Sunday Jan 5 Worship
At home worship
Sunday January 5th, 2025 - Notes for personal worship
Dear Church Family,
While we may not be able to gather in person today due to the winter storm, we can still come together in spirit to worship, pray, and reflect on God’s Word.
I encourage you to take some time to:
Pray: Spend a few moments lifting up the needs on our prayer list, as well as the needs of our community and world.
Worship: Use the songs included below to center your heart on God’s presence and promises. Sing along or simply meditate on the lyrics.
Reflect: Read through the message provided. Ask God to speak to your heart and show you how you can step into His calling as part of His Church.
Even though we’re apart, God is with each of us, and His work in and through The Salvation Army continues. Let’s remain united in purpose and prayer, trusting Him to guide us in the days ahead.
Stay safe and warm, and may you feel His peace and presence wherever you are!
Blessings,
Envoy Jeff and Heidi
Prayer List:
Lonnie - Pneumonia
Debbie's Daughter to begin treatment- her appointment is Tuesday- Pray for guidance and healing and for Debbie to have peace.
Lissa Health
Family of Major Mills (Mike and Judy retired here in 2021 and shortly after moved to Branson) He was promoted to Glory this last week.
Leadership of the Corps
Warming center to open today in building
Hogg family as they enter retirement and move to Florida in a few months
The new people that came to the Corps at the last lunch church
Lonnie's ministry
Torie
Butler Family- Nathaniel Has the Flu, Maria has the Flu and Strep, and Noah and Tony are not feeling well!
Robert- bell ringer now part time employee- has lost his brother to a shooting and his aunt passed away just before Christmas.
Praise- Mike Pennell- the previous Maintenance director at the Corps finished Cancer treatment at Mayo clinic and has no remaining cancer cells after his final surgery.
Worship Songs:
"Light of the World" by Lauren Daigle
Lauren Daigle - Light Of The World (Lyric Video)
This song beautifully reflects the call to be a light in the darkness, echoing the message of Matthew 5:14.
"If We Are the Body" by Casting Crowns
If We Are The Body (w/ Lyrics)
This song challenges believers to reflect Christ's love and reach out to others, emphasizing our role as His hands and feet in the world.
Message:
Be the Church God Intended: A Call for The Salvation Army
Introduction: The Call to Be More
What does it truly mean for The Salvation Army to be the Church—not just an organization, but a living, breathing movement of God’s love and power?
From its inception, The Salvation Army has been a pioneering force for God’s Kingdom—fighting for justice, meeting human needs, and proclaiming the Gospel. But here’s the truth: the future of The Salvation Army is not just about its name or its history—it’s about YOU. It’s about your willingness to lead, serve, and participate in the mission.
Let’s rediscover our God-given identity and renew our commitment to being the Church God intended us to be. The success of this mission depends on all of us, together.
1. The Church Is God’s Plan A (There Is No Plan B)
Scripture: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14 NIV)
God chose His Church to carry His light into the world’s darkest places. The Salvation Army was created for this mission, but that light will only shine if we each take responsibility to carry it.
Illustration:
Imagine a majestic lighthouse perched on a rocky shore, standing tall and steady against the crashing waves. Its beacon shines brightly through the night, guiding ships safely away from danger and toward the harbor. For sailors battling storms and navigating treacherous waters, that light is a lifeline—a source of hope and direction.
But what happens if the lighthouse’s bulb burns out? What if the keeper forgets to maintain it, or worse, thinks it doesn’t matter anymore? Suddenly, the ships are left without guidance. They drift aimlessly, vulnerable to hidden rocks and deadly collisions. The absence of light doesn’t just mean darkness—it means disaster. Lives are at stake.
Now, think of The Salvation Army as that lighthouse, and each of us as keepers of the light. Our mission is to shine the light of God’s truth and love into the darkest places—into the lives of the lost, the broken, and the hurting. But if we allow our “bulb” to burn out—through apathy, fear, or disengagement—what happens to those who are depending on us?
Without the light of Christ shining through us, people may never find their way to hope, healing, or salvation. Our mission falters not because God has stopped working, but because we’ve stopped shining.
The lighthouse isn’t built for decoration—it exists for purpose. Just like that, The Salvation Army was never meant to be a passive organization. It was designed to actively illuminate the world with God’s love. The question is: will you keep the light burning?
Challenge: Are we letting our light shine, or are we relying on others to carry the flame? The future depends on each of us choosing to stand and shine.
2. The Church Is a Living Body, Not a Passive Building
Scripture: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV)
The Salvation Army is not a set of buildings, thrift stores, or programs—it’s a living body of believers, called to serve the world in Jesus’ name. Every soldier, adherent, officer, and friend has a vital role to play in this mission. The question is: will you step up and take your place?
Practical Application: Identify your spiritual gifts and ask, “How can I use these to serve God’s mission through The Salvation Army?” Whether you lead a ministry, mentor youth, assist in outreach, or intercede in prayer, your role matters deeply.
