One of the blessings of being retired is the time to do more for others. A blessing of being a part of a church family gives me more opportunities to do those things.
Civic groups are great, and no doubt there are multiple opportunities to help the community at large as well as individuals through those groups. I’m in three of them.
But our congregation, which normally has attendance in the upper 300’s most Sunday mornings, has multiple behind-the-scenes activities going on, things I’ve learned about and some of which I’ve become a part of, that I believe are worth sharing with people outside of our church family. Maybe you can get some ideas for your own church or be interested in sharing what your congregation does.
The Mad Hatters is a group of women that began years ago with just a few, maybe five or six, who got together monthly to crochet caps to distribute to hospitals for premature babies, children, and adults. There were five of us yesterday, and while we worked with the looms to crochet the hats (in case you’re wondering, I’m able to do this by using some specialized glasses and a very bright light–it’s a slow process but enjoyable) we talked and shared things going on in our lives. Yes, there was quite a bit of grandchildren talk. Once a certain number is completed, we donate them to local hospitals plus the VA in Memphis and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I’ve been a part of the group for about a year, but most of the women have been doing this a very long time, at their own expense. When Hobby Lobby has a sale, they take advantage of it! Since beginning this group years ago, they’ve given away, I think, around 15,000 caps. That’s right, 15,000. When I work on my projects at home, I’m motivated by knowing what I’m making may help a baby, a child fighting cancer (or adult), and a homeless veteran in need of warmth. I’m not quite finished with the project depicted, but you can see the loom used to make it. You don’t have to use crochet needles. Anyone can do this.
Then there’s the Casserole Crew. It began as the brainchild of a couple of women in our congregation. On the first Tuesday of each month September through May, several of us get together to make 20 casseroles (not the full size, the size in the picture) to give to those in need. It began as a ministry for widows and widowers in our congregation, and they are still among the recipients, but it has expanded to include shut-ins, those fighting illnesses, and people in our community who might need a visit and some food. A dessert is always a part of the package, but honestly, from what we hear, the recipients are more appreciative of the visit when the food is delivered than they are the food. Shut-ins, especially, or those who live alone and are limited in their ability to get out and about, seem to love the chance to talk with others outside of their normal circle.
Our Esther Class is simply a ladies class. We study different topics, our current one being a study of prayer, but we also do an annual Christmas meal for the “single senior saints” of our congregation. The meal is a lunch after Sunday morning services, and it is traditionally lasagna, salad, bread, and a wide selection of desserts. Games, songs (sung by some of the children of the young ladies in the class), and conversation make it a special event (we hope) for our members who are older and live alone.
There are other acts of service of which I’m not a part, but because I’m a part of these activities, I thought I would write about them. The men and women of our congregation do multiple individual acts of service behind the scenes–transporting people places, sending cards, making phone calls, visiting, helping with house maintenance issues, and more.
I remember President George H. W. Bush spoke of the 1,000 points of light concept. His point was that if each of us in our own community did acts of service and kindness to make our communities better, our nation would become better. I agree. Whether it’s through a church, a civic organization, or just an individual effort, our world is a better place. You can go to third-world countries and do amazing things, but for those of us who don’t have the means or the courage or abilities to do that, there are needs right here at home.
I used to tell myself my job as a teacher was a sort of ministry. If you’re a teacher, nurse, doctor, social worker, therapist, firefighter, police officer, or other occupations I can’t think of right now, you know what I mean. Those careers are all about service to others.
I’d love to know what your church or civic group does to make this world a better place. I may look at the world through rose-colored glasses, but I believe in the goodness of people, and I have hope for a bright future for my grandchildren.
Doing for others helps us take the focus off our own problems. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
Life As I know it 