One of the things I love most about Christ Lutheran is that we don't believe church ends when worship is over. Every Sunday, we gather to be renewed by worship and then sent back into the world to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Christ Lutheran’s mission is simple, yet powerful: Find Community. Build Faith. Reach Beyond.

Faith in Action is one of the most tangible ways we live out that final calling.

Service isn't about recognition or checking a volunteer box. It's about reflecting Christ's love in practical ways that tell our neighbors, "You are seen. You are valued. You are loved."

Beginning this week, our annual Faith in Action service weeks (formerly 8 Days of Service) invite every member of Christ Lutheran to participate. Whether you are a family with young children, a youth group, a Bible study, or an individual looking for a way to serve, there is an opportunity for you!!

Week One: Start Where You Are

Sometimes the most meaningful acts of service begin right in our own neighborhoods.

Our first week encourages us to look around our neighborhoods and ask, "Who is my neighbor, and how can I love them well?" You might organize a neighborhood clean-up, collect clothing for Crisis Assistance Ministry, purchase items from Roof Above's Amazon Wish List, create a neighborhood prayer walk, write notes of encouragement to teachers, firefighters, police officers, or simply reach out to someone who could use a friend.

When we begin serving where God has already planted us, we discover that everyday moments become opportunities for extraordinary!

Week Two: Love Our Charlotte Community

Christ Lutheran has long been committed to partnering with organizations that are already making a difference throughout Charlotte. During Week Two, we'll have opportunities to serve alongside many of these incredible ministries.

Whether we're supporting families experiencing homelessness, addressing food insecurity, caring for our neighbors, or helping local nonprofits accomplish their mission, we become part of something much bigger than ourselves. Our faith in action will be visible around our city, and residents will know that Christ Lutheran cares!

Week Three: Investing in McClintock Middle School

For twenty years, Christ Lutheran has faithfully partnered with McClintock Middle School through McPIE. What began as a partnership has become a ministry built on relationships, trust, and consistency.

During our third week of Faith in Action, we'll focus our efforts on preparing the school for a new year. We'll support teachers, encourage staff, and help create a welcoming environment for students returning to campus. By showing up year after year, we remind the McClintock community that we are here to stay.

Every Act Matters

It's easy to think that making a difference requires something BIG. But the Bible consistently shows us that small acts of compassion—a shared meal, a kind word, a helping hand—can have the biggest impact.

Faith in Action isn't about doing everything. It's about each of us doing SOMETHING.

Maybe this is the year you try a service project for the first time. Maybe you invite your neighbors, your small group, or your family and friends to serve alongside you. Maybe you discover a ministry that becomes part of your life long after these three weeks are over.

Whatever your gifts, whatever your schedule, there is a place for you.

As we prepare for another season of Faith in Action, let's pray that our eyes are opened to the needs around us, our hands serve generously, and our hearts love boldly. Together, we can continue building a church that not only gathers on Sundays but reaches beyond its walls to share hope and love with our neighbors.

Because when we serve, we don't just change our community.

We are changed, too!

For a full listing of projects, please visit christelca.org/faith-in-action.

Please remember to take pictures, send emails, and reflect on how you serve. Send any information or photos you can share to adavis@christelca.org. I would love to put these together to share with partners and our community!