Scout Sunday
Gathering
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: Gracious and Loving God, as we gather here on this Scout Sunday, we thank you for the sense of community and fellowship. Bless our time together, and may our hearts be open to the lessons of preparedness and the spirit of unity. Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 90:17 (AMP) - Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm for us the work of our hands—yes, confirm the work of our hands.
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: Ma You Earned Your Eagle! - YouTube
Reflection: Here are a few points of reflection that you might consider while enjoying the song "Ma, You Earned Your Eagle"
- Gratitude for Guidance: Reflect on the guidance and support received from mothers or parental figures, acknowledging their role in shaping character and fostering growth.
- Unseen Sacrifices: Consider the often unseen sacrifices mothers make, balancing various responsibilities while actively participating in scouting adventures, exemplifying the Scout Law.
- Shared Achievements: Acknowledge that achievements, like earning the Eagle Scout badge, are often a shared journey between parents and scouts. It's a testament to the collaborative effort and dedication involved.
- Moments of Laughter: Embrace the humorous moments shared in scouting, recognizing the importance of laughter and camaraderie in creating lasting memories.
- Unconditional Love: Recognize the unconditional love and commitment mothers have for their children, even in the face of unexpected mishaps and challenges during scouting adventures.
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: “Be Prepared”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, guide us as we delve into the importance of being prepared, both in our daily lives and in our spiritual journeys. May your wisdom and insights illuminate our hearts and minds. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Introduction
Good morning and welcome to our special service on this Scout Sunday. Today's message revolves around a timeless principle that resonates not only as the motto of the scouting movement but also in the wisdom found in Scripture: "Be Prepared."
In 1907, Baden-Powell, an English soldier, devised the Scout motto: Be Prepared. He published it in 1908 in the book Scouting for Boys. Upon hearing the Scout motto, someone asked Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell the inevitable follow-up question: “Prepared for what?”
His reply: “Why, for any old thing.”
Baden-Powell wrote that to Be Prepared means “you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.”
Shouldn’t we all be in a state of readiness?
The Importance being in a state of readiness
Whether it's having a backup plan for unexpected traffic on your morning commute or keeping an emergency kit in your car, preparedness offers a buffer against life's uncertainties. From financial planning to having essentials on hand, the advantages of being prepared extend into various aspects of our lives.
We see the impact of preparedness when individuals and communities navigate challenges such as natural disasters, health crises, or unforeseen circumstances. The ability to respond thoughtfully and efficiently often stems from prior preparation.
Life is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. From power outages to sudden illness, preparedness equips us to face challenges head-on. We'll discuss how simple steps, like having a family emergency plan, can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of ourselves and those around us.
Bible lessons on preparedness
Proverbs 6:6-8 (AMP) - Go to the ant, O lazy one; Observe her ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, Overseer, or ruler, She prepares her food in the summer And brings in her provisions [of food for the winter] in the harvest.
Imagine you are preparing for a long journey, and you have a wise and diligent travel companion who, without being told, ensures that all the necessary supplies are packed well in advance. This companion's foresight and proactive approach mirror the wisdom of the ant, diligently preparing for the journey ahead.
Luke 14:28-30 - For which one of you, when he wants to build a watchtower [for his guards], does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to finish it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is unable to finish [the building], all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish!’
When someone builds a house, they sti down with a blueprint before they begin construction. They estimate the costs and resources required. This preparation ensures that once construction begins, there won't be any halfway-built structures abandoned due to lack of resources. Likewise, our approach to life should involve calculated planning and preparation to see things through to completion.
These are just two of the many scriptures that direct us to the wisdom of being prepared—to be prepared for any old thing.
Conclusion
Preparedness isn’t just about stuff—it’s being in a complete state of readiness. Your mind, your body, your gear,… and your spirit. Are you in a state of readiness for all areas of your life? I encourage you to be prepared -- for any old thing.
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:
- Personal Preparedness
- Share personal experiences of times when being prepared made a significant difference.
- Discuss practical steps each person can take to enhance their personal preparedness in daily life.
- Community Preparedness
- Explore ways in which the community can come together to enhance preparedness.
- Discuss the importance of collective action in response to emergencies or unexpected events.
- Analogies and Lessons
- Reflect on the analogies provided for Proverbs 6:6-8 and Luke 14:28-30. How do these analogies resonate with daily life?
- Share other analogies or stories that illustrate the concept of preparedness.
- Applying Wisdom from Scriptures
- Consider how the principles of Proverbs 6:6-8 and Luke 14:28-30 can be practically applied in modern situations.
- Discuss any challenges or barriers individuals face in implementing preparedness principles in their lives.
- Encouragement and Support
- Share words of encouragement with one another to foster a community that values preparedness.
- Discuss ways the community can support and assist each other in times of need.
Comments
Post a Comment