WELCOME
Communion Worship Service
Good morning First Baptist. We welcome you to worship this morning. Be sure to remember your brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the week as you pray for them, and as the Holy Spirit brings their faces to your mind. Be sure to also connect with them in the ways that are possible. And if you have any questions or would like to talk to someone, please don’t hesitate to contact the church through the church telephone and leave a message. (519-733-4144)
Songs
Call to Worship
Praise be to God who has freed us from oppression. Praise be to God who has healed our wounded souls! Let our hearts rejoice at God’s redeeming love. Let our voices raise in songs of thanksgiving for all that God is doing for us. Come, let us worship the Lord with our whole hearts! May our praise and voices resound with joy! AMEN.
Songs
Prayer
CONFESSION:
Father,
For missed opportunities, forgive us.
For hasty words and voices raised, forgive us.
For selfishness and all that hurts, forgive us
For poor harvest from love that’s sown, forgive us.
Revive us, restore us and teach us your way, that we might walk in it day by day.
Amen
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Reach out! Stretch your Spirits! God’s love has freed you from oppression and fear! You have been made whole in God’s eternal love. AMEN.
Set Free: Journey Through Galatians
Carry Each Other’s Burdens
Today's Message: Pastor Marlee Page
We are beginning the end of our time together in this wonderful letter of Paul’s to the church in Galatia. All throughout his letter to the Galatians, Paul has been making one thing clear: we are saved by faith in Jesus, not by following religious rules. We’ve seen that at times he gets pretty frustrated with the Galatians because they’ve been listening to false teachers who say they need to follow the Jewish law—like getting circumcised—to really belong to God. And so, Paul pushes back hard, reminding them that Jesus set them free. They don’t have to earn God’s love; they just have to trust in Him. He’s urged them to stop living by the flesh, chasing selfish desires, and instead to live by the Spirit, producing things like love, joy, and peace.
Now, in Chapter 6, Paul again gets practical. He talks about what it actually looks like to live this out in community. He tells believers to support and restore each other when someone messes up, to help carry each other’s burdens, and to not get tired of doing good. He warns that our choices have consequences. What we plant in our lives is what we’ll harvest later, but if we trust in Jesus, and the outpouring of our faith is evident in how we live our lives, especially in how we treat fellow believers, it’ll be worth it.
Paul ends the letter by bringing it all back to Jesus. What really matters isn’t religious rituals but becoming a new person through Christ. Galatians 6 gives us a picture of what a healthy, loving Christian community should look like: one where no one has to struggle alone, because we lift each other up.
Now, here’s why this is such a relevant message for each of us today, simply, life can be tough. We all carry burdens, whether they are personal struggles, family issues, health challenges, or the weight of disappointment, even the news cycle today can be a burden for some of us to carry and there are moments when the load feels overwhelming. In those times, we need people around us who are willing to help carry that weight.
In Galatians 6:2, Paul challenges us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” It’s not just a nice suggestion, it’s a command. As followers of Jesus, we are called to bear one another’s burdens, just as Christ carried our sin and shame to the cross.
So how do we do that practically, in a way that reflects Christ’s love? How can we walk alongside those who are struggling? Today, I want to show how we can live out this calling by sharing a few examples from our church’s Congregational Care program.
This Congregational Care Program is an incredible opportunity for us to live out our faith and be the hands and feet of Christ in tangible ways. It allows us to serve one another in practical, compassionate ways that make a real difference in people’s lives. The program is made up of four key areas where we can step in and offer help: Emergency – Crisis Care, Encouragement, Physical Support, and Counselling. Each of these areas plays a vital role in fostering a loving and supportive community within our church.
- Emergency – Crisis Care: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes we find ourselves in sudden and unexpected crises. The Emergency – Crisis Care Pod is designed to respond quickly to those in need during moments of urgent difficulty. Whether it’s a health emergency, the loss of a loved one, or an unforeseen disaster like a house fire, this team is ready to step in and provide immediate support. This could involve organizing financial assistance, providing temporary housing, delivering meals, or simply offering a listening ear in the midst of chaos. In times of crisis, the church has an important role to play in bringing comfort and stability. Through Crisis Care, we show the hands-on love of Christ to those who are hurting and remind them that God is present, even in the darkest moments.
