Mission of the Month

Local Serve Opportunities
Connecting people to Jesus by serving the 317

Stop by the Cafe any time throughout the month of April to learn more about ways to serve individually, as a family, or life group in and around the city.

We'd love to hear how you, your family, life group, and others are serving the 317. Share your story about serving with us so we can celebrate all God is doing! Fill out the form here. 

Read stories about the people in our church who are serving and how you can be a part of connecting people to Jesus below. 

Stories

I used to be a greeter at the Creek. I decided I wanted to do more but did not know what. I connected with a member of the staff at The Creek and she said the greatest need was mentoring! I had no background and didn’t know what I was getting into. I started as a mentor and then became a classroom champion in a life skills class (Special Ed class with intermediate needs or worse) and I had no experience with special needs kids. I was put with great teachers, who helped me the whole time. At first I went to school for about 40 minutes. I would take one kid to the library and we would try to study for 20 minutes and then talk for 20 minutes. I knew the best thing I could do was give the kids time. I asked if I could go to Phys ed, art or music with the kids. A better way to get to know them and you could always be an extra hand in these classes. Then I asked if I could go to lunch also. Now I stay for about five hours one or two times a wee and I help out in the class as needed.

 

To be honest, when I started mentoring I had no idea what to expect and had my hesitancies! Now, four years later, I have 13 kids I love and they all love me in their own way! I had no idea when I started what this experience would be like but now I am very close (love) with the teachers and the staff at Thomas Gregg, from the staff that runs the school to the cafeteria staff and custodians. I have also had the opportunity to grow close to some of the parents. This all has definitely been Holy spirit driven!!! I have gone out to eat with the teachers about 10 or 12 times and they have also come to church with me a few times. If you do something to serve someone’s kids, and they think you are sincere, they will love you. I have endless stories that I can share with anybody and I love the opportunity to do so!

I have loved being a part of serving with Unconditional. They treasure these young ladies and care for them without judgement. These women are so brave and are trying to overcome many obstacles. We all have a story and God uses our story and struggles to help others and glorify him.

 

There are so many ways we can help. We can give our money, help with meals for group meetings and events, as well as be a part of their lives by mentoring. Sometimes there is a need to help someone move or a need for furniture or household items. We may be put in someone’s life to love on them when they don’t feel lovable or don’t have people in their life that will do that.

 

I especially love the name of the ministry because that is exactly how God loves us and calls us to love others.

 

"Marie started serving with Unconditional as a mom squad mentor and then moved into being a Bridge mentor. She has mentored multiple women and continues to bless everyone she meets. One of her mentees shared that she now feels like she has family because of Marie’s impact. Thank you Marie for the impact for Christ you are having on many lives."

Through serving experiences, our Rooted groups have opportunities to serve those in our community in a variety of ways. As a group, they work together to love on those in our community that they don’t regularly have connection with. There are so many opportunities to serve with Christ’s heart, focus on building relationships with others and show them the love of Christ.

 

One of our Rooted groups recently served at Unconditional. This organization unconditionally loves women in the sex industry with the love of Christ, to empower, and encourage them on their journey, and equip them for a full and healthy life. We love the work they are doing and love to connect groups with serving opportunities there. Our Rooted group was able to purchase items in advance they can gift the women they work with but they also purchased items for housing kits that can be given to women as they help women transition into new housing. This group spent a Saturday morning learning more about Unconditional and then supporting them by organizing all of these donated items so they are ready to distribute as needed.

 

 When you think of serving in your neighborhood, community or partner organizations you are passionate about, there is always a need for cleaning and painting projects. What a tangible way to show love to those within your surrounding community.

 

Creek Lifegroups, Rooted groups, Middle School and High School groups have helped serve at Southeastway Park, Outreach, Horizon House, school partners and multiple other partner organizations. We love watching members of The Creek step up and provide these tangible acts of love for others. 

 

Many Creek members regularly love and support their neighbors by helping do yard work for a neighbor in need or doing repairs at the home of a single mom or elderly neighbor. However you are serving others tangibly, te outflow of Christ’s love to those around you is beautiful and a great way to continue moving forward His Kingdom.

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