Preparing, Trusting, and Walking Together
Gathering
Take time to gather informally and preview the service outline. If you'd like to participate in communion, please be prepared to do so.
Service
I. Opening
Welcome and Introduction: Welcome, fellow preppers, to our service for Scout Sunday of 2024. As we learn to overcome the challenges of preparing for uncertain times, let us also prepare our hearts for the arrival of the greatest gift—Jesus Christ.
Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we come together today, we ask for Your presence to fill this place and enlighten our hearts. Grant us the humility to learn from the lessons You have laid out in Your creation and in Your Word, helping us to grow in faith, trust, and unity. Amen.
Scripture: Philippians 2:1-2 (AMP) - Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is any depth of] affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [for one another], united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
II. Worship and Praise
Let's enter into a time of worship, reflecting on the importance of taking action and responding to God’s call.
Video Link: We Are Family by Sister Sledge. The first link has the sound from the original recording by Sister Sledge but the video is a delightful dance routine by Dance For People. The audio is a higher quality recording than the official music video from Rhino Records.
Reflection: Here are several points of reflection that tie the song's themes to the broader spiritual and communal messages coming in the sermon:
- Being in God’s Family: Does being a child of God make you want to dance like a crazy person?
- Unity in Diversity: Reflect on how, like a family with many different personalities, our church community thrives on diversity. How can we celebrate and leverage our differences to strengthen our collective faith journey?
- Support and Strength: Consider the ways in which being part of a spiritual family provides strength and support during challenging times. How have you experienced this support within your community, and how can you offer it to others?
- The Joy of Togetherness: The song invites everyone to "get up everybody and sing." Think about the joy and upliftment that comes from worshiping and celebrating together. How does communal worship impact your spiritual life?
- The Role of Faith in Unity: Reflect on the line, "We are family." How does sharing a common faith in God and His promises enhance our sense of unity and family within the church?
- Action and Service: Inspired by the song's energetic call to action, consider how you can actively contribute to the well-being and unity of your church family. What are some practical ways you can "do a good turn daily" within your community?
- Inclusivity: The song underscores inclusivity with "I got all my sisters with me." Reflect on how your church can be more welcoming and inclusive, making everyone feel like part of the family, regardless of their background or where they are on their spiritual journey.
- The Foundation of Love: At its core, the song celebrates love within a family. How does the love of Christ serve as the foundation for our spiritual family, and how can we better express that love to one another?
These points of reflection encourage you to think deeply about the themes of community, unity, and the transformative power of being part of a spiritual family.
III. Communion
Communion symbolizes Jesus' sacrifice, offering forgiveness and eternal life to those who believe. It's for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior. Communion is for those who have made the decision to accept Jesus as the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives. There is no pressure from us and the decision is yours alone. If you have not taken this step, we ask that you do not participate in this portion of the service and want you to rest assured that no one will think less of you in any way. You are welcome to observe and be present.
For those that have made that choice, we invite you to take communion as we guide you through preparation, prayer, and reflection.
We will distribute and share the bread and cup at this time (or as is suitable for your gathering).
The account of what we have come to call The Last Supper is told in two places in the Bible:
- Matthew 26:26 (AMP): Now as they were eating Jesus took bread, and after blessing it, He broke the bread and gave it to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body.'
- Mark 14:22 (AMP): While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had blessed it, He broke it and gave it to them, and said, 'Take it. This is My body.'
For those that participate in Communion, please partake of the bread now.
The account of The Last Supper continues in both records:
- Matthew 26:27-28 (AMP): And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the [new and better] covenant, which is being poured out for many [as a substitutionary atonement] for the forgiveness of sins.'
- Mark 14:23-24 (AMP): And when He had taken a cup [of wine] and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, 'This is My blood of the [new and better] covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many.'
For those that participate in Communion, please partake of the cup now.
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the New Covenant, for the Blood of Christ, for the forgiveness of sins, and the blessings of The Holy Spirit in our lives.
IV: Message: Lessons from the Trail—Preparing, Trusting, and Walking Together
Prayer: Lord, as we gather to explore the lessons of the wilderness—preparation, trust, and the strength found in community—open our hearts to receive Your wisdom and guide us in walking together on the path You've set before us. Amen.
