#ComeSunday #SermonNotes: In the days leading up to Sunday worship, we share a brief sermon summary and questions for devotion and reflection. Follow us on our website and on facebook to stay up to date!
Guest Preacher: Rev. Louis A. Chase
The Reverend Louis A. Chase, is a retired United Methodist clergyman graduated from the Claremont School of Theology. There, he received the Urban Ministries Award, and the Wilshire Preaching Award. His Internships were at First Compton and Holman United Methodist Church under the mentorships of Rev. Dr. Odis Fentry and Rev. Dr. James M. Lawson respectively.
He served as pastor of Lynwood, Hamilton and Magnolia Park United Methodist Churches. He lived in England for twenty years, where his involvement in race relations included being an Associate Community Relations Officer (London Borough of Camden), also Chair of the Westminster Community Relations Council; Chair of the National Association of Community Relations Officers; Editor of the Community Relations Journal, a publication of the Community Relations Commission.
He describes himself as a child of sugar and cotton. A native of Barbados. And actively participates in the work of Caribbean organizations, in particular, The Barbados Association of Southern California.
John 17:20-26 (Common English Bible)
20 “I’m not praying only for them but also for those who believe in me because of their word. 21 I pray they will be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. I pray that they also will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me.22 I’ve given them the glory that you gave me so that they can be one just as we are one. 23 I’m in them and you are in me so that they will be made perfectly one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you have loved them just as you loved me.
24 “Father, I want those you gave me to be with me where I am. Then they can see my glory, which you gave me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
25 “Righteous Father, even the world didn’t know you, but I’ve known you, and these believers know that you sent me. 26 I’ve made your name known to them and will continue to make it known so that your love for me will be in them, and I myself will be in them.”
Summary:
Our worship theme in June is “The Inheritance of God.” Throughout the month, we will explore the goods we inherit from God to live in purpose, power and love.
In this scripture, Jesus shows the disciples that he created community for them before they realized they needed it. Jesus says that we can be one people because of the glory of God that he has already given us. Through all of our differences and peculiarities, we are assured that “We Are One,” because God has made us so!
Reflection Questions:
- What difference does it make to be a part of a family?
- What difference does it make for a family to be guided by love?
- How has God’s love helped your family be “one” through hard times?