God in His grace has given each of us gifts that differ from one another. (See Romans 12:3-8) Paul encourages us—and we encourage one another—to exercise these gifts for the good of all and the health of the whole body.
Lutherans often highlight that where God has placed us is an ideal place to put these gifts to good use. We start with our homes, the place where we live; we expand the circle to include the neighborhood (community), the workplace, and also the congregation. As individual Christians live out their “calling” in these several areas they are providing invaluable service.
What follows are opportunities for you to share your gifts and talents, skills and abilities, interests and concerns: (First we provide examples of different ways you can help within the congregation—one need not be a member to do many of these services.)
By Service in the Congregation:
____ reading lessons for worship ____ doing altar care; ____ serving as a greeter/usher
____ cleaning our facility ____ teaching Sunday School; ____ making posters
____ making evangelism visits ____ helping with publicity; ____ participating in the prayer chain
____ doing office work ____ leading Adult Bible Class ____ writing articles, news releases
____ organizing fellowship events ____ working with the youth ____ taking care of shrubbery
What talents, experiences and skills might you like to share? Please let us know!
By Service in the Community.
Listed below are helping organizations in Dahlonega and Lumpkin County in which members of St. Peter are involved. For additional opportunities, please see The Dahlonega Nugget, the local weekly newspaper.
Community Helping Place sponsors a free medical and dental clinic; emergency assistance; help with food, clothes, furniture; a summer food program, etc. Volunteers can assist in a variety of capacities. www.communityhelpingplace.org
Side by Side is observed the first Saturday in May, a day when people from various churches come together to assist people with needs they are unable to meet themselves: cleaning yards and homes, building ramps, even replacing roofs, etc. www.sidebysideinservice.com
North Georgia Interfaith Ministries, Inc. is a new organization which is working to address the needs of the homeless with transitional housing. www.lumpkincountsyhomeless.com
Habitat for Humanity of Lumpkin County, Inc. is dedicated to helping provide affordable housing in our area. P. O. Box 1002, Dahlonega, GA 30533.
Meals on Wheels: A number of our members deliver meals to those who are homebound. Additional volunteers are often needed. www.lumpkincounty.gov/2014/01/27meals-on-wheels-volunteers-needed-2. Call 706-864-2358.
RESOURCES for our SERVICE
Through our affiliation with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), we are involved in educational, humanitarian, and missionary work in this country and around the world. Regional leadership and support to workers and congregations is provided by the Florida-Georgia District: www.flgadistrict.org. The national website is www.lcms.org.
Lutheran Hour Ministries sponsors weekly radio broadcasts, daily devotions one can receive via Email, Bible study resources, and tools for evangelism. The Project Connect Booklets are published by them. www.lhm.org.
St. Peter Lutheran Church sponsors the Project Connect program here in Dahlonega. Booklets on key topics are displayed at the church; each month a different one will be featured. You can pick up these booklets at the church, or request them by calling 678-313-9310 or via Email: pastor.stpeterlutheran@gmail.com.
The synod’s publishing arm is Concordia Publishing House: www.cph.org.
In Georgia a key social ministry arm of the LCMS and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is the Lutheran Services of Georgia. www.lsga.org.
Another national Lutheran organization providing television broadcasting, print, and digital resources is Time of Grace. www.timeofgrace.org.