Building, strengthening, & maintaining our connections to one another, even across tumultuous divides.
“I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
John 17:20-24
Our fall worship series,
Bridge Builders: United Through Faith, is all about relationships and how important they are in our lives. During times when it feels like the world is more divided than ever, it is essential for us to be intentional about building and maintaining the various relationships that God has created in our lives. Whether it’s our family bonds, professional interactions, partnerships with fellow believers, or even our connections with those who don’t share our faith, each and every relationship is an opportunity to act as a
Bridge Builder. We desire to share God’s love and grace by strengthening or creating new bonds with others.
Throughout this series, we’ll explore how we, as followers of Jesus Christ, can navigate our relationships with compassion, integrity, and a spirit of reconciliation. This idea is deeply rooted in our United Methodist heritage, which emphasizes the social aspect of our faith and the power of God’s love to transform our lives and communities. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, taught us that our faith is something we live out in community, not just something we keep to ourselves. Wesley believed that we grow in holiness not in isolation, but through our interactions with others. He emphasized “social holiness,” which reminds us that our faith should shape how we relate to others and the world around us. As United Methodists, we’re part of a rich tradition that calls us to be intentional about our relationships by seeking justice and acting with love and grace in all our dealings.
During this series, we will delve into biblical teachings that guide us in building and sustaining healthy, loving relationships. We will consider how to bring peace to conflicts, show empathy and understanding, and be faithful witnesses to Christ’s love in a divided world. This series will focus on building, strengthening, and maintaining our connections to one another, even across tumultuous divides. Every Sunday, you are invited and encouraged to come together with an open heart and mind, ready to grow in your understanding and practice of being a Bridge Builder.
Week 8: October 6, 2024
- Theme: Global Connections
- Scripture: John 17:20-26
Week 9: October 13, 2024
- Theme: Navigating Conflict
- Scripture: James 1:19-27
Week 10: October 20, 2024
- Theme: The Role of Empathy
- Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32
Week 11: October 27, 2024
- Theme: The Power of Words
- Scripture: James 3:1-12
Week 12: November 3, 2024
- Theme: Remembering and Honoring Past Relationships
- Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3
Week 13: November 10, 2024
- Theme: Building Strong Foundations
- Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17
Week 14: November 17, 2024
- Theme: Healing Broken Relationships
- Scripture: Luke 15:1-7
Week 15: November 24, 2024
- Theme: Christ as the Center of All Relationships
- Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23
For more information about participating or leading in worship, please click the following links: