Vision Sunday 2025
Notes
Transcript
Handout
As we step into 2025, we are reminded that each new year is more than just the turning of a calendar—it is an opportunity to reflect on God’s faithfulness and renew our trust in Him.
The theme for this year, taken from Lamentations 3:22-23, speaks to the heart of that trust:
22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
These words were spoken by the prophet Jeremiah during a time of great sorrow.
They remind us that even in the middle of trials, God’s mercy and compassion are renewed every day.
His faithfulness provides us with strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.
Hudson Taylor’s life powerfully illustrates the importance of trusting in God’s mercies each day.
He told a story about how that one evening, with only a single coin left to his name, he was approached by a man in desperate need.
Though Taylor hesitated, feeling the weight of his own lack, he prayed and felt the Lord prompting him to give the man all he had.
That very night, Taylor received an unexpected package containing several times the amount he had given away.
This moment became a pivotal experience, reinforcing his belief that God’s provision is always on time.
Taylor’s story beautifully reflects the truth of Lamentations 3:22-23 —that God’s mercies are truly ‘new every morning.’
His faithfulness is not just something we read about in Scripture; it’s something we can experience in our daily lives when we trust Him fully.
As we step into 2025, I believe the Lord is calling Mills Memorial Baptist Church to walk in that same faith, expecting His strength for today and His hope for tomorrow.
The strength we need for today doesn’t come from our resources but from God’s endless supply.
So Let’s look at how we can build that…
I. Strength for Today: Building a Firm Foundation
I. Strength for Today: Building a Firm Foundation
If we are are going to have Strength for Today we are going to have to build a firm foundation.
This means we as individuals and as a church are going to have to see…
A. Spiritual Growth Through Daily Devotion
A. Spiritual Growth Through Daily Devotion
If we desire God’s strength for today, we must first meet with Him every day.
This year, I want to encourage our entire church to follow the M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan.
If you have your own Bible plan, that is fine…go ahead and read that.
But I would love to encourage everyone else to follow along with us.
if you mess up, don’t worry, just start back where you are!
Maybe you can go back and catch up some of the missed days later.
The plan will take us through the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice over the course of the year.
If you will go to our website,
Register or sign into the website
You can check your email settings, by clicking edit person next to your name and making sure your email address is correct,
Also check to see if you have a checkmark next to “To receive new Bible Reading notes by email”, and we will email you a reading for each day of the year.
We are also be rolling out a church app that you will be able to download.
Once you sign into the app, you will have a
digital directory,
a bible reading plan,
access to past sermons, and much more.
But, Scripture reading isn’t good enough by itself, we must recommit to daily prayer.
This year, I want to emphasize the importance of personal devotion and provide reminders throughout the year to encourage us all to stay faithful in seeking the Lord.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:17
17 Pray without ceasing.
Prayer is not just a response to difficulty—it is the very lifeline of the Christian.
It is the connection between us and God.
Martin Luther once said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”
Luther knew that strength for the day’s work comes from time spent with the Lord.
When we prioritize communing with God, we find strength that the world cannot give us.
Commit to setting aside 15 minutes each day for Scripture reading and prayer.
Keep a journal to record how God answers prayers and provides for your needs.
Let us be a church that seeks strength for today by starting every morning at the feet of our Savior.
Our personal walk with God builds the foundation of our faith, but the church flourishes when we disciple and invest in each other.
Spiritual growth is never meant to happen in isolation.
As we grow in Christ, we must help others do the same—building not just individuals, but the entire body of Christ.
B. Discipleship for All Ages
B. Discipleship for All Ages
A strong church is one where every member is continually growing in their knowledge of Christ.
This year, we will continue in our teaching every age in our Sunday School classes.
I want to encourage all of you to make Sunday School a priority this year.
Please join me in praying that God will raise up someone to lead a young adults class, whether on Sunday mornings or evenings.
We have the curriculum, but we need someone with a heart to love and invest in these young men and women during this crucial stage of life.
On Wednesday nights, we will complete our verse-by-verse study through the book of Hebrews.
I believe this deep dive into God’s Word will anchor us further in our faith.
But, once we finish Hebrews, I am excited to announce a new series—90 sermons focusing on the character traits of Christ.
Each week, we will highlight an aspect of Jesus’ character—His humility, compassion, patience, and love.