Illustration: "If the Army’s feet refuse to march, or the hands refuse to help, how can we accomplish our mission? Don’t be the foot that says, ‘I’m taking a break,’ while the rest of the body moves forward!”
Challenge: Are you actively involved in the work of The Salvation Army, or are you watching from the sidelines? The body is only as strong as its individual parts.
3. The Church Is Meant to Influence, Not Conform
Scripture: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2 NIV)
From the beginning, The Salvation Army was called to be a countercultural force—challenging injustice, standing for holiness, and fighting for the broken and marginalized. But this bold influence requires bold leaders.
Illustration: Have you ever noticed the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat? A thermometer is simple—it reacts to its environment. If it’s hot, the thermometer goes up. If it’s cold, it drops. It reflects the world around it but has no power to change anything.
Now think about a thermostat. A thermostat doesn’t just reflect the environment—it sets it. When the room is too cold, the thermostat activates the heat, and the atmosphere begins to change. When it’s too hot, the thermostat brings things back to balance. It influences the environment around it instead of being controlled by it.
As members of The Salvation Army, we are called to be thermostats, not thermometers. The world around us can often be “too cold” with indifference, injustice, and despair. Or “too hot” with anger, division, and chaos. But we aren’t meant to simply reflect these conditions. God has empowered us to bring change—to set the temperature in society with His hope, justice, and love.
A thermostat for hope: When despair rises in our communities, we bring encouragement. Through our actions and words, we remind people that God is with them and for them.
A thermostat for justice: Where there’s inequity, prejudice, or neglect, we don’t just observe the problem—we work for change.
A thermostat for transformation: The Salvation Army has never been about blending in. From its earliest days, it stood out as a force for good, daring to transform lives and communities in Jesus’ name. That legacy continues through us.
But here’s the challenge: thermostats need to be connected to a power source to work. Without God’s Spirit fueling us, we risk becoming just like thermometers, reflecting the culture rather than transforming it.
The world doesn’t need another thermometer—mirroring hopelessness, division, and fear. It needs thermostats—people who will set the temperature with faith, courage, and compassion. The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to do this. The question is: will you step into your calling and help set the temperature in our society?
Practical Application: Step into leadership. Whether it’s by mentoring others, leading a ministry, or boldly addressing needs in your community, your participation is vital. As a member of The Salvation Army, you ARE The Salvation Army (God’s hands and feet) to the hurting world around you.
Challenge: Are you shaping the world around you for Christ, or are you letting the world shape you? The Salvation Army’s future depends on leaders who will stand strong in faith and courage, who will try new things and get involved. What will you do?
4. The Church Reflects Jesus to the World
Scripture: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35 NIV)
At its heart, The Salvation Army is about love in action—radical, selfless love that mirrors Christ. But this love is not just for officers or long-time members—it’s for every believer to live out. When we love like Jesus, we reflect His heart to the world.
Illustration: If you spend time being in the mission you hear the stories of how lives are changed by the church, several of the employees here have testimonies that speak of the difference this church has made on their lives. The clients often share stories, I get stopped fairly regularly for someone to express what The SAlvation Army has meant to themselves or their loved ones, the ministry of the ARC was powerful here. Are you hearing those stories, and more importantly, will you be somehow involved in peoples stories in the future?
Practical Application: This week, practice intentional love: forgive someone, serve a neighbor, or encourage someone in need. Share, testify, offer assistance and prayer. Let love be your leadership.
Challenge: Will you step into the role of someone who reflects Christ’s love to the world? The future of The Salvation Army depends on every one of us doing so.
Conclusion: The Future Depends on Us
The Salvation Army is God’s Church in action—called to be active, unified, loving, and bold. But its future depends on YOU.
Scripture: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NIV)
Encourage action: The mission is urgent, and your participation is critical. Step into leadership, serve with purpose, and live boldly for Christ. Commit this week to one step—whether it’s volunteering, leading, or simply loving better.
Final Call: The success of The Salvation Army is not based on programs or history—it’s based on the level of participation from each person here. Will you rise to the challenge and be the Church God intended? There is more to the story of The Salvation Army of Springfield and you are part of it.
Announcements:
Don't forget the third Sunday (and last for January if I am looking at my calendar correctly, is our lunch church, the last one was very successful we had 26 people and we will grow from there. It is a great opportunity to invite new people as it is less threatening.
I plan to be on vacation next week, Thanks Bill Hogg for filling in! He is starting a series on Out With The Old- starting a new year right.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for calling The Salvation Army to be Your Church in action. We ask for boldness to step into leadership, courage to serve, and hearts full of love to reflect Your glory. Unite us as a body and inspire each of us to play our part in this mission. May we shine brightly and stand boldly as the Church You intended us to be. May we be shown ways to serve others this week. Amen.
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