- Encouragement: Sometimes, all someone needs is a kind word, a thoughtful message, or a prayer. The Encouragement Pod focuses on providing emotional and spiritual support. This could look like sending a handwritten note to someone who’s going through a difficult time, making a phone call to check in on someone who’s feeling isolated, or simply offering words of hope and affirmation. When we encourage one another, we build each other up in love and remind each other that we are not alone in our struggles. Encouragement can come in many forms, but its power to uplift and strengthen someone’s spirit cannot be underestimated. Just like Barnabas in the early church, who was known as the “Son of Encouragement,” we too can come alongside others and help them see God’s goodness, even in tough times.
- Physical Support: The Physical Support Pod is all about offering practical help to those who need it. This can range from providing meals to families dealing with illness or loss, running errands for someone who is homebound, or helping with childcare or household chores for those facing difficult situations. When we offer physical support, we are showing the love of Christ through action. Just as Jesus healed the sick and fed the hungry, we are called to meet people’s tangible needs. It’s not always easy to ask for help, but when we offer it freely and willingly, it strengthens the bonds of our church community and reminds us that we are here for one another, not just in the good times, but especially in the hard times.
- Counseling: The Counseling Pod offers a safe, confidential space for people to work through emotional or mental health struggles. Whether it’s grief, anxiety, depression, or relational issues, this ministry provides professional counseling and pastoral care. We all face challenges in life that can leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed, or broken, and having someone to talk to can be a crucial part of healing. In our Congregational Care program, our pastors are available to provide support, encouragement, and biblical wisdom. This care helps individuals find hope and healing in Christ and provides them with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges. Counseling within the church not only helps people process their pain but also offers them the opportunity to see how God can transform their struggles into steps toward growth and restoration.
Each of these four areas is a vital part of the church’s mission to love and care for its members. By participating in these ministries, we fulfill our calling to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, responding to one another’s needs with love, compassion, and service. Whether it’s stepping in during a crisis, offering a listening ear, meeting a practical need, or providing counselling where appropriate, these are all ways we can live out the gospel and bear one another’s burdens. As we do so, we become a reflection of Christ’s love and grace, making a lasting impact on the lives of those around us.
Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-10
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
Be Generous and Do Good
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Carrying Each Other’s Burdens (Galatians 6:2-5)
Paul tells us, “Carry each other’s burdens.” This isn’t just a spiritual idea—this is about action. It’s about showing up when life gets tough, offering a listening ear, and being present for one another.
In our Congregational Care program, one of the most common ways we do this is through Encouragement. Sometimes, all someone needs is a simple word of encouragement or a small gesture that says, “I see you, and I care.”
Take, for example, the Encouragement Pod. Whether it’s a card, a visit, a phone call, sometimes even a text message, these simple acts of love remind people that they’re not alone. We’ve seen people who were feeling isolated or down receive unexpected encouragement, and it’s made such a difference. When we step up and offer this kind of support, we’re living out the gospel in a very tangible way.
Think with me for a moment of the story of Ruth and Naomi, from the Old Testament, to understand what it means to bear one another’s burdens in practical ways. Naomi, after losing her husband and her sons, was devastated. She encouraged her daughters-in-law to return to their own families, but Ruth made a powerful decision. Despite the hardship Naomi was facing, Ruth chose to stay with her, saying, “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay.” (Ruth 1:16)
Ruth could have walked away and built a new life for herself, but instead, she chose to stay and support Naomi. Ruth’s decision wasn’t just about physical proximity—it was about emotional and spiritual proximity, real support in a time of deep loss for Naomi. By staying with Naomi, Ruth not only helped carry her burdens, but she also showed Naomi the love and loyalty that would ultimately restore hope in the midst of grief.
We are all called to be Ruth, we are called to show up for one another, especially when life gets hard. Whether it’s offering a word of encouragement, providing practical help, or just being present, we’re living out the law of Christ when we step in to carry each other’s burdens.
