Wk 23 - Building Up - Collaboration

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Dedicate Sully Titus Miller

work day tomorrow!

New baby for Devon and Joules:

Damien Wayne Bell

Date: May 1st

Time: 9:31 pm

Weight: 7 Pounds

Length: 20 Inches

Born at 38 weeks + 1 day (2 weeks early)

*CHURCH UPDATES: Digital and paper connect Card

sangamonvalley.net/ConnectCard and paper connect Card

Text keyword “prayer” to 217-583-1112 for prayer

Giving: box, web, app, mail

DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our Church Family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

We are reaching out to our friends, family, and neighbors as the body of Christ.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review: Acts of care begin the ripple effect of connection, collaboration, and celebration.

WHY?…

TODAY: Building Up - Collaboration

Opening Scripture:

2 Corinthians 13:10–13 “10 For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. 11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you.”

Henry Ford: Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.

• Collaboration - Promoting collaboration is essential for fostering a culture of teamwork, creativity, and shared achievement within a local church, communities, and diverse settings. It encourages the pooling of resources, talents, and ideas to address complex challenges and achieve meaningful impact.

6 EXAMPLES OF COLLABORATION:

1. Shared Vision and Goals

Articulating a clear vision and common goals that align with the ministry or faith community and encouraging individuals to work together towards these objectives.

Our Mission, Vision, and Goals are not based on maintaining mere human traditions!

Human Traditions vs. Biblical Truths

Mission: Following Jesus & Reaching Out

Declaration - Overall vision

Goals - “Making Room For More”

2. Open Communication

Fostering an environment of open, transparent communication where ideas, feedback, and information can be freely exchanged among collaborators.

Do you just want to share your ideas?

Do you listen for others?

3. Teamwork and Interdependence

Emphasizing the value of the team and the understanding that the success of one individual or group is interconnected with the success of others.

Do you prefer watching individual sports (golf) or team sports (football)?

Do you prefer to work alone or with others?

Regardless of preference, Do you see how you are interconnected to others?

4. Respect for Diverse Perspectives

Appreciating and valuing the diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives of individuals, and creating a space for inclusive decision making and problem solving.

Does your perspective allow for others to be different?

5. Synergy and Innovation

Encouraging the blending of diverse talents and ideas to generate innovative solutions and approaches that may not have been achieved by individuals working in isolation.

Do you seek out alternative approaches?

6. Mutual Accountability

Holding individuals and groups accountable for their commitments and contributions to the collaborative process, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for shared outcomes.

Does it all really “rise and fall” on the leader?

Examples of how we apply collaboration at SVCC:

- Elders, Council, Team Leaders

- Remodeling old buildings, takes team work!

- Community groups often collaborate on activities

Examples of how to apply collaboration in your life:

- Family “meetings”

- Team sports

- Serving (church, civic orgs)

Conclusion/Reflection:

The Bible often emphasizes the importance of unity and working together for a common goal. For example, in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, it says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up... Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Are you a contributing member of the team?