A Sermon On Service, Some Service Opportunities
Sunday looked unique! Ben preached a short sermon on service and we talked about what teams and opportunities our church has, and where we need your help!
Here’s the gist of it:
We turned to Paul’s letter to the Philippians to look for clues about service, humility, and Christ.
Philippians 2:1–8
Christ’s Example of Humility
[1] So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, [2] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. [5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (ESV)
Why do we serve?
Service is always driven by something. Usually, we serve idols of comfort, control, power, or approval, and these idols lead us into selfish service of ourselves and of the world. But we look to God for help! We look for the most nourishing and fulfilling service possible, and we have a terrific example in Christ.
Look at verses 6-8. Jesus emptied himself and became a servant. The one person who had no right serving anyone, and who had every right to be served by everyone emptied himself to serve.
Paul says Christian service is: IF we have received from Christ, THEN we ought to be on the same mission together, have a mutual love for one another, be united in one accord, and be thinking about the same things together. Jesus saved us from other masters (our idols we get caught serving), but he saved us TO his Lordship. We serve Jesus because he is worthy and because he is better than any other master.
How do we serve?
Paul tells us all this, and he sums up his goal in verse 5: “Have this mind.” In Christ, things that were burdensome become opportunities for joy. We are freed from serving idols and freed to serve others and meet needs. It might mean serving in ways that come naturally to us, and it might mean serving in ways that don’t come naturally to us! But we serve not because it makes much of us, but because it makes much of Jesus.
So, we hope you survey your heart and the opportunities around you. What opportunities do you have to serve your city and your church? Here are some opportunities we discussed, and some areas where we need your help. Many of our open positions got filled on Sunday (we’re praising God!) but we still have some room to grow:
Kids’ Ministry
As we move into our new location, we’re providing multiple kids’ classrooms for various age groups! This extended kids’ min setup requires a lot of help, so we’re looking for folks who want to hang with kids from infancy to 5th grade! We still need 8-10 helpers in this area. Kids’ Min helpers usually arrive at church around 9:30 on a Sunday. The team sets up the classroom, comes prepared for their KM Role, (storyteller, activities leader, nursery worker…), serves in the class, and cleans up KM supplies and room. Email cindy@gardencity.life for more information on how to get involved!
Youth Ministry
We’ll also enjoy a new Youth Room as we head into the Fall in our new location. We need about 4 more leaders who are passionate about kids in the 5th-12th grade, and who believe this formative time is an important season in the life of a Christian! To get involved, email max@gardencity.life.
Band / Production Teams
We’re looking for 2 more members of the production team and we’re always looking for more musicians! If you enjoy audio or manual labor, play an instrument, or just want to help support these teams, email Ben at ben@gardencity.life!
Hospitality Team
The main goal of the team is to make connections with new and current members of our church community. Team members get to church about 30/45 mins - 1 hr early and help set up signage and the connection table, hand out bulletins, and anything else to help the service flow. At the end of the service, they also help collect signs. We're looking for about 5-6 people to join our team to serve once every three weeks! To get involved, email Lindsey at lindsey@gardencity.life!