The goal is not just to know more about Christ but to become more like Him and how to implement these character traits in your own lives.
For our children, I would like to launch a discipleship course for those who accept Christ and are baptized as a step toward church membership.
This course will help young believers understand what it means to walk with Jesus and grow in their new faith.
Pray for us as we find just the right teacher to teach this class for approximately 12-13 weeks every couple of years.
In the ancient world, apprentices learned by spending time with their masters.
The closer they walked with their teacher, the more they became like them.
In the same way, Jesus invites us to learn from Him:
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Our goal as a church is to help every member—young and old—walk closely with Christ, learning from Him and reflecting His character.
I want to challenge you to attend Sunday School and midweek services regularly.
Encourage our church’s children and youth to participate in this discipleship course once we get it started.
Engage in personal Bible study beyond church services.
Discipleship calls us to walk alongside others, not only in teaching but in love and care.
True discipleship leads to compassion—bearing one another’s burdens and reflecting Christ’s love in action.
This brings us to the next focus—caring for those within our church family.
C. Caring for One Another
C. Caring for One Another
One of the greatest marks of a Christ-centered church is how we care for one another.
The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:2
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
This year, I believe the Lord is leading us to strengthen our care ministry by developing a Pastoral Ministry Helpers Program.
This program will focus on providing care for our shut-ins, widows, and those in need of regular pastoral visits.
While I strive to visit and encourage those who are unable to attend church regularly, I know that involving more of our church family in this ministry will allow us to extend the love and compassion of Christ even further.
James 1:27 reminds us,
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
This is not just a call to pastors—it’s a call to the church.
I once heard the story of a small church that made a habit of assigning members to visit shut-ins each week.
One elderly woman, who rarely spoke during these visits, later wrote a note to the pastor.
She said, “You didn’t have to say much. Just knowing the church remembered me was enough to brighten my day.”
Never underestimate the ministry of your presence.
A simple visit, a phone call, or a handwritten note can reflect the love of Christ in powerful ways.
This ministry will not replace pastoral visits but will enhance them by expanding our church’s reach.
I’d like to invite those who may not be physically able to serve in other capacities to join in this effort — perhaps through phone calls, personal visits, or writing letters.
You can make phone calls, you can stop by and visit with someone.
You can go out to dinner, or invite someone over for dinner.
Please pray about whether you would be interested in being a part of this ministry.
In the coming months, I will be training volunteers to become part of this ministry.
I invite you to pray about whether God is calling you to be part of this effort.
If we are to find strength for today, it will come not only from personal devotion but from the love we share within the body of Christ.
A church that cares well for its own members becomes a beacon of hope to the community around it.
The love we nurture within these walls is meant to overflow into our neighborhoods, our workplaces, and our town.
As we experience God’s strength today, we are called to extend bright hope for tomorrow to those outside our church walls.
II. Bright Hope for Tomorrow: Advancing God’s Work
II. Bright Hope for Tomorrow: Advancing God’s Work
As we seek God’s strength for today, we also set our sights on the future, trusting Him for the work that lies ahead.
Our hope for tomorrow is rooted in the Great Commission—to take the gospel beyond our church walls and into our community.
This year, I believe the Lord is leading us to step out in faith with new outreach efforts and community engagement.
A. Reaching the Community
A. Reaching the Community
One exciting opportunity before us is the
1. Mayville Sunflower Festival
1. Mayville Sunflower Festival
This July, I would love to see Mills Memorial Baptist Church host a Prayer and Encouragement Tent alongside a Free Refreshments Stand.
I envision us setting up a booth with water or lemonade in a high-traffic area.
We’ll also offer a space for prayer—simple, heartfelt, and sincere.
It’s not about fancy words but about being present and showing Christ’s love.
Maybe even have a box where they can put in some prayer requests that we can bring before the church to pray for them that week.
This is more than just handing out water or lemonade.
It is an opportunity to engage with our neighbors, offer prayer, and share the hope of the gospel.
This is something that anyone can do.
We are not looking for flowery prayers, we are looking for sincere people that can love people and talk to God about their needs.
Some may come for refreshments, but leave having received something much greater—the love of Christ.
Colossians 4:5-6 reminds us:
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Our words and actions at events like these can point others to the Savior.
A pastor once shared how his church set up a simple booth at a local fair.
One woman came by, asking for prayer.
