Luke 10:33-37 NIV
33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[a] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
REFERENCES: Matthew 25:35-40, Luke 10: 25-30
You are the hiring manager and your boss tells you to not give the job to a person of color because he believes they will be irresponsible even though they are qualified. Do you follow your boss's order because you fear getting fired or do you stand up for your belief to advocate this socially unjust situation and risk your job?
Optional opening: You have ten dollars in your pocket and as you go to the store, you spot a homeless person begging for food, do you walk past him and pretend you didn’t see them or do you hand him the ten dollars you intended for yourself?
As believers, we are called to more than practicing our faith within the four walls of the church, we are called to be the church outside those walls. We represent God’s love by loving, helping, and valuing others. Our existence is an answer to the world’s social and racial problems, do you consider yourself a solution?
We have Church in buildings, but we can only be the Church in the world.
In order to make an impact in the world, we need to first realize there is a problem. We must realize the fact that social and racial injustices exist in our community. Next, we must no longer be blind to the problems but be intentional on how we create solutions by standing up for what we believe in as children of God.
To empathize is not simply to feel, but to do something because of what you feel towards the hurt of others. As children of God we are called to empathize with those who hurt and stand up for those who may not be able to speak up for themselves.
Jesus came to Earth, not just so we could be free from sin and live eternally, but to show us how to live here on Earth. We have been called to be answers to the issues going on in our world. You have been called, commissioned, and crafted to live an intentional life of empathy and love. To fear God and love people should be our priority.
This weekend we honored Juneteenth a recognized federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. This week, consider taking time to read an article about the full history, maybe attend a community event or participate in an activity at your workplace or school that helps to raise awareness of this historic event. Share your experience with the group.
In Pastor DawnCheré Wilkerson’s newly released book, Slow Burn, you are invited to see waiting not as punishment, but as a sacred process of transformation. Whether you're longing for healing, breakthrough, or change, this season is an invitation to draw closer to a faithful God. With honesty and hope, this book offers strength for your soul, helping you live fully right where you are, confident that even in the slow burn of faith, God is powerfully at work.
To order Slow Burn, please click here
On Wednesday, May 14th, all VOUSCon teams will gather large at VOUS SoMi for a time of worship and encouragement. When we break into team workshops, some will stay at SoMi while select teams head to the Watsco for on-site walkthroughs and details.
If you're not signed up to serve VOUSCon yet, this night is for you, too! Come learn more about what it looks like to help host thousands of leaders from around the world. Discover all of the ways you can serve at VOUSCon and get registered.
To RSVP for Team Night, please click here!
Where: VOUS SoMi
When: Wednesday, May 14th
Time: 7:00 PM
Address: 6767 Sunset Dr, Miami, FL, 33143
ILMC will be taking place Saturday, May 17th.
This month's spotlight initiative is on Foster Care. We will partner with organizations such as 4KIDS, One More Child, His House & Citrus Family network to support Foster Care Parents and children currently in foster care.
To get more information about serving opportunities, click here
On Sunday, May 18th, we are having baptisms on the beach in Key Biscayne! If you are interested in being baptized, please click here to sign up.
Where: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
When: Sunday, May 18th
Time: 8:30 AM
Address: 1200 S Crandon Blvd
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Pavilion #: C16 (near Lighthouse Compound)
VOUSternship (Ages 18-28) applications are open for FREE now through May 9th! This is your chance to jump into a summer of purpose, growth, and hands-on ministry experience. Spots are limited and we kick off in just a few weeks—don’t wait! Apply today and take your next step at vouscollege.com/apply!
Join us on the road to VOUSCon as we embark on a 40-day relay run through the state of Florida. From Jacksonville to Miami, runners from every region are invited to participate in carrying the good news. Our finish line? VOUSCon 2025. Led by a core VOUS team, we’ll link arms with partner churches along the way, spotlighting the body of Christ and championing the local church through weekly outreach initiatives.
Starting Line: Sunday, May 11
Finish Line: Thursday, June 19
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS DD
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 12:00 PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack