Hands on Christianity, Part 2
This week Sarah helps us apply specific verses regarding our mandate as Christians to serve others. Not sure where to start? She’s got loads of experience coordinating service for her family and congregation, and she provides pointers for every step of the way! In the study guide we’ll talk about the barriers to fulfilling this important command: ”My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)
Simply stated - if we are striving to be more like Jesus Christ, service must be part of our lives - this is really a non-negotiable. He came, "not to be served, but to serve" (Mark 10:45). We all know how important it is to serve our families and congregations, but we’re missing an important commission from Christ if our service stops there.
There’s a condemnation in Ezekiel about Sodom that may surprise you - Ezekiel 16:49, "Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” - Of all of the sins they could be called out on, this is the one that is highlighted - they had plenty, were full, and refused to lift up the vulnerable and needy in their society.
This is a required piece of our Christianity, not a nice add-on once life slows down.
Christ’s own words should deeply convict us of this, in Matthew 25:41-46:
"Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me. Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
It can be intimidating to try and figure out how begin serving in your community. The good news is - there are plenty of opportunities and ways to go about it! These ideas can be utilized as a family, congregation or even just a couple of friends who want to try something new together.
First off - start with a family dinner or congregational meeting to consider the following questions -
How many people are interested in volunteering?
Ages and physical ability of the interested volunteers.
What days/times are people available? How frequently would they like to volunteer?
Does anyone know of existing needs in the community that you could fill?
Now that you have a general idea of availability and interest you can start researching the options in your area. It will be impossible to find the perfect opportunity that fits everyone's needs, abilities and interests. Instead, pray about it, let God lead you and then try a few things along the way. Start small - maybe every 3 months or 6 months and add to your service projects as you feel comfortable and able. Make sure to add service onto your calendar, be deliberate and create space for it.
Here are some Practical Ideas -
Nursing Home Facility - (especially one that is government run) - There are so many potential opportunities to serve in one of these facilities and can be a great option for a congregation with wide age ranges. Call the front desk and ask to be connected to the person who coordinates volunteers. They’ll be able to get you pointed in the right direction.
Offer to run a bingo night, a group art activity or game night for the residents
If your congregation is musical? Go and perform several musical selections or have a sing along with the residents.
Make colorful cards and come by and joyfully hand them out to the residents (this is especially great for younger kids to help participate)
Come in and spend some time visiting - many residents in government run facilities rarely/never get visitors and are starved for human connection. Just sitting with them during a meal and asking them questions about themselves is a huge act of service.
Bring in lunch for the staff - they are often overworked and underpaid, your kindness and generosity will be incredibly appreciated
Is there a need in the facility? Art supplies or board games? Hand lotion and chapstick? Have a local drive and collect items to fill their needs.
Local Park Clean-Up - these are really fun to do as a family and/or congregation and every age can participate! Something about being out in the beauty of God's creation together is so bonding and joyful.
Reach out to your local park authority, forest service or county organizer (you can often find them on Facebook if they don’t have a dedicated website) to line up a good place/date and determine the needs for your community. Oftentimes they just need general trash clean-up and will even provide all of the needed equipment. Other times, a park needs invasive species eradication or trail restoration.
This is a great opportunity to include your local community if you’re wanting to build additional connections. Let your neighbors know, post the clean-up details on local Facebook or neighborhood sites, and invite your neighborhood friends!
Hospital Support - for families facing extended hospital stays. Generally, this isn’t a perfect option when trying to serve with small children, usually there are strict age guidelines around these types of facilities.
Many hospitals have a family room area where they will host a weekly dinner, game night or support group. They often need food delivered or specific items to help make the space welcoming. Call your local hospital and ask to speak to a social worker or volunteer coordinator. They will be able to fill you in on any of their needs.
Ronald McDonald house or something similar - https://www.hhnetwork.org/ is a website to locate the closest hospitality house in your area. They are always in need of home cooked dinners, groceries, pantry items, fresh baked cookies, blankets, toys, etc. Is your congregation willing to get dirty? Offer to do a day of landscaping or painting! Reach out directly to the facility to determine their specific needs.
Host a Drive - this is a great service opportunity for congregations that are geographically dispersed and a way to include your local community. Involve your neighbors, post on your local community social media sites, etc.
Coat drive for a local school or homeless shelter
School supply/backpack drive for a school district
Pet Shelter - they always need food, toys, towels, blankets, etc.
Baby items for a women and children shelter
Food for a food bank
Reach out to Local Churches - add your manpower to an existing volunteer opportunity. Large, established churches do amazing work in the community serving food, organizing clothing drives, hosting support groups, etc. It is a very easy way to get your toes wet in community service. Plus, it is a great way to get inspiration for service ideas and you can meet some lovely people along the way.
We have an opportunity to serve the fellow image bearers of our elder brother Jesus Christ. Can you imagine having someone approach you in the kingdom - I remember you! I needed a coat, some dinner, someone to listen, some baby formula, a gentle smile, etc., and you were there! You showed up with kindness and love when I needed it most.
1 John 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
Sarah lives in the DC metro area. She is constantly trying to balance her time between epic adventures and sitting under her heating blanket reading a good book.
