Keeping the Main thing the Main thing

Have you ever wondered, got slightly uncertain, or been shaken by circumstances such that you felt you needed to regroup, reevaluate your mission and purpose to stay on track, and remember what's essential? It can happen, and it's not a bad thing. It forces us to get back to basics, reflecting on what's essential, important, or urgent.

We're here to reflect God's image. To serve. That's the bottom line. How we do that depends on the gifts God has bestowed on us, what burden He has put on us, and what passion for people He has ignited.

At Adventist Community Services (ACS), we serve people in Christ's name. What are some things we can do? What does our particular community need? We can start by networking with other non-profit leaders in our community. What needs have been met? Where are the gaps? How can we collaborate with others to be a blessing?

ACS is a member of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD). We can work together during fires, floods, or other natural disasters. We can work with local emergency managers or the Red Cross. We can train people in Spiritual and Emotional Care. We can manage in-kind donations.

We care about people's well-being and their physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Do people need food, clothing, or mental health support?

Here are some concrete ideas:

• Give cleaning buckets to the local Red Cross or emergency managers.

• Host a Red Cross Blood Drive.

• Sponsor a Depression Seminar.

• Organize a food drive for a local food pantry.

• Start a thrift store.

• Sponsor a nutrition class.

• Start an after-school Program.

• Start a support group for the elderly, single mothers, or the addicted.

• Support a community's sports complex for kids.

• Work with your church's Pathfinder program to teach community service.

• Engage the local church school in a community service project.

Think outside of the box! Need help getting started? Money and resources are available. Call Gabriele Laub at 720-560-4763 to get the ball rolling! God's on our side!

May God bless all of us as we seek to serve,

Gabriele