“Summer Shorts: Jude // Bobby Crum // (June 25, 2023)” is a powerful and heartfelt account of the speaker’s return to the church after battling cancer. The article highlights their changed perspective and newfound humility due to the illness. The speaker expresses gratitude for the prayers they received and provides an update on their health. It also touches on various church announcements, including upcoming baptisms and ministry opportunities. Throughout the article, there is a strong emphasis on faith and the speaker’s journey to find joy and lead others to Jesus. The passage from the book of Jude is explored, focusing on the importance of responding to God’s call and recognizing His love for us. The article concludes with a reminder of God’s presence, His eternal nature, and His love for us.
I. Introduction
Welcome to this joyous and special day at our beloved church! We are so grateful to have each and every one of you here, joining us as we come together to celebrate our faith, praise the Lord, and share in the love of our community. Today, we have a lot to share with you, including some wonderful news and updates. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be uplifted and inspired!
II. Speaker’s Return to the Church
A. After undergoing treatment for cancer
First and foremost, I want to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for your prayers during my battle with cancer. It was a challenging journey, both physically and emotionally, but I am happy to report that I have successfully completed my treatment and I am now in remission. Your unwavering support and the power of prayer played a significant role in my recovery, and I am forever thankful for each and every one of you.
B. Change in attitude and humility
During my fight against cancer, I experienced a profound change in attitude and a newfound sense of humility. The realization of my own mortality brought me a deeper appreciation for life and an understanding of the importance of faith. It was through this difficult experience that I truly recognized the significance of our church community and the strength we gain through coming together in prayer and support.
C. Expressing gratitude for prayers
I cannot express enough how much your prayers meant to me during this time. The love and encouragement that I received from all of you were a source of immense comfort and strength. Your prayers not only aided in my physical healing but also helped me find solace in my faith and reinforced my belief in the power of God’s love. Your unending support has been a true testament to the incredible spirit of our church family.
D. Health update
As I stand before you today, I am humbled to announce that I am now in good health and feeling stronger than ever before. The medical treatments and the power of prayer combined to help me overcome this challenging chapter in my life. With a grateful heart, I look forward to continuing my journey with all of you and to making the most of every moment that God blesses me with.
III. Church Recognition and Glory to God
Before we move on to the next portion of our service, I would like to take a moment to recognize some exceptional individuals in our church. Throughout the past year, we have witnessed countless acts of kindness, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to the Lord. These individuals have exemplified what it means to be a true disciple of Christ, and their actions have greatly impacted our church community and beyond.
Let us not forget that all glory and recognition belong to God, for it is through His grace and guidance that these individuals have found and cultivated such remarkable qualities. As a church, let us celebrate their accomplishments, not as mere achievements of individuals, but as a testament to the incredible power of God’s work within us.
IV. Announcements
A. Upcoming baptisms
We are thrilled to announce that in the upcoming weeks, we will be holding a baptism ceremony to welcome new members into our church family. Baptism is an essential step in one’s faith journey, symbolizing a commitment to follow Christ and publicly declaring one’s dedication to a life rooted in His teachings.
If you or someone you know is considering baptism, please reach out to our pastoral team, who will be more than happy to guide you through this sacred and meaningful process. Let us rejoice in the new lives that will be washed clean through the waters of baptism, and let us continue to support and encourage one another on our faith journeys.
B. Ministry opportunities
Our church offers a wide range of ministries, each dedicated to serving others and spreading the love of Christ. Whether it’s helping the homeless, mentoring young students, or providing support to families in need, there is a ministry for everyone to get involved in.
I encourage each and every one of you to prayerfully consider how you can contribute your time, talents, and resources to these ministries. Your participation can make a significant impact not only in the lives of those we serve but also in your own spiritual growth and fulfillment. Together, let us be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope and healing to a broken world.
V. Songs of Praise and Discussion of God’s Faithfulness
Now, let us lift our voices in praise and worship as we reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout the past year. Amidst the trials and tribulations, God has remained a steadfast presence, guiding us, comforting us, and reminding us of His unconditional love.
Through the power of music, let us express our gratitude and adoration for our Heavenly Father. As we sing these songs of praise, may our hearts be filled with overwhelming joy and may we be reminded of the countless blessings that surround us every day. Let us come together as a congregation, united in our shared love for the Lord, and celebrate His goodness.
VI. Testimonies
A. Impact of the church and faith on individuals’ lives
At this time, I would like to invite a few members of our congregation to share their powerful testimonies of how the church and their faith have positively impacted their lives. Each story is unique and serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith. These testimonies not only bear witness to God’s work in our midst but also inspire and encourage us to continue seeking a deeper relationship with Him.
