Walking into a World of Need
“Beyond these walls, we’ll be Your hands
Beyond these walls, we’ll be Your feet
Turn our faith into action
We’ll go forth with compassion,
For we are called beyond these walls…” i
Over the last several weeks, all of our worship services have focused on those Core Values that take us beyond the four walls of our church building: Loving your neighbor, We cannot serve two masters, Seeing Christ in others, and Calling and making disciples. Hopefully our hearts have been filled and transformed. Hopefully this focus has encouraged and charged all of us to live out our faith in tangible ways. Hopefully we are feeling energized to be the hands and feet of Christ. Hopefully we are ready to recognize and walk into a world of need – because that is exactly what we are being called to do!
During the month of May, the Lancaster Church of the Brethren will be intentionally focusing on our mission out in the world. Every member, regular attendee, and friend of the church is being challenged to volunteer to serve out in the world during our focus – specifically between the dates of May 13 – June 3. Your service can be small – perhaps noticing a neighbor in need and helping out. There will be a list of service projects in the Gathering Place beginning April 29 that you can sign up to do if you are looking to go as a group or if you need help think-ing of a place to serve. Don’t let this opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and truly impact the world around you and your family pass you by!
On Sunday mornings May 13, 20, and 27, there will also be a “Mission Fair” taking place in the Gathering Place. Organizations that are working to meet the needs of the impoverished, lonely, homeless, and hurting will be present with infor-mation about their organization. This is a great opportunity to learn about the different places where we as a church choose to give our money in outreach – as well as a chance for you to get further involved in places where your greatest passion meets real needs in the world.
After three weeks (May 13-June 3) of serving out in the world and learning about places where we can get plugged in to the ongoing work for others in our area, we will come together as an entire congregation to celebrate in combined worship services on June 3! Come here and share stories of how God has moved in us and around us through our work beyond these walls!
Join us, “we’ll go forth with compassion,” as we:
Learn…About service organizations that the LCOB supports in the Gathering Place on Sunday mornings before and after worship May 13, 20, and 27!
Serve…Every member, regular attendee and friend is challenged to go out and serve sometime between May 13 – June 3. A variety of service project opportunities will be available for sign up in the Gathering Place beginning April 29 – or create your own service to others!
Celebrate…Come together as a congregation to celebrate God’s work in our lives and in the world around us!
If you have questions or are looking for other ways to be involved, please contact Pastor Cindy Lattimer.
i From the song, “Beyond these Walls” by David Gaulton. The song will be used in Morning Psalm during May. Check out www.davidgaulton.com to listen!