Embracing Uniqueness and Community in God's Purpose
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the beauty of community and the unique roles each of us plays in God's creation. We began by honoring our veterans, acknowledging the profound sacrifices they make for our freedom. Their service is a reminder of the importance of remembering and supporting them beyond just Veterans Day, as many continue to face physical and spiritual wounds. We also celebrated the achievements of our Special Olympics participants, Marcy and Donna, who inspire us with their dedication and spirit.
The heart of our time together focused on the story of Punchinello, a Wemmick puppet, who learned that his unique qualities, initially seen as weaknesses, were actually strengths. This story serves as a powerful reminder that God has created each of us with a special purpose, and our differences are intentional and valuable. We are called to embrace who we are and to use our unique gifts to serve others, even in small ways, like offering kindness to someone who feels alone.
We also reflected on the story of Naomi and Ruth, who, despite facing immense challenges, demonstrated resilience and faith. Naomi, considered a "leftover piece" in her society, did not give up. With Ruth's support, they navigated their difficult circumstances, ultimately playing a crucial role in the lineage of King David and, by extension, Jesus. This narrative encourages us to persist in our call to resist evil, injustice, and oppression, knowing that our efforts may extend beyond our lifetimes but are vital to God's work in the world.
Finally, we were inspired by the story of Ida Wells, who tirelessly fought against the injustice of lynching. Her dedication, despite the overwhelming odds and threats she faced, exemplifies the perseverance required in the pursuit of justice. Her legacy reminds us that while the work of justice is long and arduous, love and God's justice ultimately prevail.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Community and Sacrifice: Our veterans' sacrifices remind us of the importance of community and the need to support those who serve, not just on special occasions but throughout the year. Their willingness to give of themselves is a profound example of love and commitment. [12:07]
- Embracing Our Unique Gifts: Like Punchinello, we must recognize that our perceived weaknesses can be our greatest strengths. God has created each of us uniquely, with a purpose that only we can fulfill. Embracing our individuality allows us to serve others in meaningful ways. [22:06]
- Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Naomi and Ruth's story teaches us the importance of resilience and faith. Even when society views us as "leftover pieces," God sees our potential and calls us to persist in our journey, trusting that our efforts contribute to a greater purpose. [53:09]
- The Long Journey Toward Justice: Ida Wells' relentless fight against lynching highlights the long and challenging path toward justice. Her story encourages us to remain steadfast in our efforts to resist injustice, knowing that our work may span generations but is essential to God's plan. [01:02:27]
- The Assurance of God's Love and Justice: Despite the challenges we face, we are reminded that God's love and justice will ultimately prevail. We are called to be active participants in this work, using our unique gifts and passions to contribute to a more just and loving world. [01:07:12]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [12:07] - Honoring Our Veterans
- [13:31] - Celebrating Community Achievements
- [20:04] - Embracing Our Uniqueness
- [22:06] - The Story of Punchinello
- [30:52] - Prayer and Reflection
- [32:32] - Unity in Diversity
- [46:23] - Beethoven's Resilience
- [49:06] - Naomi and Ruth's Journey
- [52:02] - Overcoming Societal Labels
- [53:09] - The Role of Women in Scripture
- [57:06] - The Call to Resist Injustice
- [58:05] - Ida Wells' Legacy
- [01:02:27] - The Long Road to Justice
- [01:07:12] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ruth 1:16-18 - The story of Ruth's loyalty to Naomi.
2. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Embracing our unique gifts and roles in the body of Christ.
