Small Group is a lot more than a meeting. It’s people caring about one another and reaching out to those beyond the group. I want to see our small group reaching out in two ways—first, praying and loving those that don’t know Jesus and, two, doing things for those less fortunate than us.

As a group we discussed what we wanted to do to show Jesus’ love to others in a tangible way. We decide to try out helping our SeniorCare ministry with their nursing home ministry which involves helping with a worship service and praying for and visiting residents at a nursing home near our church’s building. One reason we chose this is because we have a kid-friendly group and nursing home ministry is great for kids. Seniors just light up when they see children and teens.

So we did this a couple weeks ago. (If you want to help with SeniorCare, it’s the third Saturday of every month from 3:30-5:00pm.) It was fun and also a blessing. It wasn’t the best timing and I forget to get the details out well in advance, so not all of our group was able to go this first time, but we had three adults, one teen, and two grade-school aged kids who showed up. A dad told me his son wasn’t anxious to go but after going he’s excited about returning and bringing his trombone next time we do so that he can help with the songs. He is going to be practicing to that end.

What a privilege to see kids learning to use their gifts to serve others at a young age!

Jesus says in Luke 14:12-14: “When you put on a luncheon or a dinner, don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will repay you by inviting you back. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the godly, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” There is a special blessing in doing something for those who can’t “pay you back.”

What has your small group enjoyed doing to serve others? What do you plan to do in 2008 to serve those who can’t serve you back? Please share your ideas.