Spring is finally here! This year, more than ever, I am READY. After some long, cold months, I can’t wait for the longer days ahead with warmer temperatures. It’s refreshing to see neighbors out again walking dogs, the sounds of kids playing in yards all around, and revisiting with people we may not have seen over the colder months. Our weekends will soon be filled with updating garden beds or potted plants, pulling weeds, and mowing the lawn.
Spring is also a wonderful time to think about ways to connect with and serve others.
In Mark 10:45, we’re reminded that “even the Son of God did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” Serving others is a tangible expression of God’s love to our community.
Here are some ideas for serving those around you this Spring in Columbia, Missouri.
Spring Clean Up
While you’re reconnecting with neighbors or doing your own yard work, there may be an opportunity to reach out and see how you can multiply what you’re doing to serve others.
Consider your older neighbors or someone who may have had a challenging circumstance over the last few months. Instead of waiting to see them the next time they’re out, think about who you could check in on and offer to help. While you’re cleaning up sticks and branches in your own yard or tilling your garden bed, you could do the same in their yard as well.
Spring Clean Out
Spring cleaning comes to mind for a reason! We’re often transitioning our cold-weather clothes out of our closets and drawers to replace them with shorts and tees. Something about the season motivates us to clean out and declutter other things while we’re at it! If this is you, consider a thoughtful way to share your donations.
City of Refuge takes gently used clothes and furniture to resell in their City Boutique. (It’s also where local artisans from all over the world sell their creations and goods!)
Smaller donations can be dropped off at the City of Refuge drive-thru drop-off located at 10 N. Garth, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. You can arrange larger donation drop-offs online.
ForColumbia
Spring is the season when our church and others from across Columbia gather annually to serve the city with ForColumbia! From building projects to deep cleaning and outdoor cleanup, there are a wide variety of ways we serve.
ForColumbia was founded with a simple mission: to share God’s love by serving our community side by side. For ten years, this annual day of service has blessed our city, and we look forward to another year! There is even a prayer team to serve on throughout the day as people serve physically throughout the city.
Get together with your family, your friends, or your small group, and sign up to serve together on April 26!
Other Ways to Serve
Loaves and Fishes is an ongoing way to serve or prepare a meal once a month for Columbia’s homeless community. You can serve regularly or as you’re able, and you can serve alongside others who sign up with you.
If you’re looking for other ways to give of your time, check out one of the Care teams at The Crossing:
The Fix-It Team offers services to those who may need help with a simple project, a small update, or your strength to move something. Families, single parents, or those in crisis reach out as needed, and this team serves those needs as they arise.
The Community Response Serving Team offers practical assistance to individuals and nonprofit organizations in our community – delivering food and supplies or assisting others in our community like food pantries and public housing areas.
You can find all other teams and ways to serve our community on The Crossing’s website: thecrossingchurch.com/Ministry/Care
It’s amazing to see the robust ways that The Crossing’s members have spearheaded teams to respond to felt needs in our church and around Columbia.
Serving others is an expression of the love and grace God has shown us through Jesus. Sometimes, it’s hard to know where to begin. But when we take time to serve others, we reflect the heart of Jesus and demonstrate the power of the gospel to the community around us.
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