06-14-2026 🎙️
Homecoming Sunday
"Remembering the Faithful, Rejoicing in the Hope"
Scripture
***As we drove in this morning, I was looking at our cemetery and headstones of our church. Many generations have gone on before us.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders... and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus."
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Introduction
Today is Homecoming Sunday.
Homecoming is a special time in the life of a church. It is a day of reunion, remembrance, celebration, and thanksgiving. We gather to thank God for His faithfulness through the years. We reconnect with friends and family.
We remember the history of this church and the people who helped build it.
Yet this Homecoming is also different.
As we celebrate God's blessings, we pause to remember beloved members of our church family who have gone home to be with the Lord during the past year.
Their seats may be empty today, but their influence remains.
Their voices may be silent, but their testimony still speaks.
Their work here is finished, but their reward is eternal.
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I. We Celebrate the Legacy They Left Behind
Every church stands on the shoulders of faithful men and women who came before us.
Some taught Sunday School.
Some sang in the choir.
Some served on committees.
Some worked quietly behind the scenes.
Some prayed faithfully for this church every day.
Some just showed up
Some just supported from afar and unconventional ways.
Their names may never appear in history books, but they are written in the Book of Life.
Paul wrote:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
— 2 Timothy 4:7
The members and supporters we honored today finished their race.
They remained faithful through joy and sorrows, victories and challenges.
Their legacy lives on through:
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the ministries they supported,
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the families they nurtured,
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the lives they touched,
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and the faith they demonstrated.
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II. We Grieve, But Not Without Hope
Loss is real.
When church members and supporters pass away, we feel their absence deeply.
We miss their smiles.
We miss their fellowship.
We miss hearing their stories and seeing them in worship.
Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus.
Grief is not a sign of weak faith.
Grief is evidence of DEEP, DEEP love. We grieve as Christians because we Love Deeper
But as Christians, our grief is different.
Paul reminds us:
"We do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope."
— 1 Thessalonians 4:13
Because of Jesus Christ, death does not have the final word.
The grave is not the end.
For the believer, death is not goodbye forever.
It is simply "see you later."
(YOU AND I WILL NEVER KNOW A PERSON’S HEART)
III. Homecoming Reminds Us of Our Heavenly Home
When we think about homecoming, we often think about returning to a familiar place.
A place of comfort.
A place where we belong.
The Bible teaches that every Christian is journeying toward an even greater homecoming.
Jesus said:
"In my Father's house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you."
— John 14:2
The members we remember today have experienced the ultimate Homecoming.
They have entered the presence of their Savior.
They have heard the words:
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
What a glorious reunion that must be.
No more sickness.
No more pain.
No more tears.
No more suffering.
Only joy in the presence of God.
The question is:
"What will we do with the legacy they left us?"
Will we continue their commitment?
Will we continue their service?
Will we continue their witness?
Conclusion
Today we celebrate Homecoming.
We thank God for this church.
We thank God for its history.
We thank God for every faithful member who helped make this congregation what it is today.
And we especially remember those who have gone home to be with the Lord during this past year.
We honor their lives.
We cherish their memories.
We thank God for their faithfulness.
But most importantly, we rejoice in the hope of Jesus Christ.
Because one day there will be another Homecoming.
A heavenly Homecoming.
A gathering around the throne of God.
A reunion where no one will ever say goodbye again.
Until that day, may we remain faithful.
May we continue the work.
May we keep our eyes on Jesus.(The Author and Finisher of Our Faith)
And may we live in such a way that when our race is finished, we too will hear:
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Amen.
Bottom of Form
ALL OF THIS START WITH BECOMING A CHRISTIAN
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I realize that everyone is comfortable with a public profession of faith in Jesus. If you want the opportunity for salvation is a small intimate environment
Reach out to us by calling of texting 336-338-8037 or southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ and to be a part of a loving community of people (THAT AREN’T PERFECT) But will Love you
Say this prayer with me
Jesus,
I know that I need You.
I believe You died for my sins
and rose again to give me new life.
Today, I turn from my old ways
and give my life fully to You.
Please forgive me of my sins,
change me,………and lead me ……from this day forward.
I trust You as my Savior,
Thank You for loving me and saving me.
Amen.
If you said this prayer and truly believe it in your heart, we believe that you are a Christian.
Luke 15:10
10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Reach out to us 336-338-8037 southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
Invite someone to come with you here.