¹³ Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 2 Corinthians 9: 13

The other day I received an affirmation that I’m a “do-er.” That I don’t just talk about what we as the church should be doing, I actually act do it. This is one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received because I believe God specifically calls me to obey Him by showing up and responding. Although, this hasn’t always been true for me and it’s not even necessarily true for me every single day. There was a time when I sat back and watched others serve and I didn’t know where or how to enter into the fast pace and what seemed to be already established routines of the church.
Do they even need me?
Do I even want to do this? 
What I did see was that those individuals that were serving others and serving along side each other were people forming friendships and connections I longed for. I realized that people who show up build something together – friendship and God’s Kingdom.
What does showing up and serving look like in this season?  Here are some practical actions you can take (as soon as today!) to serve God not just with your words but in action by volunteering to:

1. help with Christmas assistance interviews
2. Count kettles
3. Drive for kettles and/or assist a driver
4. Bell ring at a kettle (with family, a prayer partner or small group)
5. Participate in nursery home visitations
6. Give to Share Your Christmas Joy
7. Adopt an Angel Tree Family
8. Provide a home cooked meal for corps officer family
9. Helping corps officer pick up or drop off kids
10. Finally, volunteer to be present and available: “Instead volunteer to mingle with the people we serve, invite them to church, hear their story, offer to pray with them. Sometimes we get too caught up in doing the most good that we forget to just be with people sometimes. Our listening ears and hearts will do more than a basket of food or a minimal wait in the toy shop line.” – Lt. Betsy Clark – St. Charles/Tri-City, IL (Metro Division)

When in doubt, ask! There’s always something to help with year round.

¹⁸ Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3: 18

And a special tip for corps officers/administrators in charge from another corps officer: enthusiasm is contagious.
If you want to add to this list visit our Facebook page and look for this post and enter suggestions in the comment section. Thanks!