Takeaways:

• God is doing a new thing even when we can’t yet see it.

• The worst things are never the last things.

• Our calling is to be a sign of hope, not a gatekeeper of it.

• God’s future is one of joy, healing, and renewal for all creation.

• Live so others can glimpse God’s new day breaking in.

Scripture: Matthew 14:13–21
Theme: God’s abundance meets our faithfulness.

Main Points:

Grace in Action:
Grace isn’t a thing God gives—it’s God giving us Himself in Jesus Christ.

The Myth of Scarcity:
The world says there’s not enough time, love, or resources. God says, “There is more than enough.”

You Feed Them:
Jesus calls us to meet the needs of others with what we have—trusting God to make it sufficient.

Abundance in Christ:
In Jesus’ hands, our “not enough” becomes more than enough.

Faithful Stewardship:
Generosity is an act of trust—believing that God will provide for every need.

Reflection Question:
Where is God inviting you to trust that He is enough?

Key Quote:
“Jesus says, give me your nothing, and taken, blessed, broken, and given, it becomes all that is needed.”

1. God’s Word is Living Light
Scripture isn’t just information; it’s God’s presence lighting our path. It gives enough light for the next faithful step, even when the road ahead is unclear.

2. The Bible Is a Gift That Lasts a Lifetime
Today’s third graders receive more than a book; they receive a lifelong companion that offers wisdom, comfort, and hope.

3. Scripture Shapes, Not Just Informs
Reading the Bible isn’t about mastering words but being transformed by them. God’s Word molds our character, our choices, and our compassion.

4. We Are All Lightbearers
Every act of kindness, forgiveness, and gentleness shines God’s light into the world. Children learn what Scripture means by watching how we live it.

5. Grace Is Always Enough
God’s love doesn’t depend on perfection. Grace means we can always begin again because love is endlessly renewing itself in us.

6. Keep the Lamp Burning
Make space for Scripture in your daily rhythm. Read, pray, and reflect with others. Let your life become a lamp that helps someone else find their way home.

Scripture Focus: Luke 17:11-19

Main Idea: Gratitude builds a strong foundation of faith; it makes us whole, not just healed.

Key Points:

Leprosy isolated people, but Jesus restored them through compassion.

The Samaritan leper, the outsider, was the only one who returned to give thanks.

Gratitude changes us from the inside out. It transforms healing into wholeness.

Faith built on gratitude helps us stand firm when life erodes around us.

Being grateful doesn’t ignore pain; it gives us strength to face it with hope.

Reflection Questions:

Where do you see “modern lepers” in your life, people pushed aside or overlooked?

How can you practice gratitude this week, even in difficult moments?

What is the foundation your faith is built on?

Takeaway:
Gratitude is more than good manners; it’s how we become whole in Christ.

Faith is a legacy, passed down through generations of believers.

We each are a gift to the body of Christ, uniquely called to serve.

United Women in Faith model what it means to live a sincere faith through service, justice, and compassion.

“If we lack peace, it’s because we’ve forgotten that we belong to each other.” – Mother Teresa

Ask yourself: Where is worship sending me this week?

-) We are saved by grace, not by works, but created in Christ for good works (Ephesians 2).

-) Worship, Belonging, and Growing prepare us to live out our faith through Impact.

-) The church makes God’s love real when we serve others in Jesus’ name.

-) Impact is not optional—it’s the game we were created to play.

-) Every act of compassion, generosity, or service is a way to share Christ’s love.

We don’t settle. God offers more than being “a little better.” We are invited to be transformed into Christ’s likeness.

Growth is discipleship. Worship and belonging lead us into intentional spiritual formation—through study, prayer, fellowship, and service.

John Wesley’s vision: To be “altogether Christian” means loving God fully, loving neighbor deeply, and trusting God completely.

Holiness is the goal. God’s aim is not just smarter or nicer people, but holy people who live and love like Jesus.

The early church grew through teaching, prayer, breaking bread, serving, and generosity. The same practices form us today.

Worship weekly

Pray daily

Read Scripture consistently

Join a group for learning and accountability

Serve to make a difference

Give joyfully and generously

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” – Romans 12:2

Where am I settling for “good enough” instead of pursuing holiness?

How am I intentionally creating space to grow in faith?

What next step can I take this week on the pathway of discipleship?

-) We all need a place to belong.

-) Belonging is deeper than fitting in—you can be fully you.

-) In Christ, we belong to God and to each other.

-) The church must be a community of radical welcome.

-) Our belonging shows the world God’s love is real.

Sermon Title: Worship
Series: A Future with Hope
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Worship is the center of our life together, the foundation for belonging, growing, and making an impact.

Worship draws us out of ourselves and focuses our attention on God.

Engaging and inspiring worship changes us, connects us with God and one another, and opens us to God’s grace.

Like Isaiah, we encounter God in worship and are sent to live out God’s mission in the world.

Worship is not just one hour on Sunday, it shapes every hour of our lives.

Reflection Questions

What comes to mind when you hear the word “worship”?

Why do you attend worship? What is your favorite part of worship and why?

Recall a moment in worship when you experienced the presence of God. What difference did that experience make in how you see and engage the world?

Where and to whom is worship sending you? Sending Davidson UMC?

Is there someone you could invite to join you in worship at Davidson UMC?

Acts is an open story. Luke leaves the ending unresolved because the mission continues with us.

Faithfulness is possible because of Christ. We don’t rely on our own strength but on the faithfulness of Jesus.

God’s love wins. Even in hardship, rejection, or loss, the resurrection declares that God’s love is stronger than sin and death.

Small things matter. Every act of kindness, generosity, justice, and witness is part of God’s kingdom work.

You are needed. Each person has a unique role in God’s mission—the story of Acts is still being written through us.