Honour Sunday is a highlight in the calendar for UnitedLife as it is a time for us to come together as the family of God to encourage and thank one another. We all have a part to play in the mission God has called us and no part is more important than another. Seeing and reflecting on the impact our church is having on our local and global community through the service of generous and talented people using their gifts to make a difference and point people to Jesus is inspiring. I was so encouraged to see that UnitedLife is not only having an impact on Sunday mornings but right throughout the week in so many community initiatives like CAP, Storytime, TazZa and the team who visits the Sutton Court Care Home.
I love that our church values family and the roles that they play in the life of our church and I loved that we got to thank and hoFor me, I was completely blown away and overwhelmed to receive the Honour Award. I am so blessed and honoured to be a part of the family at UnitedLife and I am so grateful to God for His grace and how being a part of this church has seen me grow so much in the past few years - both in my faith and who He has called me to be. I am also so grateful to my church family for their love and support through the years. I would not be who I am today without Jesus and the prayers and encouragement of so many and for that I am truly thankful. Reflecting this past week has inspired me to look forward - I want to continue to grow and serve in the areas that God has called me and I want to inspire and help others in their journey. We all have something to give and we must never think that what we have to give is insignificant. There are so many examples in the Bible where God took what somebody thought was “too small” and worked His glory and purpose through this. (The boy and his lunch of 5 loaves and 2 fish which Jesus fed 5,000 is just one example)
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10.
This verse is one of my favourites as this demonstrates what it means to honour God and others. He has given us all unique gifts and we shine His grace best when we are loving, encouraging and serving each other by stepping out and using our gifts to be a blessing. Jesus is the ultimate example of what it means to serve others. One of my favourite examples is when He washed the disciples’ feet. This act was usually done by the lowliest servants in the households of that time but by doing this act of humility and love, He foreshadowed His ultimate act of love and humility of the Cross. God will use what we have to give and being able to serve Him and his church for His glory and point others toward Him is the ultimate honour.
I pray that we continue to be a church that loves to honour God and one another.
- Catherine Prince