It’s Move Me Monday and I’ve got some inspiration for you.
In 2004, Westgate Church in San Jose, CA asked this question: if the church were to burn down tomorrow, would anyone miss us? They did not like the answer. So they instituted Beautiful Day. Every year for one full week the church closes its doors and cancels services in order for the entire congregation to go out into the community and serve hands-on.
Every year there are multiple projects, from cleaning up schools to blood drives, from baking care packages for every fire station in the city to hosting a dance party for kids with autism. Now the city of San Jose is very aware of Westgate’s presence in the community, and have begun asking for help on even more projects, such as cleaning up neighborhoods devastated by mass foreclosures and remodeling a local food bank to maximize productivity. If the church burned down tomorrow, it would definitely be missed.
Acts of compassion are inspiring, but mass acts of compassion? That is the kind of faith that moves mountains. Are you serving? Ministry doesn’t always mean donating money or walking up to strangers and asking them if they believe in God. What are your individual talents? Think you can’t possibly use them to make a difference?
My mom and I baked a few dozen mincemeat cookies, a dozen loaves of pumpkin and zucchini bread, and four tins of fudge for a local fire station last Christmas. Did you know firemen have to buy and cook their own food? Did you know they have a holiday party with their families (that they also have to buy and cook for)? They were blown away and incredibly grateful to receive that care package. Local heroes definitely deserve our thanks.
With a little creativity, you can figure out something that fits your talents and interests just right. If you need another idea, check back with me on Wednesday when I tell you about another project I like to do.
What does “community service” mean to you? Do you get pictures of cleaning up the sides of highways, or kids sentenced to work to make up for misdemeanors? Or do you see fun, family activities putting hammers and paint to good use? How do you serve your community? I love hearing from you!
Angela Wallace, Author 