VII. Speaker’s Personal Journey
A. Hesitation about God and religion
Reflecting on my own personal journey, I must confess that there was a time when I hesitated to fully embrace God and religion. I questioned the existence of a higher power and struggled to understand the purpose and meaning of life. I allowed doubts and skepticism to cloud my perspective and hinder my spiritual growth.
B. Change of heart after attending church
However, all of that changed when I first stepped foot in our church. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, the genuine love and care displayed by the church family, and the thought-provoking sermons gradually opened my heart and mind to the possibility of a profound spiritual transformation. It was through the fellowship and teachings within these walls that I began to find the answers I had been searching for.
C. Decision to give life to Christ and get baptized
With a newfound sense of clarity, I made the decision to give my life to Christ and publicly declare my commitment through baptism. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey of faith, one that continues to shape and guide me to this day.
D. Forgiving the person responsible for sister’s death
One of the most profound and challenging aspects of my personal journey was overcoming the deep pain and anger I held towards the person responsible for my sister’s tragic death. Years of bitterness and resentment weighed heavily on my heart, hindering my ability to fully embrace God’s love and forgiveness.
However, through prayer, guidance from trusted mentors, and the support of my church community, I was able to find the strength to forgive. In doing so, I experienced a liberation of my soul, a lifting of the burden that had consumed me for so long. Through this act of forgiveness, I learned the profound power of grace and the true meaning of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
VIII. Importance of Following Jesus
A. Jesus as the way
Following Jesus is not just about adopting a set of beliefs or attending church services. It is a lifelong commitment to walk in His footsteps, to emulate His teachings, and to love and serve others with the same selflessness and compassion that He has shown us.
Jesus Himself proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He is our guiding light, our source of hope, and our ultimate example of love. By following in His path, we not only deepen our own relationship with Him but also become beacons of His light in a world desperately in need of His love and redemption.
B. The Bible as the map to follow
In our journey to follow Jesus, the Bible serves as our roadmap. It is the living Word of God, filled with wisdom, guidance, and timeless truths that can anchor us in our faith. It is through the study, reflection, and application of Scripture that we can draw closer to God and gain a deeper understanding of His plan for our lives.
C. Leading others to Jesus
As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, it becomes our responsibility to lead others to Him. We are called to be ambassadors of His love and to share the transformative power of the gospel. Through acts of kindness, extending a listening ear, and sharing our own faith stories, we have the incredible opportunity to introduce others to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
IX. Faith Campaign and Church Achievements
A. Raised over 6.1 million
Over the past year, our church has embarked on an ambitious faith campaign, seeking to raise funds for various initiatives aimed at spreading the love of Christ and meeting the needs of our community. Today, I am thrilled to announce that through your generous contributions and sacrificial giving, we have successfully raised over 6.1 million dollars.
This incredible accomplishment is a true testament to the faithfulness of our church family and their commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those around us. Each dollar raised will be used with intentionality and responsibility, enabling us to further advance God’s kingdom and share His love in practical and impactful ways.
B. Encouraging equal sacrifice in giving
Throughout this campaign, we have emphasized the importance of equal sacrifice, recognizing that the size of one’s gift is not what matters most to God, but rather the measure of generosity and faith behind it. Whether someone is able to give a large sum or only a small portion, what matters is the heartfelt desire to support the work of God’s kingdom and make a positive impact in the world.
C. Excitement with baptisms and new families
The fruits of our faith campaign go beyond financial achievements. We have also witnessed an incredible surge in baptisms and new families joining our church community. The love and acceptance that permeate our congregation have attracted those who were seeking a place of refuge, a community in which they could experience genuine connection and find spiritual nourishment.
As we celebrate these baptisms and welcome new families into our midst, let us continue to extend our arms wide open, embracing each person with the same love and acceptance that we have experienced. May our church be a safe haven for those longing for belonging, and may our faith campaign continue to bear fruit in the form of transformed lives and everlasting connections.
XIII. Conclusion
As we come to the end of our gathering today, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your presence, your prayers, and your love have made this day truly unforgettable. May the joy and inspiration we have experienced continue to fuel our faith journeys and spur us to live lives of love, compassion, and service.
Let us go out into the world, carrying the light of Christ within us, and illuminate the lives of those around us. Together, as a united church family, we can make a lasting impact and be the catalyst for positive change in our community and beyond. May we forever remember the power of faith, unity, and the boundless love of our Heavenly Father.
God bless you all abundantly. Amen.