someone in authority, whether in government, work, or church? ([11:32])
The psalmist trusted God in the middle of trouble and sorrow. When you face difficulties, what helps you remember God’s compassion and deliverance? Is there a specific situation right now where you need to call on God? ([12:31])
The church is involved in feeding the hungry, supporting schools, and serving the community. What is one way you could get involved in serving others this month—either through a church ministry or on your own? ([38:46])
Holy Communion is a reminder that Christ welcomes all and sends us out to serve. How can you be an agent of reconciliation and peace in a divided world this week? Is there a relationship or situation where you can take a step toward unity? ([44:39])
The sermon mentioned that true worship overflows into action. What is one way you can let your faith move from words to deeds in your daily life? ([38:46])
As you leave church each week, do you feel “sent” to serve? What would it look like to see your everyday routines as opportunities to bring hope and healing to others? ([58:50])

Sermon Clips

So we've been doing for this month And will continue to do We're having mission moments With some of our mission partners A portion of our offerings Go to support agencies That are doing good In line with our mission in the community And one of those is Karen Share Feeding the Hungry And so we have Hannah from Karen Share here To share a little bit more about their work And how we can partner with them So welcome Hannah [00:37:09] (28 seconds) #MissionInAction

One of the ways to volunteer isthe mobile food pantry. It was just here this week that Care and Share operates, and volunteers from our congregation meet them in the Peel House, and people who are coming to get fresh food and groceries, we help them bag those up and take them to their car and all that. So that's another way to get involved with Care and Share. [00:38:44] (21 seconds) #VolunteerWithCareAndShare

We partner with Sand Creek International School to support their teachers and their staff, and with Secret Angels who support them throughout the year. They have hired an additional teacher, which means we need to provide an additional angel. So if you're interested in being one of those secret angels, stop by the Welcome Center and sign up for that. We'll tell you how to get involved in that. [00:39:26] (21 seconds) #SupportTeachersSecretAngels

Our high school youth are going on a mission trip to Puerto Rico next summer, and all high school students who would like to attend need to apply for that, and so that application is due by the end of the month. So if you are a high school student or know one and you want to go on that mission trip, make sure you send in that application soon. [00:39:47] (17 seconds) #YouthMissionPuertoRico

As we move to Holy Communion, and you might be a guest with us this morning, we want to remind you that it's Christ's table, and everybody's welcome at his table. You'll simply come down the center aisle. Kneel as you're able at the altar rail. Extend your hands. Allow the bread to be placed into your hands. And then take either the wine or the grape juice in the center of the tray before returning to your seats by the side aisle and putting the empty glasses in the trays on your way back. We do have gluten -free wafers in the trays. If you need those, simply ask. And we'll come out to serve any who are unable to come forward. The peace of the Lord be with you all. [00:41:00] (37 seconds) #WelcomeToChristTable

Lord of the harvest, we return to you a portion of what you have given to us.Teach us to set our hope not on the uncertainty of riches, but on you, who richly provides for us. Multiply what we have gathered to bless all who are suffering and in need. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [00:43:31] (21 seconds) #FaithfulStewardship

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ, who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. [00:44:04] (18 seconds) #GratefulPraise

Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us.Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your spirit to give ourselves for others in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [00:58:50] (23 seconds) #ServeWithSpirit

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