Serving Others in a Pandemic

April 8, 2020

Serving Others in a Pandemic

Matt Shiles

During this time of social distancing we still want to practically be the hands and feet of Jesus right where we are, but how? Consider a Pipe and Bucket.

When considering serving others, we want to be pipes not buckets right? If you remember Pastor Matt’s illustration, he describes the Christian life as a pipe. What we receive from the Father, we are to give away to others. It should flow freely like a pipe. If we keep it to ourselves then we end up being a bucket. Water that sits in a bucket for too long becomes stagnant and not very good. But in order for us to be a pipe in the first place, we must stay connected to the Living Water. Before pouring out, we must receive it from the source. During this time of stress, anxiety and uncertainty, we cannot overstate the importance of filling ourselves up. This means all of these suggestions for serving should come after being filled up, not before.

We want to continue to balance being the practical hands and feet of Jesus where we are, with the need to social distance at this time. This means the need to determine what’s appropriate now, but looking forward to what might be options in the near future. Check out some practical ways for you to serve others now, right where you are.

CALL MORE, TEXT LESS.
Connect with those closest to you by calling more, texting less. We must recognize the significance with checking in with our loved ones. Let us not take for granted this extremely important opportunity to serve our family and friends.

INVITE YOUR NEIGHBORS TO CONNECT.
Connect with your neighbors with this invite card—inviting them to Easter (virtually) and also offering to help where you can.

CREATE MASKS.
Create masks along with the Sew and Serve ministry for a local group home of adults with special needs. You may remember Rebecca talking about this in worship last weekend (Palm Sunday). Simply go to www.joann.com for a mask template and email Linda Fox snickersfox@gmail.com to arrange for her to get them from you. Here is a link from the CDC with more helpful tips on how to wear and care for cloth masks. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

HELP MEDICAL PROVIDERS.
Create head coverings for medical providers by finding a pattern at www.brimmingwithlove.com. Questions about sewing? Contact Karen Tardonia at karentar3@gmail.com. For pickup, email Judy Head at judy.head@northlandchurch.net.

CARE FOR SENIORS.
Remember our Senior Living Facilities and how lonely they feel right now. You can: Write letters, text or call those you know, connect with activity directors, or email letters of encouragement to Matthew.shiles@northlandchurch.net and he will distribute to Wayman Place Senior Living in Longwood.

PARTNER WITH LOCAL NONPROFITS.
Support local organizations caring and serving our Seniors, those providing job employment and providing food distribution. A few of these amazing organizations are (but there are many more):

Ministries