Dear First Pres,

 When I was in college, I was pondering becoming a music educator and knew that I would need some experiences working with school-age children. My church bulletin had an announcement stating a need for Sunday school teachers for the 4th through 6th grade. In spite of being a relatively new Christian and not knowing what to expect, I signed up and discovered how service is a part of the Christian experience that is vital for every believer.

 In Ephesians 2:8-9, the apostle Paul wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And that this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” These verses point out that salvation is a free gift that we cannot earn by doing good works. However, many people just stop at verse 9 and move on when looking at these verses. Verse 10 goes on to state, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Those good works are many and not listed here, but it is clear from this verse that God has made us to do something.

  In serving, I learned more about my faith in Christ and began putting it into action as I served the students that I was given. I was trained and was eventually given my own group of boys to teach and pray for. I was welcomed to a group of co-laborers that had a passion for working with children. These fellow volunteers became my fellowship group. The main leader of the Sunday School class later performed the wedding ceremony for Wendi and myself. Another leader became a close friend and I was his best man when he got married. This early experience was foundational to who I am as a follower of Christ today.

  Throughout the New Testament, there are references to the Church as being one Body but many members (1 Cor. 12, Rom 12:4, Eph. 4:15-16), and that the Holy Spirit has given us different gifts for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit has gifted us and we are to use them for building up the Body and glorifying God in all that we do. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-5, Paul says that there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord. You may know where God has called you to serve. If so, serve the Lord with all your heart, strength, and joy. 

 If you are not sure, there are many opportunities to explore where your gifts might lie and find a place to serve in the Body of Christ. You can join the ushers and greeters, volunteer in the nursery or a Sunday School class. You can help host at ArtHop, or you can meet new people and invite them over for a meal or coffee. Our church website has a page dedicated to opportunities to serve. Pastor Meagan, Elder Juliza Huang, and I (Scott Norvell) have been praying for people to come and serve alongside others that are currently volunteering throughout the church. If you are not technology-savvy, feel free to reach out to one of us. We’d love to explore possibilities with you.

Blessings, 

Scott Norvell