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This Sunday At Aldersgate
Guest Sermon from Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos, MDIV ICF CDC, Director of Hispanic/Latinx Ministries, Office of Connectional Ministries, Pacific Northwest Conference
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Rev. Santos is an ordained elder from the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. He holds a number of professional certifications in coaching, counseling, and graphic design. Additionally, he has received training in Module 1-2 of the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries (UMC) and Clinical Pastoral Education.
Previously, Rev. Santos served as Director of Hispanic/Latino Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship (2006-2009) and the Florida Conference (2001-2005). While serving the latter, he was an instrumental part of the growth of its Hispanic/Latino Ministries with the number of Hispanic/Latino missions and churches doubling during his time there. In addition to this work, Santos has pastored a number of United Methodist churches in Florida, Illinois, and Puerto Rico and most recently served as chaplain for VITAS Healthcare of Central Florida.
Sermon Summary
Grounded in the Parable of the Wedding Banquet and highlighted during Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, this message emphasizes that God's grace continually expands the table to include everyone. Rather than waiting for others to arrive, the Church is called to actively enter the community, embrace diverse cultures and languages, build authentic relationships, and extend radical hospitality. Ultimately, believers are challenged to mirror Christ's inclusive love today by intentionally making room and standing with their neighbors.
“Then Jesus spoke to them again in parables. He said, “The Kindom of heaven is like this: there was a ruler who prepared a feast for the wedding of the family’s heir; but when the ruler sent our workers to summon the invited guests, they wouldn’t come. The ruler sent other workers, telling them to say to the guests, ‘I have prepared this feast for you., My oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding.’ But they took no notice; one went off to his farm, another to her business, and the rest seized the workers, attacked them brutally and killed them. the ruler was furious and dispatched troops who destroyed those murderers and burned their town.
Then the ruler said to the workers, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but the guests I invited don’t deserve the honor. Go out to the crossroads in the town and invite everyone you can find.’ The workers went out into the streets and collected everyone they met, good and bad alike, until the hall was filled with guests.
The ruler, however, come in to see the company at table, and noticed one gheust who was not dressed for a wedding. ‘My friend,’ said the ruler, ‘why are you here without a wedding garment?’ But the guest was silent. Then the ruler said to the attendants, ‘Bind this guest hand and foot, and throw the individual out into the darkness, wehre there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
“Many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:1–14 (Inclusive Bible)
Weekly Scripture
“God called the expanse “Sky”. Evening came, and morning followed - the second day.
Then God said, “Waters under the sky: be gathered into one place! Dry ground: appear!” So it was.”
Genesis 1:8-9 (Inclusive Bible)
“The angel then showed me the river of life-giving water, clear as crystal, which issued from the throne of God and the Lamb, and flowed down the middle of the streets. On either side of the river grew the trees of life which produced fruit twelve times a year, once each month; their leaves serve as medicine to heal the nations.”
Revelation 22:1-2 (Inclusive Bible)
Next Week: "", Matthew 25.35-40; John 15.12-13
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Regular Sunday Schedule
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Sunday School is on Summer Break. Children's Sunday School will resume on Sunday, September 13th
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9:30 AM - Online Fellowship via Google Meet (please email the office for the link)
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10:00 AM - Worship Service Online via Facebook Live, and In-Person
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11:00 AM - Coffee Hour after service in Friendship Hall
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Youth Group is on hold for Summer Break, it will resume in September
*Childcare is available during service
