You’ve probably heard about our Faith in Action Saturdays...

Over the years, people like you have become a vital part of our Parkland-Summit-Waller community through simple acts of service. Our goal has been and will continue to be seeking out and responding to needs in and around our area. 

According to Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. and Lawrence Robinson, serving 2-3 hours a week brings incredible health benefits as well as a sense of purpose and joy.

So, here are 3 ways to tell if it’s right for you.

1. You Feel Isolated from Others and Know You Need to Get Connected
Whether it’s ZOOM calls, Team Meetings, or simply just not getting together with people as often or in the same way, life today just feels different than our pre-COVID days. So, let’s name it: pandemic isolation. And it’s real. And it’s OK to feel it.

When we feel isolated (whether from the pandemic or any other reason), we have a choice. We always have a choice.

Choice 1: Remain isolated and disconnected
Choice 2: Reconnect with somebody

Faith in Action Saturdays is a great way to reconnect with somebody. Call up a friend and spend a few hours together pulling weeds for your neighbor or help make some VBS decorations at church. And if you’re an introvert - it’s only 3 hours… you can go home and enjoy some quiet time over lunch afterwards.

Remember - when you feel isolated, you always have a choice to get reconnected… and serving together is a great place to start.

2. You Want to Help Others and Don’t Know Where to Start
I believe that God has made every human being with a natural desire to help other people. When we study Genesis 1 and 2, it’s how I believe God created us to be and to live. 

The problem is that there are so many ways we can help others or we see such an overwhelming number of needs that sometimes we don’t know where to start. 

Faith in Action pairs real community needs with simple hands-on projects while focusing everything we do toward giving our time and skills to real people. Sometimes we help people through our community partner organizations who extend the hands and feet of Jesus beyond our capacity as a church. Other times, we help people that we already know within our church family. At the end of the day, it’s still all about people.

Are you overwhelmed by so many ways to serve or the incredible amount of need that you see?

Let’s begin with Faith in Action Saturdays. It will help you help others with real needs - simple.

3. You’re Tired of Negativity and Want to Remind People of Hope
I don’t know about you, but it seems like Debbie Downer is everywhere.

On the radio. On my news feed. At work and school. Even in my own mind and heart.

In a world broken and shattered with the shrapnel of hopelessness, through serving, we can be reminded that there is hope.

In ancient times, lights reminded people that the safety of a city and the resources of others were available when they were in need. All they needed to do was to follow the light.

In a world filled with dark moments, Jesus continues to be the light that reminds all people that there is hope. And who is that tangible, human light today?

It’s you and me. Jesus said, you are the light of the world (John 8:12). You are Jesus’ hands, feet, and voice of hope. 

Are you tired of negativity in your life and in the world around you? Bring the hope of Jesus that is alive in you alive through a Faith in Action Saturday. Trust me - you will leave filled with more sunshine than rain clouds.

So, are you in?

Our next Faith in Action Saturday is June 19 from 8-11am. We will begin at our Tacoma Campus where we review the projects for the day, form teams, and work to complete our projects. You can learn more and register at go.oslc.com/fia.