3. Micah 6:8 - The call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of Naomi and Ruth, what challenges did they face, and how did they support each other through these challenges? [50:51]
2. How does the story of Punchinello illustrate the idea that our perceived weaknesses can be strengths? [22:06]
3. What sacrifices do veterans make, and why is it important to remember and support them beyond just Veterans Day? [12:07]
4. How did Ida Wells contribute to the fight against injustice, and what challenges did she face in her pursuit of justice? [58:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Ruth's declaration to Naomi ("Where you go, I will go...") reveal about the nature of true commitment and loyalty? How can this be applied to our relationships today? [52:02]
2. How does the story of Punchinello challenge our understanding of self-worth and the value of our unique qualities? [22:06]
3. In what ways does the perseverance of Ida Wells inspire us to continue working towards justice, even when the journey is long and difficult? [01:02:27]
4. How can the sacrifices of veterans serve as a model for our own acts of service and commitment to our communities? [12:07]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like a "leftover piece" in your community or family. How did you overcome that feeling, and what role did faith play in your journey? [53:09]
2. Identify a unique gift or quality you possess that you may have previously seen as a weakness. How can you use this gift to serve others in your community this week? [22:06]
3. Consider the story of Ida Wells and her relentless pursuit of justice. What is one area of injustice in your community that you feel called to address, and what steps can you take to begin this work? [01:02:27]
4. How can you actively support veterans in your community throughout the year, not just on Veterans Day? What specific actions can you take to show appreciation and support? [12:07]
5. Think about a person in your life who might feel alone or marginalized. What small act of kindness can you offer them this week to show that they are valued and loved? [22:06]
6. Reflect on the story of Naomi and Ruth. How can you be a source of support and encouragement to someone facing difficult circumstances in your life? [52:02]
7. In what ways can you contribute to building a more just and loving world, using the unique gifts and passions God has given you? [01:07:12]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Sacrificial Community
In a world where individualism often takes center stage, the sacrifices made by veterans serve as a profound reminder of the strength and beauty found in community. Their willingness to put others before themselves exemplifies a love and commitment that transcends personal gain. This selflessness calls us to remember and support those who serve, not just on designated days but throughout the year. By doing so, we honor their sacrifices and acknowledge the ongoing physical and spiritual challenges they face. As we reflect on their contributions, we are encouraged to foster a community that values and uplifts each member, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our unity and shared purpose. [12:07]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to today to offer support or encouragement, and how can you make this a regular practice?
Day 2: Embracing Our Unique Gifts
The story of Punchinello, a Wemmick puppet, teaches us that what we often perceive as weaknesses can be our greatest strengths. Each of us is uniquely crafted by God, with qualities and gifts that serve a specific purpose. Embracing our individuality allows us to contribute to the world in meaningful ways, offering kindness and support to those around us. By recognizing and valuing our unique gifts, we can fulfill the roles that only we are meant to play in God's creation. This understanding encourages us to step confidently into our purpose, knowing that our differences are intentional and valuable. [22:06]
"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." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What unique gift or quality do you often overlook in yourself, and how can you use it today to serve someone in your life?
Day 3: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The story of Naomi and Ruth is a testament to resilience and faith in the face of immense challenges. Despite being viewed as "leftover pieces" by society, they did not give up. With unwavering support for each other, they navigated their difficult circumstances and ultimately played a crucial role in the lineage of King David and Jesus. This narrative reminds us that God sees our potential, even when others do not, and calls us to persist in our journey. Our efforts, though they may seem small or insignificant, contribute to a greater purpose that extends beyond our lifetimes. [53:09]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing, and how can you draw strength from the story of Naomi and Ruth to persevere?
Day 4: The Long Journey Toward Justice
Ida Wells' relentless fight against the injustice of lynching exemplifies the perseverance required in the pursuit of justice. Despite overwhelming odds and threats, her dedication to the cause serves as a powerful reminder that the work of justice is long and arduous. Her legacy encourages us to remain steadfast in our efforts to resist injustice, knowing that our work may span generations but is essential to God's plan. This journey requires courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the ultimate triumph of love and justice. [01:02:27]
"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." (Isaiah 1:17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one injustice you feel called to address, and what small step can you take today to contribute to this cause?
Day 5: The Assurance of God's Love and Justice
Despite the challenges and injustices we face, we are reminded that God's love and justice will ultimately prevail. We are called to be active participants in this divine work, using our unique gifts and passions to contribute to a more just and loving world. This assurance gives us hope and strength to continue our efforts, knowing that our contributions, no matter how small, are part of a larger tapestry of God's plan. As we engage in this work, we are invited to trust in the promise of God's enduring love and justice. [01:07:12]
"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." (Amos 5:24, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's work of love and justice today, using the unique gifts and passions He has given you?
