26 Jul “7 Letters”| Part Six- ‘The Sleeping Church’
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
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==>>MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
NEW ENGLAND: SEPTEMBER 19, WORSHIP UNDER THE STARS AT ROGER WILLIAMS PARK
APOLLO BEACH: OCTOBER 7, BAPTISMS AT BAHIA BEACH.
ALL LOCATIONS: AUGUST 3 – PRAYER AND FASTING NEXT SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING (NE) AND WEDNESDAY MORNING (AB) – REMINDER NO GROUPS NEXT WEEK!
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ONLY 5 WEEKS LEFT TO REGISTER FOR OUR WATERS ACADEMY GOLF TOURNAMENT!
PLEASE CONSIDER SPONSORING THIS TOURNAMENT! WE WOULD LIKE TO START MAKING THE BANNERS AND TEE BOX SIGNS ASAP! IF YOU HAVE A BUSINESS OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR, PLEASE SHARE THE LINK BELOW. THANK YOU.
NEW ENGLAND — GET READY!
Join us for our Second Annual Waters Academy Golf Tournament!
We invite you to be part of this exciting event by registering to play or becoming a sponsor. Your participation helps us continue to grow and build Waters Academy!
Click the links below to get involved:
Please consider supporting our tournament by donating a themed raffle basket, raffle items, gift cards, products, services, or a monetary contribution. Your generosity helps make this event a success and directly benefits the students of Waters Academy.
To contribute, please contact Mary Ann Parsons at maparsons@waterschurch.org or Renee Scafidi at renee@watersacademy.org.
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NEW —>>>
CHECK OUR EVENTS PAGE FOR OUR SINGLES MINISTRY – WATERS AFTER HOURS!
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WATERS UNIVERSITY
*** PLEASE NOTE: ALPHA IS DONE FOR THE SUMMER***
We’re looking to grow healthy Christians at Waters Church…spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, and relationally — that is the mission of Waters University.
Alpha is a welcoming, conversation‑driven introduction to the Christian faith where anyone (new & non-believers) can explore life’s big questions in a relaxed, judgment‑free environment.
Re‑Engage Christ‑centered marriage enrichment
Financial Peace University : Achieve financial stability with God
Celebrate Recovery Overcome hurts and habits
We’re looking for Life Groups and/or individuals to provide or donate meals for upcoming Alpha classes at the North Attleboro, Woonsocket, Southcoast, and Apollo Beach campuses. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
Go to the Waters Events page or click the link below for more information on classes, Alpha meal prep, and to register for both.
WATERS U (https://watersu.org/)
Please note: Life Groups that generously provide or sponsor a meal for Alpha are deeply appreciated. To help create a safe and consistent environment where guests feel comfortable opening up, we kindly ask that groups serve the meal and then allow the Alpha team and registered participants to continue the class and discussion.
Thank you!
Waters Class Schedule:
- Growth Track – Check the schedule and register on the events page.
- 4th Sunday: Baptism Class – after every service
Waters Help: Need marriage and family care, or have a group member who does? Click here: help resources page or visit waterschurch.org/help
Location Text Alerts:
| North Attleboro | Text “subscribe” to 508 695-1300 | |
| Norwood | Text “subscribe” to 781 762-3357 | |
| Apollo Beach | Text “subscribe” to 813 642-6979 | |
| Woonsocket | Text “subscribe” to 833 241-4837 | |
| Southcoast | Text “subscribe” to 508 809-3490 | |
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
PLEASE CHECK YOUR NOTIFICATIONS AND OR YOUR PLANNING CENTER PROFILES FOR NEW MEMBER REQUESTS.
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SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER AND 6:00 AM WORSHIP ON PAUSE THROUGH THE SUMMER.
NOTE:
Two opportunities to pray:
Leaders only: Please be available at the end of services to pray for those who come forward. If you are not actively serving during the service you are attending, make it a priority to head to the front when the invitation is given. Your presence matters!
North Attleboro Leaders and members: If you or any member of your group who currently serves is available, there is an opportunity to meet for prayer in the conference room off the break room during the second and third services. Please see Doug and Joanie White or Felix Shyllon if you would like to be a part of that ministry.
Please note: if you have a member who is not currently serving and would like to be part of the prayer during the service team, please have them take the appropriate steps to become a serve team member.
NORTH ATTLEBORO
Prayer at the Altar – AFTER SERVICES
If possible, please make an effort to be at the altar after this service to pray for others.
Your presence makes a difference—thank you for serving!
**Please read all scripture in the ESV, unless otherwise noted.**
**The Leader prompts help you, as the leader, move the conversation along.**
Key Verse: Revelation 3
Ice Breaker:
If your life had a warning label, what would it say?
Opening Prayer
Lord, thank You for bringing us together. Open our hearts to Your Word and show us where we may have become spiritually comfortable or distracted. Awaken us to Your cause, remind us of our mission, and prepare us to serve others with the love of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Revelation 3:1 ESV
There are three kinds of people in every Church: Alive, sleeping, or dead.
The Church of Sardis’ problem is unique from the other Churches; they were asleep and no longer active.
A church falls asleep when it trusts yesterday’s REPUTATION more than today’s RELATIONSHIP with Christ.
- Sleeping Churches seek COMFORT over CAUSE.
Comfort often leads to sleep.
Revelation 3:2 ESV
Comfort does not mean cozy. It means to come along with strength. He wants to make you strong for the job He has for you to do.
COMFORT = “Com” – “WITH”, + “Fort” – “STRENGTH”.
If you want to run far for Christ, don’t ask for comfort as in coziness.
We pray God to make things EASIER; God wants to make us STRONGER for His CAUSE.
Question:
Where have you become comfortable in your faith instead of pursuing the cause of Christ? (Prayer, attending service weekly, sharing the Gospel, serving, etc.).
Leader Prompt:
Comfort becomes dangerous when it keeps us from obeying Jesus.
Practical Application:
Take one step of obedience this week outside your comfort zone.
2. Sleeping Churches FORGET they are a MISSION, not a MONUMENT.
Monument speaks of what was; mission speaks of what is.
Revelation 3:3a ESV
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 ESV
As Christians, we are brothers and sisters in the faith. Since we heard and received the Gospel, we are ambassadors for Christ.
We have purpose; purpose keeps us alive!
Q. How can a church become more focused on preserving the past than fulfilling its mission? How can we, as the Church, prevent that from happening?
Leader Prompt:
Jesus calls the church to reach people, not simply protect traditions.
Practical Application:
Do one thing this week that helps someone take a step toward Christ.
3. Sleeping Churches look to be SERVED rather than TO SERVE.
Revelation 3:3b ESV; Revelation 3:4-5 ESV
Matthew 24:42–43 ESV
Stay awake. We have no idea what hour Jesus will come.
Question:
If Jesus returned today, would He find you actively serving—or simply waiting to be served? Where has comfort or convenience kept you from serving others?
Leader Prompt:
Spiritually awake believers look for opportunities to serve others.
Practical Application:
Choose one person to serve intentionally this week.
Closing Prayer
Lord, help us not to live on yesterday’s faith or reputation. Keep us awake, obedient, and focused on Your mission. Give us courage to step outside our comfort zones, eyes to see people who need You, and willing hearts ready to serve. Use us this week to share the hope of the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Sermon in a sentence:
The Lord is looking for a Church committed to His CAUSE, awake to His MISSION and ready to SERVE His Gospel message.
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