Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all Christians to love God and neighbor. On Laity Sunday (this year, October 17, 2021), we lift up the vocation of all to follow the way of Jesus and lead others to him – particularly as we remember the gift of those persons who loved us into leadership.

When we remember the faith of our spiritual mothers, grandmothers, sisters, sons, brothers, and fathers, we find our own hearts reignited “to serve and witness in deeds and words that heal and free” (BOD ¶ 128). This memory of grace crossing our paths directs us toward spiritual growth opportunities that can only spring from the authentic and consistent relationships with other people, especially those beyond our church walls. The origin stories and concrete situations of those wrestling with the deep longings of life—to see their families survive and flourish, to belong to a community of love, to discover a vocation that fulfills God’s deep purpose for them—these moments of thoughtful engagement turn into altar calls where disciples of Jesus not only share grace: listening love becomes the means to our own healing and wholeness on the journey of faith. This is relational discipleship. This is faithful life in Christ that shares in God’s mission and purpose for the world.

As we awaken to the voice of Christ calling us to believe and be healed, we discover that the call of God almost always comes from unexpected people and places, since they are the all-called, too. So we will rise up, remember grace, and recognize the fire of God’s gift has already been at work in every life. And through this awakening, memory, and the shared song of others, we will trust, heal, and see revival for a time such as this.

For resources visit: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/laity-sunday-2021-rise-up-and-revive-gods-gift#graphics