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When you hear the word “serve,” what comes to mind? Do you think of someone bringing you food at a restaurant? Or do you think about a person who wiped your brow or brought you soup when you were sick in bed?
Christ-centered service is often transformational. It can change both the life of the one who serves as well as the person who is served. Service is a living witness to our faith that provides opportunities for us to to invite other to learn more about Jesus. Through service, we encourage those who are struggling to go on and restore hope in their lives. Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38)
Scripture frequently remind us that, as Christians, we are to serve others, work for justice and live in community with our neighbors.
Serving is a multidimensional mark of discipleship and includes direct services, advocacy, and community organizing.
Direct services provide goods and services that benefit those in need. Advocacy involves congregations and communities working together on behalf of the disenfranchised. Community organizing efforts work to achieve justice in society.
As you think about the three prongs of serving, identify those in your community who might be disenfranchised. What new opportunities do you see for serving in your congregation and community?
When we invest time, energy, and resources to address systemic societal issues, we encourage others just as they encourage us. With God’s help, we can serve by developing long-range programs and continually training up new leaders who will bring new energy and ideas. We, too, can work “...to proclaim release to the captives...to let the oppressed go free...” as we build the kingdom of God.
Growing Disciples Bulletin Insert
The August bulletin insert is now ready. These inserts are a starting point and will include an introduction to the monthly theme and an invitation to delve deeper.
Each time an insert is sent out, you will be able to access it as a PDF that is ready to print double-sided. The PDF is for standard letter-size paper and is made so two inserts are on each page. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Mack Patrick, click here to email them.
To access the PDF insert, please click here.
Serving Resources
Additional resources will be added throughout the year.
- ELCA Seven Faith Practices - Serve
- Living Faith in Daily Life: A four-session small group study exploring life in community.
- God's Work. Our Hands. Resources
- God's Work. Our Hands. Is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
- ELCA Advocacy
