Being missional is an important part of any successful church. It’s all a part of the “go” found in Matthew 28:19. Being a mission minded church involves many tangents. We have some who serve families with meals or gift cards when there is sickness or hardship. We have those who go on short trips and help with needs in third world countries while others are making it their life’s purpose to share the gospel of Jesus. There is a Men’s group, called Hope, that helps widows, divorced and single women with answers and assistance with home and car issues. Even Life’s video ministry, is a part of missions, taking Life services to homes, hospitals and nursing homes across the U.S. and the world. We’re always looking for additional volunteers. If you can help with meals, see Julie Robinson. Want to help sponsor our two full time missionaries, Joe and Cassandra Landaw or Charity Yadon, or help with one of our short-term missionaries like Chad Yadon, simply mark it on your check or giving envelope. If you’re a man and want to assist with Hope, see Kendera Starks. Finally, were bringing on a new focus. First Sunday’s, Family Sunday is now also going to be Mission’s Sunday. To make it work we’re asking two things. First, bring an offering for missions, mark it on your giving envelope. Second, help us support the local food pantry here in Fishers. They need the following items: Peanut Butter, Jelly, sugar, flour, oil, canned meats, Hamburger Helper, canned fruit, applesauce, juices and snacks. On first Sunday’s there will be a donation container in the lobby, simply drop in your food items and we will get them to the food pantry. Get involved and get your “go” on!
Doing it for Dayton
A volunteer, a person who performs a service willingly and without pay. Yesterday we saw it exemplified in an incredible way by our church at the Fishers Strawberry Festival. For no recognition for themselves or Life Connections, we had an unbelievable group of people who laid it out so we could bless a church that was victim to last week’s tornados in Dayton Ohio. While we can’t mention everyone, we must mention some. Hailey Whitener and her boyfriend who were simply everywhere doing whatever it took to serve. Mike and Amber Jaarda and their family, who took a morning shift in our drive thru, and ended up staying over because of the overwhelming crowds. Randy and Robin McGarr who showed up to do “whatever was needed,” and took us to another level throughout the day. Socrates and Azucena and their family made clean up such a success. Andrea Kopanski and Kaitlyn Groover who stood in the hot sun for hours with the Strawberry sign getting the attention of motorists. Maddie McDermott’s family, who doesn’t even attend Life, stepped up and blew us away with their servant hearts. The list could go on and on, so many servers, table preps, bounce house monitors and greeters. Simply put, you exemplified the heart of God. Thanks to Renee Clark, David and Keah Cuautle, Jeff Bocek, Gentry Hudson and our entire staff for all the behind the scenes work and for having the heart to say, “let’s do this for Dayton.” We couldn’t have done it without you. To everyone who volunteered, a heartfelt thank you for making a difference.
Divine Direction: Serve!
Jealousy, envy, gossip and hurt. Just a few contaminants that can get in our hearts and make us toxic. These toxins steal joy, peace and happiness and leave us discontent and dissatisfied. How do we turn it around? One of the quickest ways is to turn our focus from ourselves to others; to serve. Pouring out of ourselves is one of the quickest ways to refill our hearts with joy and happiness. By nature, we are all self-centered. What parent had to teach their child to say, “mine?” God’s nature is the opposite of human nature. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself.” Serving is to love people, hurt with them, pour into them, to listen; It is to share ourselves. True service expects nothing in return. God wants us to be contributors, not consumers. Which are you? A consumer drops their kids off in a class, grabs a cookie, gets some coffee, enjoys the service (maybe, if the music fits my taste and the message doesn’t convict) and goes home for the week? A contributor’s life says I’m here to serve, how can I make a difference, how can I bless someone. We must remember that the church exists for the world. Serving must not be something we do, but who we are. Make it a life goal to serve. Put it into practice this year, set aside seven days or partial days to be a part of something that impacts others. Being a servant should be the core of our Christian identity.