Every week our faith-at-home idea follows a pattern.

The first Sunday in each month is about Bible memorization.
The second Sunday is about prayer.
The third has a Bible focus.
And the fourth is a service activity to love and help those around us.

The ideas are connected to the theme for each Sunday’s service.

They are meant to be both simple-yet-meaningful and adaptable.

We know it’s a tough time. Some weeks are good… and some weeks are, well, not so good! Let’s lose the guilt about not ‘having it all together.’

At the same time, let’s be intentional about taking the lead in our homes as we seek to trust and follow Jesus together.

Week of Sunday, September 27th

Schedule: 4th Sunday

Focus: Service

This week’s focus is “listening and doing.” It’s based on James 1:22 which says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (That’s also this month’s memory verse.) James makes a connection between hearing (or reading) God’s word of truth and doing what it says. In verse 27 there is a focus on caring for “orphans and widows in their distress.”

In the first century, these groups were particularly powerless and vulnerable. This is a consistent theme throughout scripture. Today, we continue to care for those who are powerless and vulnerable as we seek to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Here are three different options for what you can do. Pick one!

1. Donate together

Have a discussion as a family about local organizations who helps people in need (one idea is Youth Haven who we’re supporting this month), and decide which one you’d like to support. Pick an amount that everyone in the family can contribute, and then do it together. It’s not just about parents’ giving, but about children who can also think through the money they have (either through an allowance or part-time job) and are able to contribute.

2. The Barrie Food Bank

Every year we have a drive for the food bank for Thanksgiving. It’s a needy time of year, and this year the need is even more so as people struggle with job loss, financial hardship or stress. Select or purchase some food items and then find a time when you can drive to the drop-off location to drop the items off together as a family. Perhaps you can do it before or after a previously-scheduled outing. [Donations can be delivered to 42 Anne Street South, Unit 2. Times: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 to 3:30, and Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 to 11:30am. Because of school schedules a family drop off might not be possible; if not, don’t sweat it.]

3. Your Neighbourhood

Have a discussion as a family about a need someone has in your neighbourhood and then do something to help. Maybe a new family could use a meal. Maybe someone could use their lawn raked. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

After you’ve completed your project, pray to God together to thank him for the opportunity to be Jesus’ hands and feet.