Being a brand new member of a church is exciting with whom worship. Over the last year, HHH and I have developed friendships with everyone in the church. As we’ve spent time in Bible Study we appreciate them more each day. We not only see them on Sunday, but others days at the week around town.
Being such a small group of diverse worshippers, we have one thing in common. We all cherish the same God and his only Son. Beyond that, we’re just people that come from different walks of life the enjoy coming together.
After being on earth for 68 years, there’s one thing I’ve observed over and over. In every single group, whether church, school, or work, the same people cover all the heavy lifting.
After a Sunday service in January, we held our annual Society Meeting (church meeting of the members). During the meeting there were several board positions that needed filling, but no new volunteers. Although I couldn’t commit to taking a job before we left on our cruise, I certainly could after we came back. Sure. Why not? April would be the perfect time to take over as Church Steward.
One great thing about this position is that it’s there to serve the community. Our little church has no problem helping others. Our building is used at least five times a week for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. A local group meets twice a month to deal with feral cats and their neutering. We fill shoe boxes with Christmas goodies for children around the world through Shepard’s Purse. We grow a neighborhood garden feeding the needy in our community. We meet three times a week to learn more about the Bible. Our church provides a private building for the Crisis Pregnancy center, as well. On top of all that, the Pastor keeps the grounds as a small park for people to come and rest a bit on the beautiful green lawn under the huge shade tree. Quite a bit for a church of 30-40 active members.
Every time I think about all the services that help our community, I’m pretty proud to be a member. But, HHH and I could always do more.
The Pastor mentioned that, some time ago, members put together “Blessing Bags” for the homeless. Somehow, that idea touched HHH and me. Putting our heads together, we considered things we could add to the bags. When finished, we had a dozen bags for winter. From the softest blankets to hats and mittens, we made up twelve beautiful bags and let the Pastor know they were ready.
As we live in a desert, the wool hats and gloves won’t be appreciated much longer. Again, we brainstormed and came up with summer bags.
From fresh socks, underwear, and t-shirt to pen and paper, there is a little of everything in the Blessing Bags. A cool drink of water. Three nutritious snacks. A camouflaged cap. Hygiene kits. And a little of this and that. All in a colorful and reusable bag.
While filling the bags, thoughts were about the men that need them. We’ll never know how each person was helped. Was the bag was appreciated or scorned? It doesn’t matter. The beauty is in the giving. One small bag cannot fix the multitude of problems of the homeless. But maybe for a small moment in time, the feeling of new socks on tired feet will be a comfort or that thirst will be quenched on the driest of hot desert days.
I’d like to believe the tiniest break from despair might be a moment for thoughts of home and those that love them. May they know there are strangers in this town that pray for their safety and peace.
A couple of weeks ago, we learned about the power that comes with God’s blessing. When you bless someone in God’s love, it can change things for the better. It’s our hope that these bags will help in the smallest of way.
Whatever you do today, think about a small way you can help in your community. Even donating small bottles of hotel lotion, shampoo, and conditioner to a homeless shelter might be just the thing they need. Do you sew? Make some soft blankets to donate. Do you knit or crochet? How about making some warm scarves for next winter? Even an unsigned letter of encouragement can go a long way to lift spirits. There is something we can all do. Now just what will it be for you?
More tomorrow.