During this past year when reading together our closing benediction
that states part of Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come
to be served, but to serve…” I reflected even further about what else
the Bible has to say about serving. There were two particular verses
that really stuck out to me. Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers, were
called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh;
rather, serve one another in love.” Also, 1 Peter 4:10, “Each one should
use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully adminis-
tering God’s grace in its various forms.”
During this time of reflection, I recalled hearing about an update at
a deacon meeting regarding the number of projects the volunteers
within the Calvary Hands of Jesus ministry had recently completed.
If you’re not familiar with the Hands of Jesus ministry, it’s a group of
volunteers within the Calvary congregation that help complete vari-
ous home repairs (and an occasional project from “left field”) for those
that would typically be unable to tackle such projects on their own.
There are approximately 45 volunteers within this group.
During one two-month stretch this group completed 21 different proj-
ects, including 14 for widows. These projects include such things as
yard work, window blinds installation, ceiling light and smoke detec-
tor work, window washing & weather stripping replacement, interior
& exterior painting, lawn mower pick up and transport for repairs, wa-
ter heater inspection and recommendations, drywall restoration and
priming, numerous yard project, GFI (electrical) reset, sink drain leak
repair, fiberglass bath tub temporary patching, and more!
The coordinators of this group try to best match the volunteer(s) to
the type of work that is needed based on their skills/experience, loca-
tion and availability. I’ve also learned that the average age of this serv-
ing group of volunteers is a tad over 70. We are so thankful for them
and how they’re able to bless other brothers & sisters in Christ! What
a great example of service. I’ve also heard, not surprisingly, that often
times those that serve felt just as blessed as those that were served.
In closing, I’ll pass along that I’ve also learned that within the Gospels
the words “hands, “fingers” & “touch” are mentioned over 200 times.
Psalms 104:28 & 145:16 both make mention of how God “opens his
hands for us,” providing us what we need. So too can we in turn open
our hands to others.
If you feel led to explore serving opportunities here at Calvary and/
or learn about your spiritual gifts, please contact Director of Serving
Stacy Armbrester ([email protected]) at (616) 956-9377.
If you are in need of assistance that the Hands of Jesus ministry
might be able to provide, contact Glenn DeMots at 454-0232, or Bill
Skinner 456-9296.
By Brent Enders
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