09/08/2026
~ An Invitation to Unity ~
As we prepare for our next season of serving together on Epiphany #50 - February 13-15, 2027, I would like to invite each of us to prayerfully listen to the sermon message on unity, harmony, and the beauty of serving together as one body in Christ.
My hope is that we will receive the message with open hearts—not as something intended for someone else, but as an invitation for each of us, myself included, to listen for what the Lord may be saying to us personally.
We have been entrusted with a meaningful ministry and with the opportunity to serve young men who need to experience the love, grace, forgiveness, hope, and acceptance of Christ. The way we serve alongside one another is itself part of that witness.
Unity does not mean uniformity. God has given each of us different gifts, experiences, personalities, perspectives, and ways of serving. Those differences are not something to overcome; they can be gifts that enrich the ministry when we offer them to God and to one another in love.
The sermon’s picture of a symphony is a beautiful way to think about this. A symphony is made up of many different instruments, each with its own sound and part to play. The instruments do not all sound alike, yet when they listen to one another, follow the same conductor, and play toward the same purpose, their differences come together to create something beautiful.
Perhaps that is a picture of us as well. We each have a part to play. We may see things differently, have different strengths, or approach ministry in different ways. Yet when Christ is at the center and we listen for His direction, our individual gifts can come together in harmony for something greater than any one of us could create alone.
Harmony does not require that we agree on everything. It invites us to listen with humility, speak with grace, extend patience, assume the best in one another, forgive freely, encourage one another, and remain connected in Christ even when our perspectives differ.
As we listen to the sermon, my prayer is that we might each simply ask:
● Lord, what are You showing me?
● How are You inviting me to grow in love, humility, and grace?
● How can I better listen to and encourage my fellow servants?
● How can I help create a team where every person feels valued, respected, heard, and welcomed?
● How can I use the gifts You have given me while honoring the gifts You have given others?
● How can the way I serve reflect Your love to the young men entrusted to us?
Let’s listen not with the goal of deciding who is right or who needs to change, but with a spirit of prayer, grace, and openness to the Holy Spirit. Each of us has something to receive, and each of us has something beautiful to contribute.
Our goal is not simply to have a well-run weekend. Our greater calling is to serve together as one body, with one heart and one purpose, centered on Christ and His love for those we serve.
May God continue to weave our gifts, experiences, and hearts together like the instruments of a symphony. May He help us listen well, encourage generously, forgive readily, and serve joyfully. And may the young men we serve experience something of the love of Jesus not only through what we say and do, but also through the way we love and care for one another.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3
Trudy Smith’s prayer begins at 3:39 and the message beings at 17:32.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, and give you peace.
Trusting Trish Bull
Epiphany #50 February 13 - 15, 2027
Trish Bull, LD / Patty Jackson, ALD / Nora Sierra, WC / Daniel Vandercook, Adv. LD / Trudy Smith, SD - E #50 Leadership Team
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