June 29 Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Scripture Reading: Acts 6:1-6
Sermon: Life in the Spirit, Leadership Shared
Acts 6:1-6
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers and sisters, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
Key Idea of the Sermon
An increasing number of followers of Jesus, requires adjustments in organization and leadership. Of course, leadership among disciples is to reflect the servant leadership of Jesus (see Mark 10:42-45). A division based on language (some spoke Aramaic and others Greek) was threatening unity. The twelve understood the need to raise up new leaders in order to meet growing needs. Embracing and respecting a diversity of gifts among the disciples, the twelve focused on proclaiming and advancing the Way of Jesus. Seven others with gifts of ministry with and service to the vulnerable, like widows, are empowered to lead a ministry of compassion for the greater good of the growing communityy.
Questions for Reflection
• The Hellenists or Greek-speaking followers brought forward to the twelve leaders of the Way a concern that food for widows was not justly distributed. Widows are representative of the vulnerable more generally, whose need fulfillment is to be a priority (see Deuteronomy 24:17-21 and Isaiah 10:1-4). How are we as disciples doing caring for the vulnerable in our community? What is the new priority we should make in our ministry of compassion?
• The twelve wisely stayed focused on their calling as defined by their giftedness. Rather than take on new roles they empowered new leaders with the gifts needed to meet growing needs. The twelve appointed leaders from among those facing unjust treatment. Who should we be empowering to meet growing needs?
• You may have noticed that the twelve and the seven are all men. We know from our study of the gospels that Jesus relied upon and empowered women too (see Luke 8:1-3). This male dominance is reflective of the time when the books of the New Testament were edited and canonized by the institutional church, not the values of Jesus. Who needs to be included in leadership in our place and time?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
This week make sure your gifts align with your ministry as a disciple. Affirm your gifts by paying attention to what you enjoy and feel passionate about. You can also ask a trusted confidant how they see your giftedness. Once you are clear about your gifts, make sure they fit with a complimentary ministry. If you need help, reach out to one of your pastors. We are pleased to assist your embrace of servant-leadership.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
