Wesley Word Oct. 13, 2021

Basic   -   October 13, 2021

Experiencing Grace

Exploring Truth

Laity Sunday

This week, the third Sunday in October, we celebrate Laity Sunday. This day is designed to celebrate and draw our attention toward the ministry of laypeople within the Church.

We are used to thinking that clergy, pastors, are called to ministry and laypeople, everybody else, are not. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. Laypeople are called to ministry alongside clergy within the Church. One could say that laity is an order of ministry along with elders and deacons. Clergy are called to unique ministries within the Body of Christ, but so are laypeople. Laypeople are called to lead the church, to teach Sunday school and small groups, to be musicians and singers, ushers and greeters, to care for the buildings and grounds, to prepare food and hospitality, to visit the sick and shut-ins, and even to preach. In the United Methodist Church, we do not see clergy as being superior to laity, but as each being called to unique ministries within the Body of Christ, both locally and beyond.

As has been our custom on Laity Sunday here at Wesley, our Lay Leader, Norma Morrison, will be offering the sermon this Sunday and leading worship. She has a unique gift for designing and leading unique worship services and inviting other people to participate in leadership, so we will get an opportunity to see many of our laypeople participate in worship this weekend.

As we near the beginning of a new year, I would like to invite each and every one of you to consider how God might be calling you to take on a new role of leadership and service within the life of our church. I invite all of us to appreciate and embrace the ministry that we all, pastor, staff, and people, share together.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion:

  1. What ministry of service and/or leadership is God calling me to in the church and beyond?

Expressing Love Family/Mission Activity:

Serving – Write down the name of every member of the family on a slip of paper. Have everyone draw a name (be sure no one draws their own). Each family member is to come up with a way they can serve that member of the family (do their laundry, wash the dishes, clean their room, pick up their toys, make them a snack, make them a card, etc.).

When we serve others, we are sharing God’s love. We can serve members of our family, but we’re also called to serve our Church. Brainstorm ways you and your family can (or already do) serve your church (greeting, ushering, helping with WOW activities, etc.).

Announcements:

  • WOW (Worship on Wednesdays) TONIGHT!
    • 5:30-6:00 meal catered Little Caesar’s ($5 suggested donation per person)
    • 6:00 Mid-week worship
    • 6:30-7:30 Small groups for kids, youth, and adults
  • New Member and Baptism Preparation Class: Sunday, October 17th at 2:00pm. If you are interested in becoming a member of the church, or if you are a parent who is interested in having a child baptized, please come. If you have any questions, contact Pastor Brian.
  • Crafting for a Cause Oct. 30th, 9 am-12 pm We are looking for kids all the way through high school to supply crafts to support the Mississippi Valley Child Protection Center. Contact Sonia Baker to get your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, etc. signed up!
  • Lay Leadership Needed: We have opportunities available for anyone interested in serving on Trustees or the Staff-Parish Relations Committees. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Brian.
  • Early Bird WOW begins Wednesday, October 20, 4:00-5:00 pm in Fellowship Hall Designed especially for seniors, but everyone is welcome. Caleen Pagel, retired physical therapist, will be our guest speaker.
  • Jackson Concert Series: Bassel and the Supernaturals Thursday, October 21 2:00 p.m. Bassel & The Supernaturals