Followers of Jesus are called to serve. There are really no If’s, And’s or But’s about it. Jesus came into this world not to be served, but to serve. He used the gifts God gave him to preach, teach, heal, and build the kingdom. If we are to follow him, then we, too, will use our talents and abilities to serve. But how we serve varies from person to person. Some people are called to serve by devoting their lives to church leadership as clergy, while others are called to serve in a volunteer capacity. Likewise, there are different ways to serve. Service can be done by sending needed supplies to a hurting community…or by surprising someone in your house with an act of kindness.
For the last several months, I have been increasingly concerned that people in our culture are becoming less engaged in service. In fairness, some of the usual ways people serve have been unavailable due to the changes brought by COVID-19; however, it seems to me there are still many opportunities for people to serve, as long as we are proactive in looking for them. In a world hurting with sickness and division, it is a nice surprise to find chances to put a smile on someone else’s face.
This July, we are going to discover the surprising ways God calls us to serve: we will read Bible stories about the people Jesus invited to follow him in the book of Matthew; we will reflect on the unique gifts and abilities people have that can be used to serve our neighbors; and, we will encourage each other to reclaim and re-engage with Christ’s call for ALL of us to serve. So join us for worship while we lift up Nice Surprises.
One Month to Serve
Bible Readings
Week 1 Judges 6:11-18 The Call of Gideon
Week 2 Matthew 4:18-22 The Call of the First Disciples
Week 3 Matthew 9:9-13 The Call of Matthew
Week 4 Matthew 19:16-22 The Call of the Rich Young Man
#BEaHERO
Jesus came not to be served, but to serve.
Hero Photo Challenge: Hero shirts, selfies at serve events, your own nice surprises
Ryan began his pastoral ministry at Maize Manor United Methodist Church in 2014 after serving at the Church of the Messiah in Westerville, Ohio. He lives in Columbus with his wife, Mariellyn, and five children. Visit the Staff Page to learn more about Pastor Ryan.