SERVICE NOTES
Watch Service: https://youtu.be/nhhYQMTHhVo 
Sermon Link: https://fayftbragg.manna.church/sermons/thanksgiving-focusing-your-feasts-of-the-lord-jonathan-fletcher/ 
Blog Post: https://faith.drtracie.com/post/thanksgiving2025 
Service Notebook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vYVpEUxJ3i7zlDLWwAFhvCCFvO9sNjqX1iUn-v_pPdI/edit?usp=sharing 

Thanksgiving | Focusing Your “Feasts of the Lord”
Jonathan Fletcher
November 26 & 30, 2025

Leviticus 23 (ESV)

Holidays exist to center our attention on God.

• We build traditions/feasts/rhythms to:

• Place God at the center of our lives in worship.
  Psalm 130 (ESV)

• Build a heritage and culture in our families and for our children.
  Exodus 13:14 (ESV)

• Demonstrate a testimony of God’s Redemption.
  Deuteronomy 16:14 (ESV)

Scripture 1: Leviticus 23 (ESV)

Scripture Text:
As Leviticus 23 is a lengthy chapter, here is a selected section that outlines the concept of the "Feasts of the Lord", focusing attention on God through set times and rhythms:

1. “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,

2. 'Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the Lord that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts.'"
   (leaving further specific verses available on request)

Meaning:
Leviticus 23 outlines God's command to Israel to observe certain festivals throughout the year. Each feast is a rhythm designed to center the community on God, setting apart regular times for sacred assembly, worship, and remembrance. These practices root a people’s life in gratitude, dependence, and worship, demonstrating that every season ultimately belongs to God.

Scripture 2: Psalm 130 (ESV)

Scripture Text:

1. “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!

2. O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

3. If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

4. But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

5. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;

6. my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

7. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.

8. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”

Meaning:
Psalm 130 is a cry for mercy and redemption. It roots God’s people in humble dependence on His forgiveness and love. Through remembered feasts and rhythms (like in Leviticus 23), families and congregations are taught to approach God with both reverence and hope, knowing He redeems, forgives, and constantly renews.

Scripture 3: Exodus 13:14 (ESV)

Scripture Text:
14. “And when in time to come your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you shall say to him, 'By a strong hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery.'”

Meaning:
God instructed that the stories and acts of redemption (like Israel's deliverance) be remembered and retold in families. Feasts and traditions in Israel were to build heritage and instill faith in future generations, forming a living testimony of God's redemption and faithfulness.

Scripture 4: Deuteronomy 16:14 (ESV)

Scripture Text:
14. “You shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your towns.”

Meaning:
Thanksgiving and biblical feasts invite all people—household, community, and even the marginalized—into joyful worship and gratitude. The rhythm of communal feasting builds a testimony of God’s inclusive love and redemption for all.

STEP 2

Overall Interpretation and Application

This service emphasizes that holidays and traditions—especially those set by God in scripture—exist to reorient our lives around Him. The “Feasts of the Lord” are spiritual disciplines forming our memory, identity, and community life. The act of gathering, remembering, and rejoicing is how we center gratefulness and faith generation to generation, testifying to God’s powerful redemption.

Practical Steps for Believers

• Regularly mark moments in your calendar for gratitude and remembrance of God’s works.

• Create family or communal traditions that retell stories of God’s faithfulness.

• Use seasons like Thanksgiving to invite others—especially the overlooked—into shared joy.

• Let every feast, meal, or celebration remind you and others of God’s ongoing redemption.

• Teach children and newcomers the meaning and purpose behind your worship rhythms, so faith is passed on and grows.

Summary:

God designed feasting and tradition not just for celebration, but for the centering of His people on worship, redemption, and testimony. Thanksgiving, modeled after the biblical feasts, becomes an intentional rhythm that draws individuals, families, and communities deeper into the grateful, redemptive life of faith.

SERVICE NOTES
Watch Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQiB5qEPEZU 
Sermon Link: https://fayftbragg.manna.church/sermons/roc25-go-part-3-to-the-ends-of-the-earth/ 
Blog Post: https://faith.drtracie.com/post/go-part3 
Service Notebook:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/181QRi7QPrHjirg7nt5_ej7VYcnMi9X2Xt6Esd0sU6IY/edit?usp=sharing 

ROC25: GO (Part 3) “To the Ends of the Earth”
Chris Fletcher
November 23, 2025

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (ESV)

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)

GO

Make Disciples. Baptize. Teach.

• 
  
  Manna Missions

• 10 Short-Term Missions Trips

• 143 Team Members

• Gospel Touches: 5977

• Salvations (through Manna Missions): 1,417
  Pastor Conference in India
  AIM Restoration House
  2026 ROC Budget
  Blessings Medical Missions

Church Service Breakdown and Devotional

Date: November 23, 2025
Message Title: OC25: GO (Part 3) "To the Ends of the Earth"
Speaker: Chris Fletcher

Scripture 1: Acts 1:8 (ESV)

Scripture Text:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Meaning:
This verse establishes the divine empowerment and geographical progression of Christian witness. The Holy Spirit provides supernatural power that enables believers to be effective witnesses. The mission expands in concentric circles from the immediate community (Jerusalem) to the surrounding region (Judea), across cultural barriers (Samaria), and ultimately to all nations (ends of the earth). This is not merely human effort but a spiritually energized endeavor that depends on the Holy Spirit's presence and power.

