A small group at Abiding Savior was looking for a low-contact project that could still make a big impact. That’s when they partnered with Monarch Jewelry–a ministry of Crisis Aid International whose profits go towards combating human trafficking in the St. Louis area. So, the group at Abiding Savior is hosting a jewelry collection, where used and unwanted items can be donated to be repurposed to be sold by Monarch Jewelry. Their gathering of jewelry is the start of a ripple effect to help a cause that impacts so many.

South of Kansas City, Bethlehem assembled several different groups from their church. Their LWML, Men’s Group, and their “RATS” group assembled for different projects. One will help with 1/4 mile of highway cleanup, which, due to COVID-19 restrictions, has been difficult to maintain for the past year. At the beginning of the pandemic, Bethlehem made signs for shut-ins, an activity looking at being recreated one year in. And also plans are made to help support a congregational family that is well loved and needing some support. Dividing a larger group into several projects is a great way to reach into and be seen by your community (especially if wearing bright yellow SHINE! shirts).

St. John’s in Mexico normally has a big “Easter Eggstravaganza” hosted by their church and open to the community. With entertainment telling the Easter story (complete with a dog that does tricks) usually this is a big event for their community and brings many new faces to the church. But changing parameters from schools, plus COVID-19 has made it difficult to invite in a large crowd. So St. John’s is going into the community. They coordinated with a local grocery store to purchase individually wrapped food items, which they will distribute with New Testaments on a Saturday outside of the store. Since St. John’s is in a more rural area, this store is the popular spot on a Saturday morning, making St. John’s presence all the more impactful. What areas in your community can be used to maximize sharing God’s love?

Those at Timothy were also looking for a project that could meet the needs of their community. So they are hosting a scrap metal drive and a paper shredding event. Living in a more urban part of the city, it can be difficult for people to dispose of larger items. This, in turn, can lead to random bits of scrap metal lying around. Timothy (partnering with other churches) will help by going into the community and offering to gather it. Also new this year, they are renting a large paper shredder where people can have access to confidential disposal of paper items.

The Missouri District Youth Gathering is happening April 10. This online event for junior and senior youth will feature the study of God’s Word, songs of praise, and fellowship time. But one thing that’s difficult to do online is engage in service. St. Paul’s decided to have an in-person servant event before the online gathering. Their junior youth will be helping out a local thrift shop. They also took into consideration elements like food and timing. Since the gathering is in the evening, it keeps things simple by working in the afternoon, returning to the church for group pizza, and then participating together in the gathering. They also found a project that streamlines transportation; the thrift shop is right across the street–no cars needed. How can you find simple ways to add service to your group?

The Missouri District Youth Gathering is happening April 10. This online event for junior and senior youth will feature the study of God’s Word, songs of praise, and fellowship time. But one thing that’s difficult to do online is engage in service. St. Paul’s decided to have an in-person servant event before the online gathering. Their junior youth will be helping out a local thrift shop. They also took into consideration elements like food and timing. Since the gathering is in the evening, it keeps things simple by working in the afternoon, returning to the church for group pizza, and then participating together in the gathering. They also found a project that streamlines transportation; the thrift shop is right across the street–no cars needed. How can you find simple ways to add service to your group?

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