Embracing Hope and Service in Community

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Servant Ministry

True discipleship involves serving others selflessly, without counting the cost. This means embracing a ministry of compassion and kindness, where pretense, disharmony, and greed have no place. Serving God requires us to see each person as a beloved child of God. This kind of ministry is not about seeking recognition or reward but about genuinely caring for the needs of others. It calls for humility and a willingness to put others before ourselves, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus Christ in our actions.

In our daily lives, we encounter numerous opportunities to serve others, whether through small acts of kindness or more significant commitments. By adopting a servant's heart, we can transform our communities and bring hope and healing to those around us. Let us strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving with love and compassion in all that we do. [15:59]

Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV): "It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Reflection: Think of a specific person in your life who could use a helping hand or a kind gesture. How can you serve them selflessly this week, reflecting the love of Christ in your actions?

Day 2: Affirming Our Faith Together

Reciting the Apostles' Creed together strengthens our communal faith and reminds us of the core beliefs that unite us. This shared affirmation is a powerful declaration of our commitment to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, as well as the universal church and the promise of eternal life. By affirming our faith together, we reinforce the foundational truths that guide our lives and provide a sense of unity and purpose within our community.

The Apostles' Creed serves as a reminder of the essential doctrines of our faith, grounding us in the historical and theological foundations of Christianity. It connects us to believers across time and space, creating a sense of continuity and solidarity. As we recite these words, we are reminded of the unchanging truths that sustain us and the hope we have in Christ. [28:47]

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: Reflect on the words of the Apostles' Creed. Which part of the creed resonates most deeply with you today, and why? How can you live out this aspect of your faith more fully in your daily life?

Day 3: Leadership and Hope in Challenging Times

Bishop Dees' leadership during challenging times has been a beacon of hope and assurance. Her peaceful demeanor and strong faith provide a sense of stability and optimism for the future of our church, reminding us that despite difficulties, there is a bright and robust future ahead. In times of uncertainty and division, strong and faithful leadership can guide us through the storm, offering a vision of hope and unity.

As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, we can draw inspiration from leaders who exemplify faith, courage, and resilience. Their example encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and to trust in God's plan for our lives. By focusing on the hope and assurance that comes from our faith, we can face the future with confidence and optimism. [42:57]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you draw strength and hope from your faith to navigate this challenge? What steps can you take to remain steadfast and optimistic in the face of adversity?

Day 4: The Power of Community and Fellowship

The church is a place where we draw closer to one another and to God. Our fellowship and shared experiences strengthen our faith and provide a support system that helps us navigate life's challenges. This sense of community is a vital aspect of our spiritual journey, offering encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging.

In a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected, the church community provides a sanctuary where we can find support and companionship. By investing in our relationships with fellow believers, we create a network of care and mutual support that sustains us through both joyful and difficult times. Let us cherish and nurture the bonds of fellowship within our church, recognizing the profound impact they have on our spiritual growth and well-being. [41:42]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who may be in need of encouragement or support. How can you reach out to them this week and strengthen the bond of fellowship within your church?

Day 5: Pursuing Childlike Faith

We are called to pursue a childlike faith, characterized by trust, innocence, and openness to God's will. This is different from a childish faith, which can be immature and self-centered. Embracing a childlike faith allows us to experience God's peace and guidance more fully, as we approach Him with humility and a willingness to be led by His Spirit.

A childlike faith is marked by a sense of wonder and dependence on God, trusting in His goodness and provision. It involves letting go of our need for control and surrendering to God's plan for our lives. By cultivating this kind of faith, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit and deepen our relationship with God. [01:02:38]

Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And he said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

Reflection: Reflect on your own faith journey. In what areas do you struggle to trust God fully? How can you cultivate a more childlike faith, characterized by trust, innocence, and openness to God's will?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today is a special day for our church as we welcome Bishop Dees and our new district superintendent, along with their administrative assistant, Josie Hickam. This marks the first time in 11 years that we are holding our charge conference in person, a significant moment for our community. We began our service with a call to worship, emphasizing the importance of servant ministry and the need to serve others with compassion and kindness. We then affirmed our faith together, reciting the Apostles' Creed, and continued with a heartfelt prayer led by Dr. Terrell, thanking God for the blessings and fellowship we share in this church.

In my 28 years of pastoral ministry, I have never had the honor of having a bishop preach at my church until today. Bishop Dees' leadership and godliness, especially during her first annual conference, moved me deeply. Her message of hope and assurance is particularly poignant given the challenges we've faced over the past four years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and various divisions within our country and denomination. Her presence here today is a testament to her strong faith and leadership, and I wanted our congregation to experience the same sense of hope and assurance that I felt.

