Lori's thoughts

I find it interesting that the news media – either TV and/or the local newspaper – highlights “good deeds” done in our community by banks, schools, businesses, but rarely about churches.

I am proud to announce that the people in our church are constantly wrapped up in giving of their time and resources each and everyday. It’s not just during the Christmas season, but year round. These “good deeds” may not get publicly broadcast, but I can guarantee you they do get “heavenly” broadcasted.

I started to think about all of the giving that’s going around and wanted to share with you some examples I’ve noticed. I’m hoping that it becomes contagious.

For instance, people of all ages are giving by:

•Bagging food items for food banks to hand out to those in need.
•Buying gifts for children whose parent is in prison or can’t afford presents.
•Wrapping gifts for these presents.
•Helping move furniture to a new apartment for a single parent.
•Paying for someone’s electric bill.
•Singing Christmas carols and handing out crafts to residents in a nursing home.
•Visiting someone in the hospital.
•Making and delivering meals to those in need.
•Putting together food baskets.
•Drawing pictures on a piece of paper with a special message to send to our military personnel overseas or missionaries.
•Purchasing a used car for a single mom to use.
•Praying for or with someone who has a specific request.
•Providing food, clothes and haircuts for the homeless under a bridge.
•Building or fixing an item in someone’s home.

This list is small in comparison to all that goes on around me in our church. It is one constant commotion of giving cheerfully and not under duty. It shows our faith and love for God and others in action. It’s an honored to know these people and a blessing to do it all for God. He receives all the applause.

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:15-17