Carrying Each Other’s Burdens (Galatians 6:2-5)
Now look again at this command from Paul – “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (v.2). What is the law of Christ? Well, we’ve talked about this before. It is the law of love—loving our neighbours as ourselves. When we help one another, we reflect the heart of Jesus. Carrying another’s burden does not mean taking over their responsibilities, but it means walking alongside them, easing their struggles, and being present in times of need.
The Physical Support Pod lives out this command by providing meals, transportation, and home assistance for those in need. Whether it’s bringing a meal to a family in various times of need, providing transportation for someone undergoing medical treatments, or helping an member with home maintenance, this pod also ensures that no one in our church walks alone in their struggles.
At the same time, Paul also reminds us that each person should carry their own load (v.5). This means we are each responsible for our own spiritual growth while still supporting others in times of need. This balance is important—we offer assistance where it is needed but encourage self-sufficiency and resilience through spiritual and practical support.
Generosity Means Giving from What We Have
Paul encourages us to keep doing good, even when it’s tough. He reminds us that if we don’t give up, we’ll eventually see the rewards of our kindness. But that means stepping out in faith—helping others even when we’re tired, busy, or feel like we don’t have much to give – and I’m not necessarily referring to money here.
Helping people isn’t always easy or convenient. Sometimes it means putting our own plans on hold, going the extra mile, or making sacrifices. But as followers of Jesus, we’re called to love like He did. Jesus didn’t wait for the perfect time to serve others; He healed people when He was exhausted, fed crowds when He barely had enough food, and ultimately gave His life for us when we least deserved it.
A great example of helping when it’s inconvenient is when Barnabas supported Paul (Acts 9:26-28). After Paul’s dramatic conversion, many of the early Christians didn’t trust him. And honestly, who could blame them? He had been hunting down and persecuting believers. But Barnabas saw what God was doing in Paul’s life and was willing to step in when no one else would. He put his own reputation on the line, introduced Paul to the apostles, and vouched for him. Without Barnabas taking that risk, Paul might never have become the great leader and missionary we know today.
That’s the kind of love Paul is talking about. When we step up and help others, even when it’s inconvenient, we’re planting seeds of kindness that will grow into something bigger than we can imagine. We may not always see the impact right away, but God promises that our efforts won’t be wasted. So, let’s be people who don’t just walk by, let’s stop, help, and love like Jesus did.
In our Congregational Care Ministry, there are numerous ways to get involved and serve others. Whether it’s providing Physical Support by helping with household chores, running errands, or offering a meal to someone in need, or joining the Encourage team to help, each act of service matters. No contribution is too small. When we serve, we are participating in something much larger than ourselves—we are partnering with God in His work of restoring, healing, and encouraging His people.
For instance, some of you have generously given of your time to bring meals to families dealing with illness or grief. Others have offered transportation or helped with childcare. And some of you have stepped in during crises, whether it’s a medical emergency, or financial distress, offering immediate support when it was needed most. As I said, these acts of generosity reflect the heart of Jesus, who gave everything for us.
When we participate in the Congregational Care Ministry, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, showing His love and compassion in practical ways. Each act of service is a way of bearing one another’s burdens and living out the gospel. It might seem small in the moment, but it has eternal impact, both for the person receiving the care and for the one offering it.
Living Out the Gospel Means Taking Care of Our Own Community
In Galatians 6:10, Paul encourages us to “do good to everyone, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” This reminds us that while we are called to show kindness and compassion to everyone, there is a special responsibility we have toward our own community—the church. When we care for one another, we reflect the love and unity that Christ desires for His people.
Our Congregational Care Ministry is a beautiful expression of this principle. It’s where we intentionally prioritize the needs of our church family, walking alongside one another through times of hardship, joy, and everything in between. When one person is hurting, the whole body of Christ is called to step in and help bear the weight of that burden.
Paul’s closing words here in Chapter 6 challenge us to go beyond the surface-level interactions that can sometimes define a church community. It’s easy to smile at one another on a Sunday morning, but it takes intentional effort to step into each other’s struggles and be a source of support. When we care for each other, we show the world what it means to be the body of Christ. We demonstrate what real love looks like: sacrificial, humble, and selfless. This is the kind of love that brings healing and restoration, not just to individuals but to the whole community.
