When my brothers and I were younger, Dad would take us with him one day every December to ring the bell by the red Salvation Army collection kettle. Often, it would be cold as we stood outside a local merchant’s store in our small Ohio town. But Dad told us that we were helping others who needed help. He was teaching us, at a young age, that serving others is important. Life isn’t all about “us.” The world doesn’t revolve around us. To this day, I look forward to ringing the bell at Christmastime by the Salvation Army kettle. ​ In 1st Corinthians, Paul is writing, not only to the people of the Church in Corinth, but to us as well. It’s important for us to continue serving others. It’s important for us to teach our children about serving others. We do so, not to benefit ourselves, but to be “servants of Christ.” Beginning August 19, Christ Lutheran will embark on a sizeable journey of service to God, and to our brothers and sisters—brothers and sisters who live in our neighborhoods and around the world. Everyone in the congregation is asked to participate in at least one of the projects. “8 Days of Service” begins on Sunday, 8/19, with projects at all 3 campuses, including packaging 20,000 meals at Christ Concord (lunch will be provided after worship), and ends with a luncheon celebration at Christ Providence on Sunday 8/26. And there are LOTS of projects available during the days in between. Here’s why we’re doing this: While serving others… We follow Christ’s command, AND His example We develop deeper understandings about the world and the needs of others We become less self-absorbed The community of Christ is strengthened when we come together in service We model an example of service to our children when they are young, teaching them the importance of serving others In the name of Jesus, we find that our connection with God deepens and our spirituality grows “But, why is it called ‘8 Days of Service?’,” you ask. Excellent question! When we serve in the name of Christ, our faith is strengthened, we demonstrate the love of Christ to others, and we are all renewed. You see, that’s what happens on the 8th day. On the first 6 days, God creates the universe. On the 7th day, God rests. And on the 8th day—the first day of the week, the first Easter morning when Christ rises from the dead—we are all renewed. Our sins are gone. No longer condemned to death because of our sins, we are made new. We are restored. We are united with God—all because Jesus serves us. You see, there is something special about the 8th day. So we want to celebrate and honor God by serving others over 8 days, and then celebrating on the 8th day. I invite you to be part of the “8 Days of Service” this month. Click here to register for a service event or go to Events in Realm. I’m sure you can find a project that suits your time, your talents, and your passion. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:5) I hope to see many of you on the 1st day of service at Christ Concord on 8/19, and for the celebration lunch on the 8th day, at Christ Providence on 8/26. Jesus tells us: “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28) In His service, Pastor Tenny Will You Let Me Be Your Servant Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you? Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant, too. We are pilgrims on a journey, we are trav’lers on the road. We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load. I will hold the Christ-light for you in the night time of your fear. I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear. The Servant Song ELW #659