Ideas on Inspiring Service and why It Is Important for the Congregation...and YOU!!!

Our busy season of fundraising in the Salvation Army has come to an end for another year.  Many outside The Salvation Army would recognize a bigger presence outside local department stores, groceries, and pharmacies in their local town during the last few months.  Perhaps a few more articles in the newspaper or personal interest stories on the TV are also noticed.   But that season is so much more than that.  Our corps (church) activities continue, feasts of celebration for Thanksgiving and Christmas still go on, and a special season of Advent each Sunday.  Many of our corps also coordinate gift giving to local nursing homes, special meals for the community and shelters, and the list goes on and on.  Along with our ministry with The Salvation Army, many of us have families either at home or far away.   The kids have special school programs and projects, our long distance families long for plans to be made for visits, and sickness can also pop up along the way.  I don't really think I have to list it all for you to get the drift...many of you live the same as I do and recognize, there is no way we can do it all on our own.

During the month of January, it has been my custom to take a look back and reflect upon what worked and what didn't over the last few months.  I dropped the ball on a few things this season and that is a reminder that I need to enlist the help of my staff, volunteers, and corps members.  I have always struggled with taking on everything.  My reasons vary, (I do have some controll issues), but I also hate asking people to do something!  I don't want to be an inconvienience to someone.  But I have realized lately in both experiencing this Christmas in another new appointment and in Bible Study that it is a believer's duty to serve others.  I am essentially taking that opportunity away from the congregation, when I do things on my own.

As this New Year begins, I am working on new goals for myself and for the corps.  One of the big ones is giving our corps members the opportunity to use what God has given them to the serve the church and community.  This is a win-win for our corps.  It allows them to grow spiritually in the spiritual discipline of serving and it takes a little weight off our shoulders.  Honestly, it may take a while for this to take effect.  Time issues, insecurities about abilities, and a myriad of other things will distract us from our goal, but I truly feel God is leading us in that direction.  So here are the steps we are taking to lead the congregation in this direction.

1.  Identify the Strengths of the Corps Members.  

There are many evaluation tools available to do this.  Probably the most prevelant is the Spiritual Gifts Test or Assesment.  An internet search will provide many free assesments as well as more in depth tests that can be purchased.  This allows the congregation to answer honestly.  In previous appointments we have done this on a Mid-Week Service or during a weekend seminar.  Once the test is scored by the individual, the test can give them their bigger strengths.

2.  Identify the Needs of the Corps and Community.

List all of the needs of the corps (and possibly the community).  Include tasks big and small.  You may have individuals physically unable to do some tasks, so having those will help them feel utilized.  You may also categorize these to make it easier.  Include local officer positions as well.

3.  Match Gifts with Needs.

Most decent spiritual gifts assesments will come with the gifts categorized as well.  Match your corps and community needs into those categories.  Once the self-evaluations are completed allow the individuals to choose their service opportunities with their gifts.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:  whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies -- in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.  To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.  1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV

4.  Commitment Service

During a worship service or special commitment service, have a special prayer time where your congregation can write down the service opportunities they would like to participate in.  They can do this privately on a small piece of paper or you can place the giant post-it notes sheets all over the wall with the areas of service and allow them to sign their name below the gift.  

5.  Follow-up and Accountability

Very soon after the prayer service, contact each individual and talk to them about their gifts and if possible place them into their service opportunity or position.  If more training is needed, also set that up.  Regularly check up on their service areas, making sure you equip them for their task.  Between six months to a year, check up on them to see how they feel, how they have grown.  

"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;"  1 Peter 5:2 ESV

"to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ," Ephesians 4:12 ESV

6.  Celebrate

At the end of the year, thank them for their service and commitment.  Gifts don't have to be elaborate.  Even a card or certificate may do.  Lots of ideas on pinterest for candy bar grams.

"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone and especially to those who are of the household of faith."  Galatians 6:10 ESV

The important thing for you to do, is LET THEM DO IT!!!  

"Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of The Lord."  James 5:14 ESV

I also would caution you to not always pick up the slack on things that maybe the corps members didn't sign up to do.  (We may hear gasps from above!!)  I preface this by saying, by no means does this give us an excuse to not do anything!  But I am saying if you and your congregation have decided what is important to them, then you may want to evaluate the other ministries to see how important they are.  Some are still very vital, but some may not be needed.  If you have a shortage of volunteers check to see if the ministry can be included in an already existing program.    A lot of our ministries go hand in hand and can be consolidated if needed.

I believe that Community Cares is one of those programs.  Many of our other ministries such as Home League (Women's Ministries) and our character building programs have service project components to their programming.  If you don't have many (or any) volunteers to help with your nursing home visitations, utilize the service components of these other ministries and help with those visitations.

