GDOS

There’s a special joy about today. People arrive at church a little earlier than usual (I mean they’re all on time!). There are smiles and hugs. Today it feels a little more like everyone is family. 1,000 people or so, ready to serve people they probably don’t even know. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” So today, we worked for the Lord!

On days like this, the community gets to see what I see every day. People who love the Lord with all their heart, and who love people. It’s the people of South Rock. They love to serve people in the name of Christ. People who have a heart for the needs of people in the community and around the world.

This is how the church works --- it’s how it’s supposed to work. The words that come to my mind are:

Selflessness: There’s no pride in pulling weeds that you didn’t grow, or in wearing tie die shirts! haha

Service: There’s a special warmth that you only feel when you serve other people. We’re called to do that as Christians. It’s the way of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve.

Unity: We have a time of worship together before we go out and serve. That word, “Together” is very special. We are united in Christ as we serve together.

Teamwork: Many of the jobs that are done on that day, could not be done alone. It takes a team. There are teams all over town, working together.

It takes a whole team of people. Cooks, and people to serve the meal, set up and clean up. Child care volunteers to take care of young children whose parents are serving. Project leaders who organize each work project and the volunteers on that team. 902 volunteers - 63 kids in childcare - serving in 63 homes, 9 schools, 2 city parks projects.

Joy: “A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” That’s what the dictionary says. You can see it on the faces. Individuals and families knowing that we’re doing what we’re called to do. Put aside pride and selfishness, and serve. There is a special joy that comes from doing that, and you can’t get that kind of joy anywhere else.

When the work is finished (or when the team just needs a lunch break) everyone meets back at the Powerhouse for lunch. I saw people singing as they got out of their cars. Families holding hands and skipping to the building. Happy! Then they are served lunch by people who have been waiting patiently for them to show up. There is much conversation going on at each table. Where they served, who they served, how they served. Paint and stain on their clothes, cuts and bruises, maybe a little poison ivy… and smiles. They are all worn like badges of courage. The book of Acts describes the early church in many ways, one way is, “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” And on this day, we all had a common mission -- Serving!

SERVICE TIMES:

Saturday - 5:00 pm (In-Person Only)

Sunday - 9:00am & 10:30am (In-Person or Online)

My View From the Back Porch - Great Day of Service

My View From the Back Porch - Great Day of Service