The Service Culture

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Greetings in the Name of the Risen Christ,

Monday, when I was walking out of the building, I noticed about 40 to 50 Scouts working in the flower beds. I asked Jim Zodrow, our landscaping team leader, what was happening. He smiled and said, "These Scouts and their leaders just put out 260 bags of mulch in our flower beds. They did in one hour what would have taken our team several hours to accomplish! Plus, they donated 160 of the bags of mulch."

It was a great drive home. I was proud of the Scouts, but I also know that someone is always stepping up to take our ministries to the next level. The service culture continues to grow. God continues to call people into service for our Lord and His Church. Think about it for a moment. Groups stepping up to help with the dinners for our Lenten Wednesday evenings. New faces in the choir. People stepping up to help with our children and youth ministries so we can reach more young people. And this is just a few of the areas where people are answering the call. 

The Spirit is moving. God is knocking on the doors of our hearts. Where is God leading you to serve? 

Here are a few places you might want to serve:

  • Prom Closet – This ministry helps teenage girls who may not have the means to get dressed up for their High School Prom. We still have places to help the girls shop the weekend of March 26 through March 29. Go to our Prom Closet page for more information and sign up to share the love of Jesus with these teenage girls. 

  • Invite someone to worship for our Easter celebration. We will have cards available to share with friends and neighbors. 

  • Volunteer to help with the community Easter Egg Hunt on March 29. Or bring candy or plastic eggs by March 22 for this great event. 

  • Be here Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter to help welcome the host of guests we will have for these special services. Let’s share the radical hospitality that is Stonebridge UMC.

This story was told by a pastor. Sarah felt her purpose in the church wasn't on stage or teaching, but in behind-the-scenes acts of service. She decided to focus on her God-given gifts rather than comparing herself to others. She found that her true calling was organizing and providing practical support for her small group. 

For Sarah, serving was never about recognition; it was about showing the love of Jesus through consistent, tangible actions, like preparing meals or organizing events. She realized that "serving" wasn't just a duty, but a way to build a supportive community where everyone feels loved and valued. Through this, she learned that the greatest rewards of service often come from the quiet moments of helping others, rather than in the spotlight.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (I Peter 4:10)

See you Sunday! 

Pastor John Allen