Called to Serve

“Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend
the orphan, plead for the widow....” (Isaiah 1:17)

One of our tasks and callings as people of faith is to touch and make a difference in the physical and material lives of people around us in our community and world. We’re called to follow the example of Christ by serving others, not simply be served ourselves. Growing up, I remember singing the words to one hymn that put it well:

“Look all around you, find someone in need,
Help somebody today
Tho’ it be little – a neighborly deed,
Help somebody today!
Help somebody today, somebody along life’s way;
Let sorrow be ended, the friendless befriended,
Oh help somebody today!
[--“Help Somebody Today” (Cokesbury Hymnal #67), by Frank Breck, 1932]

The founder of Methodism John Wesley is said to have encouraged something similar nearly 200 years before when he wrote the following
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can,
In all the ways you can, in all the places you can,
At all the times you can, to all the people you can,
As long as you ever can.”

This coming Saturday (October 2nd) from 9am-1pm, our church will be having our annual “Great Day of Service.” Over 200 members and friends will be involved in various activities and events that intentionally serve our fellow human beings both in our own community and throughout the world. I hope you’ll be present along with me to make a difference in the lives of others on this special day! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!