Wesley Word – Promises: Service

Carolyn Lemaster   -   October 19, 2022

To go along with service on: Sunday, October 23, 2022

Experiencing Grace

Exploring Truth

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Promises: Service

We are continuing our series based on our membership vows called Promises. When we become members of a local church in the United Methodist Church we promise that we will faithfully participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.  This week we are discussing the promise of service.

The church, like any other non-profit organization, depends on donors and volunteers in order to function and be successful in its mission. However, we saw last week that the discipline of Christian giving means so much more than being a donor, it is being a steward. The same is true of Christian service; it is so much more than volunteering, but it certainly is not less than that.

First, Christian service, unlike other volunteer work, which is driven by interest and ability, is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Notice in our text this week that Paul says that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to each believer. Even the ability to believe in Jesus is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Each of us has a unique set of gifts. All of the gifts are different, and all are important. Each and every one of us is empowered for and called to some area of service in the church. From singing in the choir, to working in the kitchen to sitting on the board, there is a lot to be done, both inside and outside the church.

Second, Christian service, unlike other volunteer services, is focused primarily on serving God. Much of what we do as a church helps people and meets needs, but the focus of our Christian service is Christ and his Kingdom.

Like prayer, worship, and giving, service is a spiritual discipline that not only benefits the church as a whole but also us as individuals. I hope you all have or find a way to serve this coming year.

Question for Reflection/Discussion:

  1. How has God gifted and called me for service in the church?

 

New Testament in a Year: https://wesleyonline.org/biblereading/

  • October 19         1 Timothy 4:1-16
  • October 20         1 Timothy 5:1-25
  • October 21         1 Timothy 6:1-21
  • October 22         2 Timothy 1:1-18
  • October 23         2 Timothy 2:1-21
  • October 24         2 Timothy 2:22-3:17
  • October 25         2 Timothy 4:1-22
  • October 26         Titus 1:1-16

 

Expressing Love: Family/Mission Activity

The Church is like God’s toolbox. God has a lot of jobs to do, and He has given the people in His Church different gifts and talents to help Him to do those jobs. We are His tools! To some He has given musical talent to help lead others in worship. To some He has given the talent of teaching so that they can help others to learn more about Him. There is no one person in the church that can do it all.

God’s toolbox did not give me the tool of multiple languages, however through Google translate I can now reach out and befriend women of faith whose first language is not English. God did give me the gift of being outgoing, so if I combine my gift and my way to communicate, I am able to use my gift, and through my gift of friendship I am able to use just one gift in God’s toolbox.

Now, if you are serving and feel the Holy Spirit drawing you to continue your work or if you feel the Holy Spirit calling you to serve but are worried about it, please trust the Holy Spirit will guide you in your new endeavors of service. If you want to serve but are not sure what your gift is yet, that is okay as well. The Holy Spirit will draw us the correct way and some people will have a gift from God that they can use to serve, and they didn’t even know it.

Let’s draw two overlapping circles this week. On the right side, list how you would like to serve. On the left side, list the ways you currently serve (everyone serves in some way). In the area where the circles overlap, list what is stopping you from moving from the left circle to the right one.

“Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days”- Joel 2:29

Announcements

  • WOW (Wesley on Wednesdays) 6:00 pm. Refreshments, devotions, adult classes, and programming for youth and children.
  • First Presbyterian Church is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat on Oct 30th from noon to 1pm. Grab some candy, a lawn chair and pop your trunk to help our churches neighborhood celebrate Halloween and our gracious neighbors First Presbyterian. If interested, please call Kayla at 563-263-2696 to make sure a spot is available to you. Trunk-or-Treat will take place in the parking lot at the corner of 4th street and Sycamore.
  • Jackson Concert Series presents Eric Plutz, Organ Recital – Friday, October 21 at 7:30 pm.
  • Annual Charge Conference—Sunday, November 6, 3:00 pm in Fellowship Hall.