He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Whether it is the passage above or another, many of us are inspired and called to serve the Lord. As you read throughout the remainder of the Bell Tower, you’ll see many opportunities to serve as part of the St. John’s community whether it is through the Food Pantry, sharing your musical gifts, VBS, Our Neighbor’s House, or weeding the labyrinth or the new garden to name just a few.

Each of us hear God’s call in different ways and for different reasons – perhaps a childhood experience or a life event that had a significant impact or a compelling request to help. The common denominator of all these calls is the service that follows the call to ministry. Even if the ministry is not one at St. John’s, folks find their ministry.

Let me share three stories about members of St. John’s who heard God’s call and now serve their ministry.

Because he grew up in an atheist, Jewish, and Unitarian spiritual environment and had friends who were Roman Catholic, Quaker, Unitarian, Jewish, and Protestant, serving to and with those of different faiths is important to Ben Shuman. He has experienced the importance of interfaith cooperation and service. Ben regularly serves with a local group that draws its support from many faith traditions - Interfaith Works. The mission of Interfaith Works is “to support our neighbors by providing vital services and a pathway to greater stability”. They provide emergency shelter, supportive housing, essential needs, and employment programs to over 35,000 residents of Montgomery County. Ben has served by preparing meals for one of their women’s emergency shelter programs and sorting donated clothing at the Interfaith Works Clothing Center. Please contact Ben to learn more or join him in his ministry.

For about a year now, Hans Feldhausen has been volunteering with Moms Demand Action, a grassroots organization affiliated with Everytown for Gun Safety and Students Demand Action. The goal is to end gun violence, including both homicides and suicides, while respecting gun owner’s constitutional rights. This issue has been significant to Hans and Roberta since the murder of a close cousin. Hans has served Moms Demand Action by partnering with community groups to bring to attention gun violence concerns during events, to help educate people on gun safety, and advocate for legislation to reduce gun violence. This is a critical time for those called to this issue with the election coming in November. Please contact Hans to learn more or join him in his ministry.

Deacon Nancy has been involved for almost 20 years in the most unexpected ministry of serving women and men currently or previously incarcerated because I was asked. Kairos works in women’s and men’s prisons to offer a retreat and ongoing fellowship so the men and women can build a positive community inside and then outside when released. The four-day retreat is kind of like VBS for adults. Kairos has had one of the most significant impacts on my faith development and why I am a deacon today. As part of Kairos, I have done everything from leading a retreat to managing the inventory to coordinating the fellowship visits. There are so many ways to be involved – including Line Dancing on Saturday, August 10th. Please contact me to learn more or join me in my ministry.

These are just 3 stories about how we serve God in our lives and community. Please share your story with me and each other. May we support each other as we hear our call and offer our service.

In Christ’s love and service,

Deacon Nancy+