What happens if something does fall through the cracks?

So confession time!!!  Its not always so pretty on the other side of the tunic is it?  With everything going on this Christmas season, my corps ministry fell short.  Christ should have been the focus, and I got caught up in the worries of Angel Tree and Kettles, and didn't always put my full attention on the worship aspect of Advent.  I also did not schedule Community Cares Visitation.  (Gasp!!!)  I know, that after the stats are evaluated, I will get that dreaded email.  I am sure some of you may even be thinking, "how could you?"  I am planning a Valentine's Day event to help fill the gap (just so you know)...but I should have asked for help from our corps members and groups but didn't.  

Sometimes things fall through.  I am not making light of the situation nor am I advocating for all of us to drop things for the heck of it!  But when things like this happen, try not to let it get you down.  I try to teach my children daily how to take full responsibility for their actions.  Good or bad, they must accept the consequences for the actions with integrity and humility.  I too will have to face the "music" (may it be the "Imperial March" or something more dreadful), and then...I move on.  I don't have time to dwell on it, I have to move forward, because tomorrow the guests in our shelter, the congregation, the thrift store, and the community may need me.  And I have to be there.  I can't be there if I am burned out.  I can't be there if I am dwelling on mistakes.  And now, I know I can't be there alone.  So utilize your corps and community and try not to do it by yourself.  Take it from someone who experienced it recently.  

A Dream Lost? or Found?

I have had this dream.  I have had it for quite a while, actually.  It never fails though ...work...ministry...family...life... happens...and my dream falls through the cracks.  It doesn't completely go away however... every once in a while, I feel this twinge of hope that it is still around somewhere.  It's happening as we speak.  That spark of light that could fuel a flame, IF everything was at the right place at the right time.

Do you ever feel that way?  Has God placed something on your heart?  Maybe an idea or a project, but then things...life get in the way?  I am often left wondering if putting something else on my plate is the right thing to do. I can't help but feel however, that He is leading me in that direction.    So I have to push through I guess.  Pray about it some more.  Pray "circles" around it like Mark Batterson talks about in His book, The Circle Maker.  I will have to work hard not to forget it this time.  I have a choice and I want to let those sparks be a catalyst for something God worthy!

Psst...I am still here.

Maybe I should remind myself of that.  My goal of writing a few times a week, got side track this past month...life just happened...again.  October 1st, we connected with Practice Hospitality's Whole30 Cleanse.  While the last few days at officer's councils did not go as well as it should have with the eating, I am happy to report we have definitely made changes to our food that will carry on past the 30 days.  Although we have not been able to follow everything to a T, we are on our way to a better, healthier eating lifestyle.  I still crave the nightly bowl of cereal, but having my husband on board has helped a lot.

My mom came in to watch the kids while we were away, and I am so thankful that family has been close enough to watch them during those times.  Its hard to be away from them.  I feel like I miss a lot, but with Skype and Facetime it has made being away a little easier.  I also have gotten to spend a few extra days with my mom, and that doesn't happen very often.

The next few weeks start another busy season for us, as it does for all of you Sallie*Moms out there.  If you have any ideas for Christmas Parties, organization ideas for Angel Tree or Kettles, make sure you post on the Facebook Page. 

One of Those Weeks

We all have them every once in a while.  One of those weeks that you are burning the candle at both ends.  Last week was one of them.  My husband was gone on a well-deserved trip with his dad.   Somehow we all made it through unscathed...well almost.

The bus did get a flat tire while I was picking up kids for youth activities.  Thank goodness we are all safe.

I had to be in three places at once on several occasions.  Thank goodness for great leaders and a wonderful mother - in - love who wasn't afraid to take home a route for me.

I had planned several big events this week...I will think twice about that next time.

I over slept one morning after staying up way too late working on things...thankfully mother-in-love was here to take the kids to school.  

Have I told you how awesome my mother-in-love is?

Works for Me Wednesday - Electronic Filing

As I am venturing out into the digital world (you know I love my gadgets), I am loving that I can merge my minimalist - no clutter lifestyle (well I try anyway!) with my planning.  There is a handy app named Evernote that keeps me organized.  I can take a picture of notes I have taken, Agendas of meetings and file it in a electronic notebook that is accessible on my tablet, phone, or computer.  I can even email documents and emails I have received to certain notebooks in my Evernote Account.

All though I am certainly not an expert yet, I have loved getting to know this great app.  (I have no affiliation with the Evernote people, I just love to use it).  When I am emailed or given an Agenda for a meeting, I simply send it or snap a photo and file it in the appropriate notebook.  Then I don't have to take a ton of papers with me!  I can even take notes at the meeting and file them in the same way.  (I have a wireless keyboard for my tablet or I can use the keyboard provided on the tablet as well.