She had no intention of attending the church but was deeply touched by the kindness she received.
Months later, she showed up at the church door, saying, “I’ve been searching for that kind of love ever since.”
She eventually gave her life to Christ.
Our efforts at the Sunflower Festival may seem small, but God can multiply them in ways we may never see immediately.
We will need volunteers to staff the Prayer and Encouragement Tent, ready to pray with those in need.
Others can serve at the refreshment stand, offering cold drinks and warm smiles.
Even if you can’t attend, you can help by praying for the outreach effort.
I believe that as we step forward in faith, God will bring fruit from our labor.
Even before the Sunflower Festival, another significant outreach event is:
2. Vacation Bible School – True North
2. Vacation Bible School – True North
This year’s theme, “True North”, will lead children to discover that Jesus is our steady guide.
VBS is one of the most fruitful times of the year in terms of reaching young people and their families.
VBS has always been a key opportunity for us to reach children and families with the gospel.
The “True North” VBS, program is designed to lead children on a journey to discover that Jesus is the unchanging guide in life’s uncertainties.
The theme, “True North,” emphasizes trusting Christ as our compass, rooted in the truth of John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Through interactive lessons, music, and activities, children will not only hear about Jesus but experience His love in a meaningful way.
This last year we had close to 70 in attendance, I would love to see us hit 75 consistently.
I’ve heard testimonies from our community that we put on one of the best VBS’s in our whole area.
That is thrilling to hear!
I recall hearing about a young boy who attended VBS for the first time.
He came from a broken home and knew little about God.
By the end of the week, he gave his life to Christ.
Years later, he grew into a faithful servant in that same church.
VBS plants seeds that may grow for years to come.
We may not see the full harvest immediately, but our faithfulness in ministering to children can lead to eternal fruit.
We will need volunteers to teach, lead groups, assist with crafts, and help coordinate the week.
Start praying now for the children who will attend, that their hearts would be tender to the gospel.
Consider inviting families from your neighborhood to register their children as time grows closer.
While outreach fulfills the Great Commission, fellowship strengthens the Great Commandment—to love one another.
A thriving church must balance reaching out with drawing together, and fellowship is the glue that binds us closer as we serve God side by side.
Let me share how God is leading us to deepen our bonds as a church family.
B. Strengthening Fellowship
B. Strengthening Fellowship
While outreach is essential, the health of our church family depends on the strength of our fellowship. Acts 2:42 gives us a beautiful picture of the early church:
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
This year, I believe God is leading us to cultivate a deeper sense of unity by establishing
1. Monthly Fellowship Events
1. Monthly Fellowship Events
Whether it be potlucks, game nights, or outdoor gatherings, these times will allow us to encourage one another, build relationships, and strengthen the bonds of our church family.
A pastor once described fellowship as "the cement that holds the bricks of the church together."
Just as bricks alone cannot form a strong wall, individual believers cannot thrive without meaningful connection to one another.
The early church understood this, and as a result, they “had all things common” (Acts 2:44).
Fellowship is not just an opportunity to socialize—it is a vital part of our spiritual growth.
It reminds us that we are not alone and that we are part of a family that walks alongside us.
I encourage each family to participate in these times together.
These gatherings are opportunities to connect with others—serve, bring food, and simply enjoy fellowship as we strengthen the bonds of our church family.
Whether these events are potlucks or fifth Sunday Sings, or other fellowships, try to be involved.
A healthy church not only invests in people but also in the tools and spaces God has given us to carry out His work.
As we build relationships and strengthen our mission efforts, we must also steward the facilities and technology that enable us to minister effectively.
Let me share my vision for supporting missionaries in the coming year.
2. Expanding Our Missions Reach
2. Expanding Our Missions Reach
Missions is at the very heart of God’s work.
Christ’s final command to His disciples was to
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
This year, we will take a step forward by supporting one or two new missionaries for full-time partnership.
I believe God has placed this burden on my heart for a few years now.
By stepping out in faith, we can trust Him to supply the needs of our missionaries and the fields they serve.
William Carey, the father of modern missions, once said, “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”
Carey left the comforts of England for India, facing incredible challenges but trusting that the gospel would bear fruit.
His perseverance eventually led to countless lives being transformed.
Our support of missions may not always yield immediate results, but it invests in eternal returns.
