I’m excited about an opportunity we are going to make happen. First a back story.
in 2008 Spencer was hit by a devastating flood. Gobs of rain fell (not inches…gobs) in a very short time…all at night. We woke up to flooding everywhere. The sports complex we worshiped in had 49″ of water. If it hadn’t been for one of our men (whose shop across from the complex sustained about 51″ of gunk), we would have lost a lot more than we did.
Fast forward to 2009. We overcame the flood well. What we didn’t overcome very well was a staff bonehead move and a small group which decided to crucify the pastor. Along with high school graduates leaving, we went from close to 200 every week to about 110. In October of that year we celebrated out 5th anniversary with a dinner but then decided to do something different: we decided to serve the community. We offered free oil changes and small repairs (brake lights, etc) to needy people like widows, widowers, single moms, etc. We raked leaves. We visited the two nursing homes and spent time with the residents. We helped people clean up after the flood (over a year had passed). We topped it off with ice cream and a testimony time.
It was an absolutely fantastic day! It got us to stop thinking about how bad things were going and righted our ship.
I met Tuesday with some folks who are interested in doing another Day of Service. In fact, they are wanting to consider Fall and Spring. I love that type of thinking! I was so excited when a couple I asked to help lead it said, “Yes.’ One lady helping had stepped forward last Spring when I preached on the Mission and Vision of OVCF and said, “Count me in.” Another man who has a heart for this county came.
It is people like this which tell a pastor “Atta boy!” Not that I need that but it was nice to see these folks stepping forward. Even Carrie who is heading off to Hawaii Wednesday for her 50th birthday present from her husband. 🙂 We’ve planned the day to be November 1. I can’t wait!! Oh…by the way…it will cost the people we help absolutely N-O-T-H-I-N-G. Not a dime. It will be our gift to our community.
Have you ever done something like this? Any ideas for us?
I did something unusual today. Our pastor put out a call to help a couple move Saturday. I don’t usually do this, but I said yes for some reason.
Good for you. Get that strapping young son of yours to help. he can do both your jobs. 🙂
Some of our churches here have done community service by just going around town and picking up garbage and sweeping and making things look nice. It always gets people’s attention and is a good conversation starter for the Gospel.
That is another idea Caleb. Thanks for the suggestion.
What a totally awesome idea! Bless your church for wanting to take it to the streets. This Thanksgiving a group of churches in our community, along with some community based organizations, are putting on a meal for the community. So people can gather and share a meal together… instead of just getting a box of groceries dropped off (which is still part of the deal BTW). Gives the churches an opportunity to work together and break down barriers between us and the civic organizations… we’re all excited about it!
I love what you pastors and churches are doing. Engage the community based organizations and work together. That can only lead to good things, especially for the Gospel.
This, the hands and feet of Jesus hard at work. Hard to tell who’ll be blessed more … the givers or the receivers.
Keep us posted. Ok, Bill?
Thanks Linda. I plan to do just that when it is all said and done.
Love your attitude and spirit in telling this one. Good for all of you!
Thanks Daniel.
Yes, yes, yes! So glad you and your faith community will be able to serve your larger community where you live. That’s the way to shine the light for Jesus in our world. Thanks, brother. This encourages all of us to get out there more.
We are hoping the light of Jesus shines brightly Lisa. Who knows? Maybe other churches will join in the future.
There are few things that are more rewarding than doing service in the name of the Lord. What a wonderful thing you guys are doing. Can’t wait to hear about the experiences…
Since we live in a small mountain town, our church has many serving opportunities that we participate in. Perhaps our favorite is when we purchase school supplies, or food, or Christmas gifts for the needier people in town. Sometimes the *anonymous* gift is very satisfying, too.
GOD BLESS!
I agree Sharon. There is a great reward when doing service takes place. That is not our motivation but it is a by-product. As for your church community: I think each one has to do what best fits their town.
Nice… That’s what the Church of God looks like!
I hope so! I long for that!
That is the Christian message at work, Bill! Bravo and blessings!