I have used a paper planner for a long time and it has been hard to let go, but having these apps have certainly lessened my need for the paper planning.  The tablet or smart phone fits in my purse so I have also lightened my load! 

 

It works for me!!!!

Friendships and Haircut...two bits....

As a Salvation Army Officer, we move around quite a bit.  One of my concerns after a move is always about my children.  Will they like their new school?  Will they find activities that they enjoy?  The big question is:  Will they make new friends?  The answer to that has always been yes, in our experience.   Praise the Lord!  It is always around this time, however that I begin to feel a little lonely myself.  I have always enjoyed having friends in my life.  These women have gotten me through some pretty rough stuff!  But when the kids start school, and we begin to settle in to routine, I have found myself again longing for friendships.  I am sure I am not the only one who feels like this so I thought I would put together a few ways to find friends in your new appointment.

Your Corps:  Now this may seem like common sense, but sometimes this gets neglected. We have great women in our corps.  Get to know them and let them get to know you!!! 

Divisional and Territorial Events:  If you are moving to a new division, make sure you get to know your fellow officers.  They will be the ones that you call on to ask about policies, and will know the heartbeat of the division.  Camp assignments, divisional local officer trainings, and soldiers rallies are great events to attend.  Some divisions even offer a New Officers Orientation.  This is a great way for you to get to know the divisional staff officers and employees.

Civic Clubs:  As an officer we have the opportunity to meet others in our community who have a desire to help those that are in need.  A civic club can help connect you to people who not only are great partnerships in ministry and social work but in friendship as well.

Your Neighbors: Our kids are pretty outgoing so that has helped a lot.  They are not shy about inviting themselves into the houses, but we have a rule that they are not allowed to enter into a house until we have met their parents.  This serves two purposes.  One of course is safety!  We wouldn't want our children to go into a home of a stranger or someone we didn't trust.  Number two, it gives us the opportunity to meet others! 

Your Child's Sports Team:  Thing 1 loves baseball.  With at least one practice and one or two games a week, we had the opportunity to talk to the parents that are cheering their kids on.  I met one of my dear friends at those baseball practices and struck a friendship that lasted way longer than the baseball season!

Birthday Parties:  Thing 2 was invited to two birthday parties this weekend.  Because of a conflict we were only able to attend one.  It was really awkward at first honestly, going to a party and not knowing anyone, but I knew it was important for me to put myself out there!  Don't be afraid to step out and meet new people.  No one has to know that you are using the party as an excuse to talk to other moms! 

Your Child's School:  This has worked well for me in the past and probably the number one way to meet women who are at the same point in life as you are.  You automatically have some things in common as far as your kids go.  Volunteering for events in the class or at the school also gives you a common goal to work toward.

A Great Haircut: I know what you are thinking.  How in the world does a great haircut help?  Believe me, if you would have told me this before yesterday I too would have said you were crazy.  Yesterday, as Thing 2 and I were heading to the car from lunch, a woman chased me down.  She just loved my haircut and wanted to know who my stylist was.  (Thanks Melissa at Bella Si!!)  We struck up a conversation and I was even able to pray with her right on the spot!  God uses things, even hair cuts, to help us connect to others!  We have a few things in common and I look forward to getting to know her better.

The great thing about making friends in your appointments is that they can stay with you even through a move.  It can be kind of scary to meet new women, but I can tell you my life is much fuller because of them.  In each appointment I still have those special friends that keep in touch and even visit from time to time.  With Facebook, Skype, and FaceTime our kids have the opportunity to stay connected to friends and that has really helped them, especially though this last transition.  I cannot close without mentioning the friends that have stuck with me since high school and college and I am so thankful for them.  They are truly how I have gotten this far.  Friendships whether they are old or new, are how I am able to function as a person!  I am grateful for all of the connections that God has given me over the years!  Here's to many more!

Works for Me Wednesday - Scritpure Memorization Cards

We have been pretty faithful in our family devotional time, and recently have taken some time for Scripture Memorization with our kids.  Last year I was browsing Craigslist for some Bible curriculum and came across these cards and now we are using them in our memorization routine.

I think I paid around $1  for them!  Each card has a Bible Verse that starts with the corresponding letter.  Our family is doing one or two letters a week and we are now through letter H!  So in a few weeks time we have memorized 8 verses and will know 26 by the end of the set!  We are so excited and the kids are having a lot of fun.

These particular cards were published in 1975 as a part of the A beka curriculum.  You can order a set here or browse Craigslist and Yard Sales like I did. 

We have seen how an intentional devotional time has benefited our family and are pretty sure it will benefit you too!  It may not be for everyone...but these cards work for us, and they just might work for you too!  Happy Memorizing!


Disclaimer:  I do not have any affiliation with A beka.  I just really like their cards.