Bishop Dees has a rich background, hailing from Brooklyn, New York, and being one of 13 children. She also has a culinary background and enjoys riding motorcycles and country music, making her a warm and inviting presence. Her sermon today is a significant moment for our church, and I am honored that she took the time to be with us.

We also bid farewell to our drummer, Mike, and his wife, Varee, who are moving back to Seattle after three years of service. We will miss them dearly but are grateful for their contributions to our worship. After the service, we will have a reception to meet Bishop Dees and then reconvene for a short charge conference. Thank you all for being here, and may we go forth with childlike faith, pursuing peace and godliness.

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Key Takeaways

1. centered. Embracing a childlike faith allows us to experience God's peace and guidance more fully. [01:02:38]
### [62:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[14:10] - Introduction of Special Guests
[15:06] - Charge Conference Announcement
[15:59] - Call to Worship
[28:47] - Affirmation of Faith
[41:42] - Morning Prayer
[42:57] - Introduction of Bishop Dees
[43:56] - Bishop Dees' Background
[44:53] - Bishop Dees' Sermon
[62:38] - Farewell to Mike and Varee
[63:00] - Reception Announcement
[63:30] - Closing Remarks and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Jesus mean when He says we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven? (Matthew 18:3)
How does the command to love one another in John 13:34-35 relate to the concept of servant ministry discussed in the sermon? [15:59]
In what ways did Bishop Dees' leadership provide hope and assurance during challenging times, according to the sermon? [42:57]
How did the church affirm their faith together during the service? [28:47]

Interpretation Questions

What characteristics of childlike faith are highlighted in Matthew 18:3, and how do they differ from childish faith? [01:02:38]
How can the command to love one another in John 13:34-35 be seen as a foundation for servant ministry within the church community? [15:59]
What specific qualities of Bishop Dees' leadership were emphasized in the sermon, and how did they impact the congregation's sense of hope? [42:57]
How does the communal recitation of the Apostles' Creed strengthen the faith of the church community? [28:47]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you served someone selflessly. How did it impact your faith and relationship with God? How can you incorporate more acts of servant ministry into your daily life? [15:59]
The sermon emphasized the importance of community and fellowship. How can you actively contribute to building a stronger sense of community within our church? [41:42]
Bishop Dees' message provided hope during challenging times. What are some practical ways you can offer hope and assurance to others in your life who may be struggling? [42:57]
The concept of childlike faith was discussed in the sermon. What steps can you take to cultivate a more trusting and open relationship with God, similar to that of a child? [01:02:38]
How can you make the practice of affirming your faith through the Apostles' Creed a more meaningful part of your spiritual journey? [28:47]
Think about a person in your life who might need to experience God's love through your actions. What specific steps can you take this week to show them compassion and kindness? [15:59]
Reflect on the farewell to Mike and Varee. How can you show appreciation and support to those who serve in our church community, especially when they are moving on to new chapters in their lives? [01:02:38]

Sermon Clips

1. "Jesus calls us to servant ministry. We must be willing to help others, not counting the cost of the Lord. Pretense, disharmony, greed have no place in discipleship. Serving God means receiving each person as though they were a beloved child. Lord, help us to truly become your disciples." [15:59] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So, in 28 years of pastoral ministry, I have never, ever had the bishop come and preach at the church that I was serving. And you're laughing. I guess that says something about me. But you see, you know, I never was at a church that was consecrating a building. I never was at a church that was having like some historic anniversary or anything. And I never really... I never really saw the need to invite the bishop to come just on a regular Sunday." [41:42] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I was moved because you see, and you know this because you've experienced, the last four years have been so difficult. Going through COVID and the pandemic. And then all of the divisions, the political divisions in our country. The divisions within our denominations, the disaffiliations. And I was worried. I was stressed about the future of this church that has been my spiritual home for my entire life. That has been the place where I have lived out my vocational calling." [42:57] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And when, what I heard in her, from her, was hope. And assurance. And that it's going to be all right. In fact, there is a future that is robust and bright in the United Methodist Church. She is a strong leader, a strong person of faith. There's many things that I could tell you that you can go back and, you know, on the conference website and read all the things about her." [43:56] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Go and pursue to be like little children, to have that childlike faith, not childish faith. Go in peace." [01:02:38] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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