Application: Living Out the Gospel in Community
- Be intentional about helping others – Sign-up for one of our areas – specifically we are looking for those that might be able to help in the areas of encouragement and physical support. Look for opportunities to support those who are struggling, whether through encouragement, physical aid, counselling, or crisis response. Make it a point to reach out, listen, and act.
- Cultivate a spirit of generosity – Whether through time, resources, or encouragement, be willing to give. Generosity is not just about finances—it is about showing up for others in ways that truly make a difference.
- Be patient in doing good – Don’t get tired of helping others—God sees your efforts, and in the right time, you’ll see the results. Even when it feels discouraging or like no one notices, remember that every act of love and kindness is making a difference in God’s kingdom.
Carrying each other’s burdens is not just a suggestion; it is a command that reflects Christ’s love. But the ultimate example of burden-bearing was displayed by Jesus Himself. He took upon Himself the weight of our sin, carrying it to the cross so that we might be free. Just as we are called to lift one another up in times of trouble, Christ carried the heaviest burden of all—our separation from God.
Prayer
God, we come to You today with thankful hearts. Thank You for the amazing gift of Your Son, Jesus, who took on our burdens and carried our sins to the cross so we could have new life. We praise You for Your endless mercy, for the grace that heals, and for the love that never let’s go, even when we are at our lowest.
As we’ve shared in this meal, we ask You to strengthen our hearts and grow our faith. Help us be a reflection of Jesus in the world—lifting one another’s burdens, showing grace to those who are hurting, and offering hope to those who are struggling. May our church be a place where people find healing, encouragement, and new life.
We lift up those among us who are struggling—whether they are grieving, battling illness, facing financial struggles, or feeling lost and alone. May they feel Your presence and find comfort in this community of faith. Lord, open our eyes to see those who need help and give us the courage to step up and love them well.
We pray for our families, our community, and our world and its Leaders. In times when division and suffering are so widespread, make us agents of Your peace. Fill us with the compassion of Jesus so that we can love without strings attached, serve without hesitation, and give without expecting anything in return.
As we leave this table today, guide us to walk in Your truth and grace. May the sacrifice we’ve remembered today move us to live lives of love and service, reflecting the heart of Jesus in all we do. We pray this in His name, Amen.
Communion
What Jesus did is the ultimate expression Paul’s message in this part of Galatians.
The bread represents His body, broken for us—taking on all the pain, struggles, and burdens we could never carry on our own. The cup represents His blood, poured out to create a new covenant, wiping away our sins and restoring our relationship with God.
Communion isn’t just a ritual; it’s a reminder of what Jesus has done for us and an invitation, for you, to respond. As we take the bread and the cup, don’t only remember His love but also commit to sharing that love with others—in the way we care, serve, and walk alongside one another in community.
Scripture Reading: (Matthew 26:26-28)
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
The Bread: The bread represents the body of Christ, broken for us. It is a symbol of His willingness to take on our humanity, to experience suffering, and to bear the weight of our struggles. Just as physical bread sustains our bodies, Jesus—the Bread of Life—nourishes our souls and gives us strength. When we partake of the bread, we acknowledge that Christ’s sacrifice was not just for the world in general but for each of us personally. He was wounded so that we might be healed, broken so that we might be made whole.
Take the Bread Now
The Cup: The cup represents the blood of Christ, poured out for the forgiveness of our sins. In the Old Testament, the blood of sacrifices was necessary for atonement, but Jesus became the ultimate and final sacrifice. His blood signifies the new covenant—a promise of redemption, renewal, and eternal life. It cleanses us from sin and restores our relationship with God.
Just as wine is pressed from grapes, Jesus was crushed under the weight of sin so that we might be free. His sacrifice was the ultimate act of love and grace, making a way for us to be reconciled to God. As we drink, remember the depth of His love and His call for us to extend that love to others.
Take the Cup Now
Song
Benediction
Lord, as we go from this place, surround us with your peace and love, that we make take healing and hope to others in your holy name. Amen.