Essentials of Faith: Serving

February 24, 2022 | Becca Gater

I became a follower of Jesus in college. I knew nothing of baptism and my only experience with Communion was in the Catholic church where I was not allowed to take Communion. So as I looked for a church at 20 years old I didn’t know what to look for when it came to teaching, theology, doctrine or any of those other words that you may still not fully understand either. One of the things that I appreciated about Westerly (Stone Hill’s old name) was that they asked if anyone could help in the children’s wing and there was no other requirement except a desire to serve. As an education major and having been the oldest of a lot of sisters I knew a thing or two about babies and toddlers. So I put my name on the list and soon began to see a side of the church I had never experienced as a single college student. I read stories, changed diapers, played peek-a-boo and met parents. (Some of those parents became mentors to me and my husband as we began a family in this church we now called home.) 

I now understand more about the purpose of service in the church – how it benefits others and how it benefits my relationship with Jesus. Service has grown my compassion towards others. Service has offered my family ways to work together. Service has helped me to obey Jesus’ command to put others before myself for the glory of God.

There are so many ways that you and your family can serve in practical ways. Teens are always needed for camp in July. Preschool classes need helpers during the service. The café has opportunities for families to serve the congregation with coffee and bagels. Maybe you have a specific gift? The various music ministries are always looking for musicians of all ages and experience levels. Maybe your teen has no fear of public speaking and would want to be a Scripture reader on Sunday mornings. These are only a few of the many opportunities available for you and your family to begin to consider how you can be used to serve the church. For more information on these opportunities and other options, check out this quick guide to Serving at Stone Hill.