With February ‘half-spent’, we see ‘hearts, roses and candy’ all around, Valentine Day must be near! These three things warm our hearts and remind us of how important relationships are in living the Christian life. As a Senior Adult, we might be thinking, “I have seen all the hearts, smelled all the roses and eaten all of the candy I want”. But I hope we all can look beyond these gestures and see the true motives of why someone wants to “remember us” in such manner.
Perhaps, someone wants to tell you they really love you and wants to express it in a tangible way. It may be that you have influenced them by the way you love, minister and serve the Lord. Some share to just say “thank you for being so special in my life”. Of course, spouses (our age) are reaffirming that special love they’ve treasured through the years. At this point in life, what else is there to give each other? Name a star for them, a trip to Dairy Queen for a blizzard, or a warm foot massage on one of these cold nights? OK, if these are not options, look back at the hearts, roses and candy list. Time is running out!
Now think of our church family and how we may express our love to them. In your Sunday School Class: list some ways you can minister as a class to members who have special needs; remember your class leaders and make some kind of love-expression to them (teacher, class leader, etc). Remember those who faithfully serve: director, secretary, outreach, greeters, musicians, etc. Also, remember our Worship and Ministry Staff, Office staff, Custodial, Kitchen and the Day Care Staff. (Make a contribution to a special ministry in honor of them, share a card, give them plate of goodies, etc.) It doesn’t matter what is done, as long as love is expressed. And don’t forget our Homebound members!
Many churches use the I LOVE MY CHURCH MONTH Theme and emphasize such things as: Making a commitment to being faithful in attendance, giving and ministry. Also, we can encourage members to share love with the church family in these ways –
Week 1 Make check-up calls, expressing love & appreciation
Week 2 Send a card (valentine) or note sharing some special thoughts.
Week 3 Share a gift (goodies, lotions, flowers, candy, etc)
Week 4 Make some special visits this week ‘to check on a friend’
All members are special to the church family and make so many contributions through attendance, service, prayer ministry, giving, ministry, witnessing, missions, and volunteering. How rewarding it is to serve. Say “Thank you for all the ways you show your love to world around you.” And if you get too much candy and stuff…share it with friends in the local nursing homes. There are many there alone and will have no visitors or gifts. “God is love – Express it; Love is active – Give it away!”