Serving others is a part of Kingdom Culture. Because we give and serve generously out of the abundance we have in Christ, we can do it joyfully.
Read how three congregations are serving their neighbors with joy.
Steele Creek, North Carolina, US
Flip the Fit is a GC Steele Creek Love Avenue event that brings together a clothing swap and hands-on activity stations for children and families in our neighborhood. What began as a small step of faith with about ten guests at our first gathering last summer has grown into something we did not manufacture.
At our most recent event, more than fifty neighbors joined us, with families lining up even before the doors opened. We are so thankful for how this simple offering of hospitality has continued to grow and reflect the heart of what it means to live as a sent people. When we create space for community in ordinary ways, God often brings more than we expect.
This event is not just something we host. It is something we are becoming together. Generosity at Flip the Fit has not flowed only from our congregation. Neighbors have contributed clothing and even signed up to volunteer alongside us. In doing this, we are joining Jesus in his ongoing work of love. It is not love flowing from us alone, but Christ sharing his life through us and with us. As children laugh and experiment with slime, balloon rockets, and paper airplanes, we see curiosity and joy take root.
In the rhythm of giving, receiving, testing, and trying again, we are reminded that Jesus is forming us as we participate in what he is already doing. Flip the Fit is becoming a place where we see the Spirit drawing people together and shaping us more deeply into a fellowship that lives sent in his name.
By Michelle Hartman, Communications Director
Steele Creek, North Carolina, US
Pikeville, Kentucky, US
GC Pikeville served their community dinners on Easter and Christmas for approximately ten years. Eventually, there was a nudging from the Lord to serve meals more often.
In May 2015, The Grace Community Kitchen was officially launched and began serving meals on a more frequent basis. Currently meals are served every Monday and Thursday. Everyone is welcome.
GC Pikeville partners with two other nonprofits in the community who also care about food insecurity: Mountain View Pace, which helps seniors live at home, and Mountain Comprehensive Care Outreach Team, which provides assistance to unhoused people. Volunteers give free haircuts, and a limited number of hygiene and laundry kits are distributed monthly.
Their service to their neighbors is a beautiful example of reflecting the light of Christ to others.
Pasadena, California, US
GC Pasadena has been distributing donated food from local grocery stores for more than three years. They want to be a consistent presence in the community, so they do this weekly.
Every Saturday morning, they set up in the hallway of their church building. Then they welcome their neighbors with food insecurity to pick up groceries.
The congregation is demonstrating that they are truly intentional about loving and helping their neighbors.
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