Introduction
I was out camping about six months ago and had set up my hammock set up between two sturdy trees. I have come to prefer hammock camping most of the time for its simplicity, comfort, and the lightweight gear compared to traditional tent setups. This campout was no exception and I had a really good arrangement with my rain fly and under quilt, all ready to go!
One cardinal rule of hammock camping is this: "Never hang your hammock higher off the ground than you're willing to fall." It's wisdom born from experience, advising caution and preparation. That day, I ventured a bit beyond this rule, setting my hammock just a tad higher than usual. And you guessed it--late at night I managed to slip out and land squarely on my backside.
If I had been in high school, I would have laughed at it. But I'm not in high school, I'm in my 50's. It was a lot more painful. It was the first time that I had to abandon a campout because of an injury of my own. Some physical therapy later and I'm much better, but there's a lesson to be learned.
The Bible is filled with narratives of individuals and entire nations navigating their own wilderness experiences. Consider Moses leading the Israelites through the desert, or Jesus retreating into the wilderness for 40 days, alone but for the presence of God. These accounts are more than historical records; they're instructive tales that mirror our life's journey. They teach us about resilience, faith, and the wisdom of heeding guidance—whether it's the practical advice on the height of a hammock or the spiritual direction we receive through God's word.
Today's lesson is " Lessons from the Trail: Preparing, Trusting, and Walking Together " There are a lot of lessons from the trail! Today we focus on three of the most important of these lessons: Prepare for the journey, trust the Guide, and stick with your people.
Preparation for the Journey
I can't think about preparing for a campout without thinking of one of my old Scoutmasters when I was a kid. Roy Wilson was a WWII veteran who was probably just days away from being deployed to X-Day, the Invasion of Japan. He said many times that Japan's surrender probably saved his life. Roy then used his life to build into the youth of my hometown for many, many years.
I'm not sure if the words "crusty", "old", and "fart" are allowed to be used in a sermon at church... but when describing Roy Wilson, those words are among the many that must be used. He also taught us the Scout Motto of Be Prepared, going to great lengths in asking us questions and watching us pack our gear. Some of my greatest memories are camping with Roy Wilson.
I don't know if Joshua was a crusty old fart or not. But the Bible tells us this account in Joshua 1:11: "Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess," -- and Joshua wasn't just talking about packing a lunch. He was gearing up his people for one of the biggest moves of their lives. They were about to step into a promise that had been generations in the making.
Joshua's command to the Israelites reminds us that while God's promises are sure, we have a role to play in making them a reality. It's a partnership—God guides, provides, and ensures victory, but we need to show up prepared and ready to move.
Trusting the Guide
I always wanted to play when I got to the campsite. Run around, explore, even jump in the creek if there was one! Even today when I arrive at a campsite I want to explore right away!
Roy Wilson had different plans for us--prepare the camp, then play. We didn't like it, but we did it. And we got real good at it, too!
Roy had a great way of teaching us this important rule about camping: He set up his tent first while we went an played and every once in a while said, "You oughtta get your tent set up. Get some firewood. Start a fire, get some water on to boil. It's getting dark soon."
Ever tried to set up camp in the dark? It can be done--but it's a lot easier in the daylight.
Looking back on it now, I realize that Roy was teaching us two lessons: 1) set up camp right away, and 2) trust Roy.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) - Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
This verse from Proverbs isn't just nice advice. It's a life strategy. It tells us to lean on God, not just when we're lost, but as the default way we live our lives.
Trusting our guide means listening for His direction in the quiet moments, seeking His wisdom in the Word, and following His nudges even when they seem to take us off the beaten path. We might rather play, but when there's work to do it comes first. But most important is this: Trust in the Lord and know that He has our best interests at heart.
Strength in Community
I don't know how he did it, but Roy Wilson taught a bunch of muddy scouts how to be Trustworthy and Loyal, to Be Prepared, to Do a Good Turn Daily, and to Help other people at All Times--and all of the many other qualities of a good scout. And never once did he set us down and say, "I have a ten point lesson in PowerPoint to show you how to be Courteous." He just was courteous. We learned by being around him.
In the Amplified Bible, Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, "And let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching." This passage is a call to action. It's telling us--actually, it's God's Promise to us--that being part of a community is our best and most essential life strategy.
