Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we continue our sermon series “Who We Are,” we come to an important aspect of our identity as United Methodists: our missional purpose. This week, we will explore what it means to live out our faith in practical ways, guided by the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-40 (CEB) and the prophet Micah in Micah 6:6-8 (CEB).

In Matthew, Jesus paints a vivid picture of the final judgment, where the Son of Man separates the sheep from the goats. The criteria for this separation are not based on religious rituals or doctrinal correctness but on how we treat “the least of these.” Jesus identifies himself with those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned. He tells us that our treatment of these individuals is equivalent to our treatment of Him.

As United Methodists, we believe that our faith must be active and transformative, extending beyond the walls of the church into the world. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This mission compels us to engage in ministries of compassion, justice, and mercy. This calling is not just an abstract concept but a concrete practice. It involves recognizing and responding to the needs around us, whether in our local community or globally.

Think about these questions this week:

1. How do we, as a church and individuals, currently engage in acts of compassion, justice, and mercy in our community?
2. In what ways can we better identify and respond to “the least of these” in our community?
3. What obstacles do we face in fulfilling our missional purpose, and how can we overcome them?

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, let us prayerfully consider how we can more faithfully embody the teachings of Jesus. May we be inspired to live out our missional purpose with greater passion and commitment, transforming our faith into action that brings hope and healing to the world.

I look forward to seeing you at either 9 am Traditional or 10:30 Contemporary this Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric