Celebration CA '23 - Session 3

CELEBRATION CALIFORNIA

a family camp with our family of churches

May, '23 @ Hume Lake

Better Together with  Willy Verduzco

Scripture References: Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, John 13:34-35, 1 John 3:14, Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Revelation 21:3, Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 3:14-19, 1 Corinthians 10:16, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Intro:

• Welcome and introduction of Danny and Colleen Cantelmi.
• The church is a family: a theme explored in the current series.
• Personal reflections on family, relationships, and the church.

Key Points:

• Church as a Family:
  • Ephesians 2:19-22: We are members of God’s household, built together.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-27: The church as a body with many members.
  • John 13:34-35: Love for one another as a defining characteristic.
  • Emphasis on togetherness, belonging, and shared identity.
• Challenges to the Family Metaphor:
  • Hurts and disappointments within the church community are acknowledged.
  • The need to address relational brokenness and strive for reconciliation.
  • The importance of forgiveness and grace in the context of the church.
• The Church's Mission:
  • The church is called to a mission of love and unity.
  • We are to be a family that reflects God's love to the world.
  • Emphasis on action and truth, not just words.
• A Call to Imitate Christ:
  • Jesus's example of love, sacrifice, and service.
  • We are called to imitate Christ's love and compassion.
  • The importance of genuine care and concern for one another.
• The Beauty of Togetherness:
  • Psalm 133: The blessing of brothers dwelling in unity.
  • The church is a place where God's presence dwells, and we experience His love together.
  • This togetherness is a powerful witness to the world.
• A Call for a New Passion and Devotion:
  • The need to rekindle a passion for God and His church.
  • A vision of a church united in purpose and love.
  • The call to be a church on mission, both locally and globally.
• The Importance of Remembrance:
  • Communion (Lord’s Supper) as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice.
  • Remembrance of His body broken and blood shed for us.
  • Anticipation of the future feast and gathering with God.

Conclusion:

• The church is a family, and we are called to love and serve one another.
• God's presence and glory are manifested in our togetherness.
• We are invited to participate in God's mission, both individually and corporately.

Call to Action:

• Cultivate a greater love for God and His church.
• Strive for unity and reconciliation within the body of Christ.
• Embrace the mission of God and participate in its advancement.
• Remember Christ's sacrifice and the hope of the future.
• Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.