One Church, One Mission
Good morning! It’s wonderful to see everyone here today for this special Team Service. Isn’t it a joy to come together like this—to celebrate, reflect, and look ahead as one united church family? Whether you’ve been part of this team for years or are new to our journey, today is a moment for us to pause, look back with gratitude, and step forward with hope.
As we gather on this first Sunday of Christmas, our Gospel reading brings us to a moment in Jesus’ childhood—a story of seeking, finding, and growing. It’s a story that has much to say to us as a team of churches about our shared journey and mission.
Looking Back on 2024 as a Team
Let’s start by looking back on 2024. It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? Just like Mary and Joseph made their annual trip to Jerusalem for the Passover, we’ve been on a journey together this past year. Along the way, we’ve had plenty to celebrate:
- Think about the times we came together for outreach or service projects. Those moments when we extended God’s love to our communities were powerful, weren’t they?
- Or the times of joint worship and fellowship. Remember how we felt the strength and joy of being united in Christ?
- And then there are the stories of personal growth—people finding their place within the team, discovering their gifts, and growing in faith.
Of course, not every moment was easy. Like Mary and Joseph, who faced the distress of losing Jesus on their journey, we’ve had our own challenges. Maybe there were moments of uncertainty, times when we wondered where God was leading us. It was at this service 12 months ago when Kate announced she was leaving the team, we faced uncertainty at SPC… But just as they found Jesus in the temple, we can look back and see that God has been with us every step of the way—guiding, teaching, and helping us grow.
Insights from Luke 2:41-52 for Our Team
Now, let’s turn to the story of Jesus in the temple. It’s a familiar one, isn’t it? Mary and Joseph, after days of searching, find Jesus sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions. And then comes His response: “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” It’s a moment of clarity about His purpose and priorities.
So, what does this story say to us as a team of churches?
- Shared Growth: Jesus was engaged in learning and growing, even at a young age. That’s a reminder for us to keep learning from one another and growing together in our faith.
- Focused Mission: Jesus’ dedication to His Father’s work challenges us to think about our purpose. We’re not just a group of churches doing our own thing; we’re a team with a shared mission to make God’s love known.
- Trusting God’s Plan: Mary and Joseph didn’t fully understand what Jesus was saying, but they treasured His words in their hearts. Sometimes, we may not fully understand where God is leading us as a team, but we can trust that He is guiding us.
Looking Forward to 2025 as One Team
As we step into 2025, let’s take a moment to think about where we’re headed. Just as Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man,” we’re called to grow—both as individuals and as a team. But how do we do that?
- Seeking God Together: Let’s make it a priority to come together in prayer and worship. When we seek God’s wisdom as a team, amazing things happen.
- Strengthening Our Bonds: How can we build even stronger connections across our congregations? Maybe it’s through shared projects, or maybe it’s simply by spending time together and supporting one another.
- Embracing Our Mission: What opportunities will 2025 bring for us to serve our communities and share the good news of Christ? Let’s be ready to step into those moments with boldness and love.
A Call to Action for Our Team
So, here’s the challenge for us as we move into the new year: Let’s be like Jesus in the temple. Let’s be about our Father’s business. And let’s do it together.
This means committing to:
- Supporting one another in ministry. We’re stronger when we stand together.
- Sharing our resources and ideas. Collaboration can make such a difference.
- Celebrating our diversity while focusing on our shared mission. Each of our churches has unique gifts to offer, and together we can do so much more than we could alone.
As we look ahead, let’s ask ourselves:
- Where have we seen God’s hand in our shared ministry in 2024?
- How is God calling us to grow and serve together in 2025?
Closing Prayer
Let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the journey we have shared as a team of churches in 2024. We are grateful for the blessings, the lessons, and the growth we have experienced. As we step into 2025, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom. Help us to seek You together, to grow in unity and faith, and to fulfill Your mission in our communities. May we, like Jesus, be about Your business, bringing glory to Your name. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, we pray. Amen.