Scripture 2: Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)

Scripture Text:
¹⁶ Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
¹⁷ And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Meaning:
The Great Commission provides the explicit mandate for the church's mission. Jesus, possessing all authority, commands His followers to make disciples through a threefold process: going to all nations, baptizing new believers, and teaching them to obey Christ's commands. This is not merely about conversion but about comprehensive spiritual formation. The promise of Christ's perpetual presence ("I am with you always") assures believers that they are never alone in this mission.

Overall Interpretation and Application:

The Theological Foundation of Mission:
These passages establish that Christian mission is fundamentally rooted in divine empowerment rather than human capability. The Holy Spirit's power is the essential prerequisite for effective witness, transforming ordinary believers into bold ambassadors for Christ. The mission is both personal and corporate - while the church acts collectively, each individual believer carries the responsibility to be a witness.

The Strategic Framework:
The geographical progression from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth represents both a practical strategy and a theological vision. It demonstrates that the Gospel transcends all boundaries - cultural, ethnic, and geographical. The mission begins where we are but must never stop there. It challenges believers to maintain both local engagement and global perspective.

The Discipleship Imperative:
The Great Commission emphasizes that the goal is not merely conversion but transformation. Making disciples involves baptizing (public identification with Christ) and teaching (ongoing spiritual formation). This holistic approach ensures that new believers become mature followers whose lives reflect Christ's teachings.

Practical Steps for Believers:

1. Seek Holy Spirit Empowerment

• Begin each day in prayer, specifically asking for the Holy Spirit's power and guidance

• Recognize that effective witnessing depends on spiritual empowerment, not personal ability

• Cultivate sensitivity to the Spirit's leading in daily interactions

2. Start Where You Are (Your "Jerusalem")

• Identify your immediate sphere of influence: family, friends, coworkers, neighbors

• Look for opportunities to share your faith story in natural, authentic ways

• Practice being a witness in familiar environments before expanding outward

3. Expand Your Reach Progressively

• Move beyond comfort zones to engage with different communities (your "Judea")

• Cross cultural barriers intentionally (your "Samaria")

• Support or participate in global missions (the "ends of the earth")

• Pray for specific unreached people groups and nations

4. Embrace the Full Discipleship Process

• Don't stop at sharing the Gospel - commit to helping new believers grow

• Engage in teaching and mentoring relationships

• Model obedience to Christ's commands in your own life

5. Live as a Witness, Not Just a Speaker

• Let your lifestyle reflect the transformative power of the Gospel

• Demonstrate Christ's love through acts of service and compassion

• Maintain integrity and consistency between your words and actions

6. Partner with Others in Mission

• Recognize that witnessing is both individual and corporate

• Join with your local church in evangelistic efforts

• Support missionaries and mission organizations financially and through prayer

7. Persevere with Confidence

• Remember Christ's promise: "I am with you always"

• Trust that the same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church empowers you today

• Maintain an eternal perspective, knowing that God's mission will ultimately succeed

Application Prayer:
"Lord, fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit's power. Make me a faithful witness beginning in my Jerusalem and extending to the ends of the earth. Give me courage to cross barriers, wisdom to make disciples, and perseverance to fulfill Your Great Commission. Help me to rely not on my own strength but on Your divine empowerment. In Jesus' name, Amen."

SERVICE NOTES
Watch Service: https://youtu.be/jWhesj_D6bA 
Sermon Link: https://fayftbragg.manna.church/sermons/roc-2025-highway-judea-samaria-chris-fletcher/ 
Blog Post: https://faith.drtracie.com/post/go-part2 
Service Notebook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/181QRi7QPrHjirg7nt5_ej7VYcnMi9X2Xt6Esd0sU6IY/edit?usp=sharing 

ROC25: GO (Pt 2) | “Highway - Judea/Samaria”

Chris Fletcher
November 13 & 16, 2025

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (ESV)

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)

GO

Make Disciples. Baptize. Teach.

• Manna Church Micro-Sites: 12

• Manna Church City-Sites: 11

• Salvations Across Military Highway: 2,461
  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart,
  not reluctantly or under compulsion,
  for God loves a cheerful giver.
  Acts 1:8 (ESV)

Church Service Breakdown and Devotional

Date: November 13 & 16, 2025

Message Title: ROC25: GO (Pt 2) | "Highway - Judea/Samaria"

Scripture 1: Acts 1:8 (ESV)

Scripture Text: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Meaning: This pivotal verse outlines Jesus' final commission before His ascension, establishing a divine strategy for Gospel expansion. The promise of Holy Spirit power isn't just for personal edification but for empowered witnessing. The geographical progression (Jerusalem → Judea/Samaria → ends of earth) represents both a literal and metaphorical expansion of influence. Judea represents the broader regional area surrounding Jerusalem (similar culture, same language), while Samaria represents crossing cultural and historical barriers (Samaritans were despised by Jews). This scripture establishes that Kingdom expansion requires supernatural power and intentional movement beyond comfort zones.