Commit to Pray for our current missionaries and the new ones we will take on this year.
Commit to faithfully giving to the church so that we can support these missionaries.
Look for ways to personally encourage the missionaries we support, whether through letters, emails, or special offerings.
As we support missions abroad, we must also steward the resources God has given us here at home.
There are practical needs within our church facilities that, once addressed, will better equip us for worship, outreach, and ministry.
Let me outline some of the projects we hope to accomplish this year.
C. Church Facilities and Technology
C. Church Facilities and Technology
As we seek to grow spiritually and expand our outreach, we must also be mindful of the practical needs of our church building and the tools we use to minister effectively.
Stewardship of our facilities is part of honoring God with what He has entrusted to us.
Nehemiah 4:6 says,
6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
Nehemiah’s example reminds us that God’s work often involves rolling up our sleeves and attending to physical needs as well as spiritual ones.
1. Facility Improvements
1. Facility Improvements
This year, I would love to see us address several facility projects to improve the church and prepare for future growth:
Remodeling the downstairs bathrooms.
As the Lord provides, I would like to see us make those bathrooms more inviting and accessible.
Addressing water drainage issues near the entryway.
We are looking at options to reroute the water drainage…I would love to see that move forward this year.
Replacing the plexiglass on our stained glass windows—a $3,000 project.
Mounting a projector and running wiring to the PA booth.
Installing speakers in the church lobby to improve audio accessibility.
These projects are not just cosmetic; they are essential for providing a welcoming, safe, and functional space for worship and ministry.
Someone once said, “A church that does not look beyond its own generation is already dead.”
When we invest in the maintenance and improvement of our facilities, we are not only caring for the present congregation but preparing for the generations that will follow.
Pray for God’s provision as we step forward in these projects.
Consider how you might give toward the repairs and remodel projects
Volunteer to assist with hands-on projects as they arise.
If you have gifts in some of these skills and volunteer your labor, it wold truly help our church.
2. Technology and Media
2. Technology and Media
In addition to physical improvements, I would like to see us enhance our livestream capabilities and online outreach.
Live streaming allows us to reach those who cannot attend in person, while a stronger social media presence helps us connect with the broader community.
Romans 10:14 asks,
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
In today’s world, the digital space is one of the most effective pulpits for sharing the gospel.
Goals for Technology and Media:
Upgrade our livestream quality as the Lord provides the funds.
Develop a social media calendar to post regularly and engage with the community.
Increase visibility on platforms like Facebook and YouTube to share sermons, events, and updates.
Much like our own story there was A small church in a rural community began streaming their services during the pandemic.
To their surprise, people from different states—and even other countries—began tuning in.
One viewer commented, “I haven’t been to church in years, but these services have brought me back to the Lord.”
Sometimes, the seeds we plant online can bear fruit far beyond what we can see.
In the last 90 days we have seen 171 unique viewers on our Youtube channel, and 55 returning viewers.
In the last 90 days our content has been viewed 1,800 times on facebook and we have seen visitors from all over Michigan, and even other countries like India, Brazil, Canada, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia Kenya, Nigeria and the Philippines.
Pray for God’s direction and provision for technology upgrades.
Share church posts and livestreams to help extend our reach.
Consider volunteering to assist with media and technology needs.
As we reflect on these goals—spiritual growth, outreach, fellowship, missions, and facility improvements—I am reminded that no vision can succeed without the unified effort of God’s people.
We are the body of Christ, and each of us plays a part in building His kingdom.
Let’s now consider our role in the vision for 2025.
III. Our Role in God’s Vision
III. Our Role in God’s Vision
As we stand at the start of this new year, I am reminded that the work before us is not mine alone—it belongs to all of us.
1 Corinthians 12:12 says,
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Each of us has a role in this vision.
Commit to Daily Growth:
Join the M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan and dedicate time to prayer.
Get Involved:
Volunteer for VBS, the Sunflower Festival, or the Pastoral Helpers Ministry.
Give and Serve:
Pray about how you can contribute to the facility projects, missions, or media ministry.
We cannot do this alone, but with God’s strength and unity, we will see His faithfulness in 2025.
Conclusion
Conclusion
As we press forward, let us remember:
22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Let 2025 be the year we fully embrace God’s strength for today and walk confidently in the bright hope He offers for tomorrow.
Closing Hymn: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
