To demonstrate ways that we can all show Christ’s love through our daily lives, my church has organized a creative outreach event. On February 7 our congregation will do what most of us already do after church– we’ll go out to eat. But rather than focusing on the food and rushing the meal so we can get on with our days, we’ll be paying attention to our servers. The goal is that this small act of kindness will help others feel God’s love.
Within just a few miles of our church there are 156 restaurants. And most of those restaurants probably staff several waiters and waitresses every Sunday. Whether they want to or not, they won’t be attending a Sunday service. Instead they’ll be filling water glasses and taking orders. Since they won’t be able to go to church, we’re bringing the church to them. After all, church isn’t the building, it’s the people.
Besides just leaving a tip when we leave we’ll be giving our waiters and waitresses a goodie bag. Inside will be several gift cards for movie theaters, gas stations or grocery stores along with treats like candy bars. They’ll also get a letter from one of our pastors and a stamped envelope so they can easily send us any prayer requests. As my pastor pointed out, the Bible makes an incredible statement about Jesus. It says, “Jesus went about doing good.” Often it was his simple acts of compassion that unlocked people’s hearts.
All of the members will hopefully chip in something to create goodie bags that will be a wonderful blessing to our hardworking servers, which means no one person will have to spend a lot of money to make it happen. I remember over a year ago when the person in front of me in the Dunkin Donuts drive thru paid for my coffee. That little step made a huge impact on my life and I only hope that this opportunity to server our servers will do the same.
What seemingly small ways have you blessed others or been blessed by others? Give us your ideas!