Scripture 2: Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)

Scripture Text: 16 "Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

Meaning: The Great Commission provides the tactical framework for the strategic vision of Acts 1:8. Jesus, possessing all authority, commissions His disciples with three specific actions: (1) Make disciples - not just converts but committed followers; (2) Baptize - publicly identify new believers with the Trinity; (3) Teach - provide ongoing instruction in Kingdom living. The promise of His perpetual presence ("I am with you always") guarantees that this mission is never undertaken alone. Even in their doubt (v.17), Jesus commissions them, showing that perfect faith isn't a prerequisite for obedience.

Scripture 3: 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)

Scripture Text: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Meaning: This verse establishes the heart attitude required for Kingdom expansion. The context of giving extends beyond finances to include our time, talents, and testimony. The Greek word for "cheerful" (hilaros) is where we get the word "hilarious" - suggesting an exuberant, joy-filled approach to generosity. When expanding the Gospel to our "Judea and Samaria" (our highways and regions), resources must flow from a heart transformed by grace, not religious obligation. This cheerful giving fuels the practical expansion of ministry through micro-sites and city-sites.

Overall Interpretation and Application:

This message represents Part 2 of the ROC25: GO series, moving from "Jerusalem" (local/immediate influence) to "Judea and Samaria" (regional/cultural boundary-crossing influence). The "Highway" metaphor is particularly powerful, representing the corridors of connection that link communities and enable Gospel expansion.

The service highlighted Manna Church's practical application of this biblical model through:

• 12 Micro-Sites: Smaller gathering points that make church accessible in various neighborhoods

• 11 City-Sites: Established church locations across different cities

• 2,461 Salvations Across Military Highway: Tangible evidence of regional Kingdom impact

The progression from Jerusalem to Judea/Samaria teaches us that effective ministry expands in concentric circles of influence. Judea represents reaching those who are culturally similar but geographically distant, while Samaria represents crossing cultural, racial, and historical barriers with the Gospel. The "Highway" represents the strategic routes and relationships God uses to expand His Kingdom.

The inclusion of 2 Corinthians 9:7 connects the vision to provision, reminding us that expansion requires resources given cheerfully, not under compulsion. This supernatural expansion (Acts 1:8) combined with strategic execution (Matthew 28:19-20) and cheerful resourcing (2 Corinthians 9:7) creates a sustainable model for Kingdom growth.

Practical Steps for Believers:

1. Identify Your "Highway" (Judea)

• Map out your regular routes and routines (work commute, shopping areas, recreational spaces)

• Recognize these as mission fields, not just transit zones

• Pray for divine appointments along your daily highways

• Be intentionally present and available for Gospel conversations

2. Cross Cultural Barriers (Samaria)

• Identify one cultural or social group you typically avoid or feel uncomfortable around

• Pray for God to break down prejudices and historical barriers

• Seek one practical way to serve or connect with this group

• Remember: Your "Samaria" might be a different generation, socioeconomic class, or political affiliation

3. Support Regional Expansion Strategically

• Participate in or support micro-site ministries in underserved areas

• Volunteer for outreach events along your community's "highways"

• Give cheerfully to church planting and expansion initiatives

• Pray regularly for the 11 city-sites and 12 micro-sites by name

4. Develop Your Witness Along the Highway

• Prepare a 2-minute testimony of God's work in your life

• Learn to transition from natural conversations to spiritual ones

• Carry Gospel materials or resources for sharing

• Partner with another believer for accountability in witnessing

5. Practice the Three-Fold Commission

• Make Disciples: Identify 2-3 people you're actively discipling or could begin discipling

• Baptize: Encourage new believers toward public declaration of faith

• Teach: Commit to growing in biblical knowledge to effectively teach others

6. Embrace Cheerful Generosity

• Evaluate your giving of time, talent, and treasure

• Move from obligation-based to joy-based generosity

• Set specific goals for increasing Kingdom investment

• Celebrate what God does through your cheerful giving

7. Create Micro-Site Opportunities

• Host a home Bible study or prayer group

• Transform your workplace break room into a mini-ministry site

• Use your influence to create Kingdom outposts in your sphere

• Partner with existing micro-sites to strengthen their impact

8. Document and Celebrate Kingdom Wins

• Keep a journal of Gospel conversations and opportunities

• Share testimonies of lives changed along your "highway"

• Encourage others by reporting God's faithfulness

• Use the number 2,461 as inspiration - every salvation matters

Prayer of Activation:"Lord, show me my highways - the paths You've ordained for me to travel with Gospel purpose. Give me eyes to see my Judea and courage to enter my Samaria. Fill me with Your Spirit's power to be an effective witness. Help me give cheerfully of all You've entrusted to me. Make me a faithful participant in Your Kingdom expansion from my Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. In Jesus' name, Amen."