Serve Joyfully

Serve Joyfully – We continue our walk through the New Testament and, currently, through the writings of the apostle Paul, with a reading from Philippians 2. Last week Carol reported on the United Methodist Council of Bishops’ creation of a new vision statement in May of 2025 (appearing on today’s bulletin cover), and in three Sundays we are exploring the three features of the United Methodist Church’s Vision Statement, today taking on “Serve Joyfully,” and the Rev. Will McLeane, our Pastor of Spiritual Formation, is preaching. He begins by telling about a recent family vacation with many young girls (daughters and their cousins), with crafts and activities, and a point when there was a realization of the beautiful mountains. He also talks about the joy of the FIFA World Cup this summer. In contrast, there are times when our lives are in tension, as in times of stress with elections and such. The city of Philippi was founded as a place where Roman veteran soldiers were honored. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, written when Paul was imprisoned, encourages them, no matter their situation, to act as Jesus did. We, too, are often drawn to rise and achieve, according to our ambition, but our loving and serving one another, as exemplified by Jesus, is fundamental. Will gives numerous examples of West End groups loving and serving, lifting others up.