Quotes
Thank you. It's beautiful. Good morning, beautiful people. Welcome to Epworth, where we continue to explore faith and embrace our community. I look around and I see all of your beautiful faces, and I know that there are some beautiful faces joining us online, too. And I'm so grateful for the gift of every single one of you. I want to invite you to give us the gift of your presence. If you are online, you can say hello in the chat and tell us where you're joining us from. And if you are joining us in person, if you would sign in on one of the blue connection pads. This is a way for us to say to you that you matter to us. We want to call you by name the way God calls you by name. But it's also a way for you to say to us that you still want to be a part of this wonderful community, that you want to be part of changing the world the way Epworth continues to change our world. [00:09:53] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
It's important that we not only remember them on Veterans Day, but that we remember them year round. One of the statistics that you all probably have heard before is that 22 veterans die by suicide every single day, and so again, that's really important for us, not just to honor them here, but to continue to support them in other ways as well. [00:13:07] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Feel free to come and to light a candle as a reminder that we are still connected in that great love of God, and one more thing to celebrate as a community, and that is that we have several people who participate in Special Olympics, and so I want to invite Marcy, if she's here, and Donna to come forward and to share with us their medals. [00:13:37] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
But, you know, it takes something inside, because God says, I love every single one of you, and I made you just the way you are. So, maybe you don't feel like you fit in. I didn't feel like I fit in very much and he was my next door neighbor, but I didn't feel like I fit in very much, right? But God says that you were made just the way you are, because God has a special purpose for every single one of you. [00:21:43] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And so, then his friend Lucia said, see, God makes every single one of us just the way we are, because God has something special for us to do with who we are, right? So, just like Punchinello was able to bend over backwards, because he was made of willow, this woman, right, or this puppet, God made you special, too. And so, other people may put you down, or other people may not see that in you, but God sees it in every single one of you, and says, you each are beautiful just the way you are. [00:24:10] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
So, there are a lot of different ways that you can do it, even now, because God created you special, and God created you for a purpose. So, can you guys remember that when you go out this week? And if you start to feel kind of like, oh, I don't fit in. Oh, you fit in. God made you just the way you are. Let's pray. Dear God, thank you so much for making us the way we are. Thanks that we're all so different and unique, and that that's the whole point of your creation, is because we can't all be made of maple or oak, that you need all of us to be different, because you have a role for each of us to play. [00:25:09] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God of all of us, you have made each one of us different, unique in our own special way, and you have a role for all of us to play, even when we feel like we're at the end of our rope, even when we feel like there is nowhere else to go. You are still God, and you invite us to continue to live for you. [00:31:19] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And so remind us to be gentle with each other, to not make assumptions about each other, and to instead open our hearts, to one another, as we listen to where each of us is. And God, elections don't stop life, so we know that there are things that are still going on in each of our lives. We know that there are people who have received good news this week, that what they feared has not been what the doctor has said. [00:32:53] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And then allow us to trust you, to trust you to continue to weave us together into one that will be a witness to our world, that we can love and care for each other, no matter how divided we are. Remind us, God, that indeed, your love always wins. We pray this trusting in the name of Jesus Christ. In the name and the love of Jesus, our Lord, who taught us to pray. [00:34:07] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And so, if Naomi hadn't continued to believe, and continued to work, and continued to try to worship, he might share his name. So, here he goes in the presence of Note 30. and it was Emma who came to the place where he had been loops, and she said, and it was all right, ma 'am. And she went to church, and she went to the place where he had been loops, and she said, give up as well, that we're called to continue to persist in whatever it is that God has called us to. And if you remember when we are baptized and when we join the church, the vow is that we are to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves, right? [00:56:19] (81 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Our work is far beyond what we can accomplish here and now, and yet, we are not freed from working towards overcoming racism and sexism and homophobia and ageism and ableism. You know, there are so many things. There are so many things that people are mistreated because of who they are, and we are not freed from that work, my friends. We are called to that work, but we also have to know that we can't give up, because that work may extend far into the future, but love does win. [01:03:01] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I hope you know that... I hope you know that God loves you and made you just the way that you are. I hope you know that God works in and through you all of the time. And I hope you know that God's love will ultimately win. And so go, allowing that love to flow through you so that we can be part of the justice in this world. Go in God's grace, God's strength, and God's peace. Amen. [01:08:24] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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