April

APRIL – SERVICE

Weekly Practices:

Service is more than just attending a service project from time to time. Jesus expects us to live with a servant-mindset. We should constantly be looking for opportunities to serve. We want to encourage every member to build the habit of serving others this month.

Week 1 (April 6-12)

Serving One Another: Read John 13:2-17 and reflect on these questions:

  1. What do you think is the modern equivalent for 1st century feet washing?
  2. What does it say about Jesus, the Son of God and Ruler of the Universe, that he would humble himself to wash his disciples’ feet?
  3. Think back over the past 24 hours. How aware were you of the needs and well-being of the people around?
  4. What distracts from serving others?

Week 2 (April 13-19)

Serving Neighbor: Read Luke 10:25-37 and reflect on these questions:

  1. If Jesus told this parable today, who would be the person that stops to help the man?
  2. Do you know someone nearby who needs some time and attention? What can you do for them?
  3. What hinders you from opportunities to serve others?
  4. Sometimes when we read this passage, we think of our neighbor as any person in need. While that is true, the Samaritans were Israel’s literal neighbors to the north who were their enemies. Do your literal neighbors (those who live next to you) know you are a Christian? Do you have a good relationship with them?

Week 3 (April 20-26)

Serving the Least of These: Read Matthew 25:31-46 and reflect on these questions:

  1. What emotions do you feel from reading this passage? Why?
  2. How does God want you to apply this passage to your life?
  3. Who do you think are the least of these?
  4. What do you need to change in order to open your eyes to the needs of others?

Week 4 (April 27-May 3)

Serving the City: Read Jeremiah 29:5-7 and reflect on these questions: Jeremiah 29 in context: We often hear Jeremiah 29:11 quoted around graduation time. We should always read Scripture in its proper context. The people of Israel have been taken as exiles into Babylon. There are false prophets telling the people their exile will not last long. This is not true. Through Jeremiah, God tells the people they should get used to living in Babylon.

  1. What does it mean to be an exile (1 Peter 1:1, 17; 2:11) today?
  2. How can you be more involved in seeking the welfare of Meridian?
  3. How should you balance being in the world, but not of the world?
  4. How does serving the city glorify God?

Possible DIY Service Ideas:

  • Model service to your children
  • Visit someone in the hospital
  • Visit a shut-in or someone in the nursing home
  • Help at the Diaper Bank
  • Make cards for seniors
  • Plant a tree (Jeremiah 29:5-7)
  • Pick up litter
  • Mow a neighbor’s lawn

Planned Service Projects:

  • April 9, 5:30-6:30 – Diaper Bank
  • April 19, 8:30 – Community GiveAway

    Going Deeper:
  • After serving, reflect on the following questions:
    • How did God use you for good in this situation?
    • Did you serve with a Christ
    • Did God receive the glory for your service, or did you do it for your own glory?
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