When you're part of a community that truly cares, you're never walking alone. There's always someone to share the load when your "backpack" feels too heavy. There's always someone to celebrate with when you conquer those tough "mountains." And perhaps most importantly, there's always someone to turn to when you're lost and need direction.
Have you ever noticed people walking on a busy city sidewalk? They usually are all are going the same direction. If someone goes against the flow, they go slowly and make very little progress. Like a leaf on a flowing river, our progress in life is often less about how much effort we put in and more about how much our surrounding support carries us. We end up in life basically where everyone around us ends up.
Conclusion
Reflecting on our journey and the wisdom imparted by Roy Wilson, it's clear that the true strength of our faith lies in preparation, trust, and the support of our community. Roy taught us, without ever spelling it out, the value of being ready and relying on each other, embodying the Scout Motto and the spirit of Hebrews 10:24-25. This passage doesn't just suggest but insists on the necessity of our togetherness in faith, urging us to spur one another towards love and good deeds.
As we move forward, let's hold onto these lessons. Let's prepare our hearts and minds, trust in our steadfast Guide, and cherish our community. Together, we're not just facing the wilderness; we're navigating it with confidence, guided by the examples set before us and the bonds that unite us.
In the spirit of Roy's unspoken lessons and the call of Hebrews 10:24-25, let's commit to being pillars of encouragement and support for each other, ensuring that no one walks the path alone.
V: Offering
As we continue in our worship, we have the opportunity to participate in the act of giving. The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV), "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Let's bow our heads in prayer as we prepare our hearts for this act of giving. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings You have bestowed upon us. As we bring our offerings before You today, we do so with hearts full of gratitude. May these gifts be used for the furthering of Your Kingdom and the spreading of Your love. Bless each giver abundantly, and may our cheerful giving be a reflection of Your generosity toward us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
As we collect the offering, we do want to remind everyone that this part of the service is an opportunity to give but is in no way considered a requirement. We have the special opportunity here at Prepper Church to give all of the offering to a good cause that we choose.
Thank you for your generous hearts and faithful giving. Your contributions play a vital role in supporting the causes that we support. May God bless you abundantly as you continue to be cheerful givers. Amen.
VI: Closing
Closing Prayer: Lord, as we conclude our time together, we thank you for the lessons shared and the unity experienced. May the spirit of preparedness stay with us, prompting us to be vigilant in our faith and mindful of the well-being of our community. Amen.
Closing Remarks: In closing, let us carry the spirit of preparedness with us, recognizing that in every challenge, there is an opportunity to grow. May we continue to support and uplift one another, echoing the principles of scouting in our daily lives. Thank you for joining us on this Scout Sunday. Go in peace and be prepared for the adventures that lie ahead.
Local Group Discussion and Fellowship
Feel free to continue the celebration in your local groups, discussing the message, sharing your reflections, and enjoying fellowship. Here are some points for discussion and reflection for people to share informally after the service:
- Shared Experiences: Discuss a time when you felt particularly supported by your church family. What was the situation, and how did the community's support make a difference in your outcome or perspective?
- Active Participation: Reflect on the role each of us plays in strengthening our church community. What are some specific ways you can contribute to building a more united and supportive spiritual family?
- Learning from Mentors: Share about a mentor who has had a significant impact on your faith journey, much like Roy Wilson's influence. What qualities or lessons from this mentor do you hope to pass on to others?
- Unity in Action: Consider the song "We Are Family" and its message of unity and celebration. How can we live out this message of familial unity within our church, especially in reaching out to those who might feel isolated or disconnected?
- The Importance of Preparation: Reflect on the sermon's emphasis on preparation for life's journey. How does preparing for challenges in advance change the way we experience them, and how does our faith community play a role in that preparation?
- Trusting the Guide: Discuss a time when you had to trust God's guidance, even when the path wasn't clear. How did that experience strengthen your faith, and how did your church family support you through it?
- For those from the 1970’s: “We Are Family” was a popular song adopted by the Pittsburg Pirates during the 1979 Major League baseball Season. The Pirates won the World series by winning the seventh game on the road against the Baltimore Orioles.
These discussion points are intended to encourage personal sharing, deepen connections within the community, and foster a greater understanding of the sermon's message on mentorship, preparation, trust, and the strength found in community.
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