All Call Sunday
A Sermon by Judy Mensch, missionary to the children of Europe.
For more information about Judy here.
Ouline
Introduction
- Introduction of the speaker: Judy Mensch, a missionary, children’s pastor, evangelist, and Bible school instructor.
- Personal anecdotes regarding support and shared history with the church community.
- Humorous and personal stories to establish rapport (e.g., pantyhose story behind the pulpit).
- Emphasis on the church as a community of people, not just a building.
Reflections on Aging and Experience
- Positive perspective on aging: increased wisdom and social skills.
- Physical challenges of aging contrasted with personal vitality and ongoing activity.
- Encouragement to embrace age and continue serving.
Purpose and Structure of the Service
- Explanation of the focus: The Body of Christ and individual roles within it.
- Outline of how the service will conclude:
- Invitation for newcomers to learn about Jesus.
- Instructions for congregation members to visit ministry tables and sign up for service opportunities.
- Emphasis that everyone should find a place to serve.
The Body of Christ: Diversity and Function
- Analogy of the body: Each part has a unique and necessary function.
- Encouragement for all members to participate in ministry, not to remain spectators.
- Assurance that everyone has something to contribute.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30)
- Reference to the parable as a basis for the message.
- Clarification of terminology: preference for “skills and gifts” over “talents.”
- Emphasis that all have received gifts/skills from God.
Key Points of the Message
- A. Variety of Gifts
- Everyone has received something; no one is left out.
- Gifts differ in type and measure, reflecting God’s sovereignty and purpose.
- Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians.
- B. Responsibility of Having Gifts
- Each person is called to use their gifts in service.
- Serving fills personal gaps and brings fulfillment.
- God’s will is for everyone to be active, not passive.
- C. Rewards of Using Gifts
- Joy is the reward for serving and using one’s gifts.
- Serving others leads to personal growth and spiritual satisfaction.
Diversity and Equality in the Body
- God gives different gifts to different people, but loves all equally.
- No gift is more honorable; all are necessary for the body to function.
- Reference to the “upside down kingdom”: God’s values often differ from worldly values.
Practical Application and Encouragement
- Encouragement to sign up for ministries, including less glamorous roles (e.g., nursery).
- Recognition that some ministries are less visible but equally important.
- Everyone’s contribution matters, regardless of recognition or praise.
Conclusion
- Restatement of the call to serve and be active in the body of Christ.
- Assurance that serving is serving Jesus himself.
- Final instructions for the congregation on next steps after the service.
