Week 5: Serve Impactfully

Each of the prior themes leads to the culminating idea that we are to serve others and impact the world. Because God’s grace is a lifelong journey, and because love is a verb that should be shared with all people, we are called and equipped to make a difference in the world. 

Scripture Orientation: ​Matthew 25:35-40

35 I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’

Theological Perspective: Making a Difference in the World

God invites us to partner in God’s mission of love. As Wesleyan Christians, therefore, we assume the Christlike posture of a servant. We keep our eyes open to God’s activity around us and join in the practice of shalom—acts of compassion and justice in the peaceable reign of Christ.

Homiletical Perspective:

Three important points:
  1. Jesus was a servant and invites us to a life of service 
  2. As followers of Jesus, we are called to serve his upside down kingdom
  3. God is always already at work in the world. As we follow Jesus daily, we are given eyes to see where God is at work and empowered to participate in ways that make a real difference.  It may be helpful to remind people that for over two-hundred years the United Methodist Church and its predecessors have worked to help the poor, sick, orphaned, aging, disabled, oppressed, and imprisoned. You may also lift up the ways in which we advocate for racial reconciliation, equality for all people, and peace and justice in a violent world.

Downloadable Resources

Wesley Resources

Sermon

Worship and Liturgical Resources

​​Click here to download traditional and contemporary music suggestions, prayers and liturgies.

Reflection Questions and Spiritual Practices

Click here for reflection questions suitable for individual or small group study, along with suggested exercises for the week.
​Small Group Guide - Each guide contains a short introduction to the series/guide, a sample lesson plan and prayers for each week.
​Small Group Guide in Spanish.
Bulletin inserts/handouts with discussion questions and scripture readings - courtesy of Centreville UMC, Centreville, MI

Family Resources

Big Hearts, Bright Love: The Wesleyan Adventure of Growing in God's Love tells the story of Sam, Chaz, Suzi, Juan and Wes as they go on an adventure to learn of God's love. The book includes a Family Discussion guide with questions, prayers, challenges and devotions. ​Created by: Rev Madeline Luzinski (Family Discussion Guide), Rev. Dr.  Latricia Scriven (children's story) and Rev. Dr. Hedy Collver (illustrations & design).

Click here to download the "Serve Impactfully" section. ​

​Order your copy and support children in need across Florida.

To order a copy of Big Hearts, Bright Love, click here. Net proceeds from the sale of each book will benefit Residing Hope (formerly the Florida United Methodist Children's Home).

Bumper Videos

Serve Impactfully Sermon Bumper - 0:55 seconds
Serve Impactfully Sermon Bumper with SUBTITLES - 0:55 seconds

Slide Template

Serve Impactfully - PPT Template

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Promotional Graphics

Wesleyan Rooted is an initiative of The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church.