Day 29 – December 29

December 29, 2016December 28, 2016 / 1 Groups / Leave a comment

1229 Sometimes perspective allows you the best understanding as to ways you can serve others.

Take a moment to visit the Global Rich List website (Find it here).

As you look through the site, begin to think of ways you can use your excess to serve others who have less.

As a family, decide how you would like to increase your giving this year. Here are some possible suggestions:

World Vision
Compassion International
A local charity
Giving at Church

Or perhaps you may want to give the gift of time to serve others through things such as a nursing home, South Plains Food Banks, or volunteer to take care of a neighbors lawn.

As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. (2 Corinthians 6.4, 9)

We encourage you to return daily for more opportunities to serve others during these 31 Days of Service. We also encourage you to share your own ideas of service as well as the times of service you and your family perform. You can use the comment section below or tag us in social media using: #sp31days

Day 26 – December 26

December 26, 2016December 25, 2016 / 1 Groups / Leave a comment

1226 Take the “25 Challenge”

Look at your bank statements and find something you spend too much money on.

Give up that something–fast food, gourmet coffee, movie dates, etc.–and donate that money to an organization fighting poverty.

Source of this idea and a place to check out? www.the25group.org.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (Acts 4.32)

Day 20 – December 20

December 20, 2016December 19, 2016 / 1 Groups / Leave a comment

1220 Fill a box or bag with toys or clothes and donate it to a local charity that gives away these items for free. Here are some options:

•The Blessing Center at Greenlawn Church of Christ (website)

•The Lubbock Dream Center (website)

•The Salvation Army (1111 16th Street, website)

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9.7)

Day 15 – December 15

December 15, 2016December 14, 2016 / 1 Groups / Leave a comment

Sometimes the circumstances in the world around you dictate the best opportunity you have for service.

Many of you have heard or read about the crisis in Aleppo, Syria, with civilians being trapped by the fighting. Those refugees who have been able to flee have done so with nothing. It has been estimated that 75,000 have fled from this area since Sunday with no place to go and no food to eat. You can read more about their situation here.

Today, if you would like to help serve those in need in Aleppo, may I suggest you go to the following website–Preemptive Love Coalition–and consider making a donation?

Sure, it is the Christmas season and we spend most of our time thinking about the gifts we will give loved ones. Perhaps this is the season to give a gift for those who need it the most.

At the present time your plenty will supply what they need… (2 Corinthians 8.14)

Day 11 – December 11

December 11, 2016December 10, 2016 / 1 Groups / Leave a comment

1211 Take a recycled glass jar and let your kids glue colored paper on it, or put stickers on it and decorate it. (You can see an example to the right.)

Let this be your family collection jar for any loose change. Once you fill the jar, decide on who will receive the gift.

For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. (2 Corinthians 29.2)

Other Ideas:

•You can designate who will receive your gift before hand. Sometimes doing so motivates you to find more change.

•Don’t be afraid to add some “green” change every now and then. You will be surprised the amount of change a small jar will hold, but bills are just icing on the cake.

Day 4 – December 4

December 4, 2016December 3, 2016 / 1 Groups / Leave a comment

1204 Many of us will go out to eat today following worship. If you do, leave a bigger tip than usual.

But since you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you–see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8.7)

Other Ideas:

•You might also buy someone else’s meal for them. If you can do it anonymously, all the better!

•Tonight (12/4) there will be a pancake supper to help support a family who lost their mother and now the oldest children are raising the younger ones. For those of you who might be interested, it will take place at the New Home Community Center (just west of Slide Rd/FM1730 on FM211) from 4:30 – 7:00 pm.