For many of us, 2020 not has been the year we expected or planned. Across the country people have lost jobs, faced hunger, and accrued debt while trying to stay afloat. It can be hard for us to look back over the past 12 months, especially the last nine, and see anything good. But as believers, we have hope. We serve a God who has plans and purposes we can’t always see and don’t always understand.
Despite the pandemic, believers have still found ways to bless others. God has provided endless opportunities to share His love in tangible ways. Churches all over the country have stepped up to be the hands and feet of Jesus as they meet physical needs.
Below are a few stories we have shared in the GraceConnect eNews of ways Charis Fellowship churches have blessed their communities. Some stories are of new ministries started in response to the pandemic, some of on-going ministries that have adapted to better serve during the pandemic, and some of one-time events of generosity.
Multiplying Blessings
Palmyra Grace Church, Palmyra, Pa. (Dan Gulnac, Pastor)
Because of the faithful generosity of their congregation, Palmyra Grace Church ended their second fiscal year in a row with an overage of money not spent. The congregation decided to tithe ten percent of the extra funds to bless their community. Read the whole story here.
Blessings Boxes
Marysville Grace Church, Marysville, Ohio (Clancy Cruise, lead pastor)
When the pandemic caused a shortage of many necessities, Marysville Grace Church sought a way to provide for their community. They stocked two cabinets outside of their building with much needed, and sometimes hard to come by, supplies such as toilet paper, baby supplies, and non-perishable foods. Read the whole story here.
Meeting the Biggest Need
Grace Church, Ashland, Ohio (Dan Allen, senior pastor)
In response to the pandemic, members at Grace Church thought of creative ways to serve their community. Through a food distribution and laundromat outreach, they built relationships and created opportunities to have Gospel-centered conversations. Read the whole story here.
Car Care Ministry Blesses Community
Grace Community Church, Goshen, Ind. (Jim Brown, senior pastor)
In early 2020 God opened the door for a new, long-term ministry to start at Grace Community Church. When the recent acquisition of garage space, mechanics and car-gurus from within the church came together to bless those in their community who might not have the means or ability to get their car serviced. Read the whole story here.
This story appeared in GraceConnect eNews. To subscribe to the weekly e-newsletter that includes news and information from congregations in the Charis Fellowship, click here.
