Sacrificial Serving: How to Serve While Sheltering in Place
Over three weeks into “Shelter in place” and the Valley Bible Church family is doing pretty good. We’re getting into new rhythms and learning to navigate our new normal. There’s been an amazing explosion of creativity and most of us have figured out that “Zoom” is not a comic book sound effect. But there’s also a growing restlessness. More and more, we’re asking things like “What can we do to help?” “How can we serve?” In fact, we have collected an outpouring of emails offering help while only a few who have reached out in need of help.
At the end of this article is a list that we will update as you share your ideas and examples of how you have reached out. Together, we can “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24) in our new circumstances.
Preparation
In planning to serve keep a few things in mind:
This is a marathon, not a sprint. Think in terms of long-term, sacrificial serving.
Anything of value has to grow out of the life of Jesus (John 15). Prayerfully ask how the Lord wants to use your time, energy and resources.
Consider your household as a whole when thinking of serving. Maintain the physical community you may already have by serving together in cooperation.
Take inventory
Yes, know how much toilet paper you have, but also have a clear idea of how you are made, your knowledge, your talents, your hobbies, etc. How has the Father uniquely designed you? Our salvation in Christ was accompanied by “gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will” (Hebrews 2:4). List out as many gifts as possible that you have been given. These are things you can share.
Things you can do:
(We’ll add to this list so check back in, and feel free to send your ideas and examples to the VBC office)
Added on 5/21
Saturday May 23rd VBC Church landscape work day, 9:30am - noon, email Wayne for more details.
Added on 4/18
Shepherd’s Gate is a ministry that helps women and children escape from cycles of addiction, homelessness and abuse.
”Financial donations will help us continue our vital ministry during this time. We are having to spend extra funds to purchase food, vitamins, cold medicine, protective gear for our staff and other essential items. The children are also home from school, so our food budget has increased. Your gift will help provide food and medical supplies, along with life-changing programs.” You can donate at: www.shepherdsgate.org/covid-19-donate/.Responding to Domestic Abuse
An article by ERLC sheds light on an especially dark consequence of social isolation: domestic abuse. Read the article to learn how you can help those in your community who may be in a vulnerable position.
Prayer: Before anything else, be praying—talking to our Good Father on behalf of others. Email the church office to receive the weekly prayer needs of the VBC family. Keep a prayer calendar and keep an account of the answers to prayer so you can rejoice in the goodness of God. Pray specifically, expectantly, and with knowledge of God’s character and promises.
Connect to our global mission partners: Send an email to Chris and Linda Cline to see how you can be helping. Some of our partners are in particularly dire situations. You may be able to give to that partner specifically in a way that will open up gospel doors for them in the lives of their neighbors and fellow citizens.
Memorize scripture: Gary Stafford shared recently about the benefits of hiding God’s word in your heart. This is a great time to begin this life-long practice. He recommends Phillipians 2 as a great place to start when thinking about sacrificial love and service, to which I add my two-thumbs-up. Not only does scripture memory help us to behold the goodness of God and fill our minds with eternal truth, we become reservoirs of goodness and truth for others, especially unbelieving friends and neighbors.
Connect with your neighbors: Maybe you have never interacted with your neighbors. This is a wide open door. Knock on the door (then step 6 feet back). Be honest, “I’m your neighbor. I’m sorry I’ve never reached out before, but during this time I wanted to let you know that I want to be available to help.” Don’t be shy about the gospel and prayer. People are more open in crisis than they would be normally.
Emergency Generosity Fund: Start putting a few dollars in a jar or envelope each week. If you have children, invite them to contribute, or just pray together about how God would have you use it. When an opportunity arises, use the funds you’ve collected, add the recipient to your prayer list, and start the process again.
Make stuff:
Masks: Follow what is appropriate, but some people are beginning to make masks for hospital use. Contact Stephanie and learn how to make them here.
Baked goods! I’ve been the recipient of cookies.
Decorated rocks
Cards of encouragement
Videos and articles of encouragement or instruction. Think eternity (reflections on what God is teaching you in his word) but also think of things for children and parents (e.g. read stories aloud, become penpals with other families).
If you write blog articles, send me your blog site url. If something you write would be especially helpful for the VBC family, I’ll pass it on.
Share your hobbies and skills. My neighbor is going to be giving away vegetable garden seedlings.
Make your home a “point of interest” for neighbors on walks. We have hiddens 6 paper eggs and a rabbit on our property for passers by to play “I Spy” with.
Share technical expertise: Since our community life has been driven to the internet more than ever, some people need help with technical issues. Let your elderly neighbors know how to reach you if you can (patiently) help them troubleshoot their internet and computer issues.
Consider those who are isolated:
Prisoners are especially isolated. Read this article for more information.
Residents of Senior Care facilities are isolated. Writing short, colorful notes of encouragement can be an ongoing project for families with children. Contact Jacki and Dan Stewart for more information about their ministry to The Parkview in Pleasanton. Or become the contact for a care center in your area and let us know how we can partner with you.
Foster the Bay has resources for those who want to learn more about or get involved with foster care ministry even during Shelter in Place.
Donate to the VBC Food pantry: Contact Wayne Johnson for more information about how to donate or serve.
Start a discipleship or mentoring relationship with a “Quester”: Reach out to Jason Moog about getting connected with someone in VBC’s Quest ministry.
Serve Your City: Partner with other Christians in the area through CityServe. Go to your city’s website for information on how to partner with things they are already doing and recommending. If nothing exists, consider contacting the mayor’s office and let the city leaders know how you are available to help.
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