Sometimes we make ministry more complicated than it needs to be. We wonder if we know enough Scripture, have the right words, or can offer something meaningful when someone we care about is going through a difficult season. We convince ourselves that we need to do something significant in order to make a difference, but sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply show up.

I think we underestimate the ministry of showing up. It can look like bringing a casserole to someone who has had a long week. It can be sending the text that says, “I was thinking about you today.” Perhaps it looks like sitting beside someone who doesn’t need advice nearly as much as they need company. It can also look like remembering the birthday, attending the game, making the phone call, or checking in again after everyone else has moved on.

Sometimes, it even looks like a cup of coffee.

A couple of weeks ago, I was making my way from worship at Teter Retreat and Farm back to the church for our next service when Pastor Nicole showed up with a cup of coffee for me. In the middle of a busy Sunday morning, it was a simple way of saying, I thought about you. I see you. I know you could probably use this right now. And, for the record, she was absolutely right about the coffee!

One of the gifts of being the church is that we get to practice this kind of ministry for one another. We celebrate together. We grieve together. We eat together. We pray together. We check on each other. And sometimes we simply sit beside one another and remind each other that none of us are in this alone.

So perhaps the invitation for us this week is simple: pay attention to the people around you. Who might appreciate a phone call, a quick text, an invitation to coffee, or simply the reminder that someone is thinking about them? You don’t have to have all the answers or know exactly what to say. Sometimes one of the simplest ways we share the love of Christ is simply by being present for one another.

Keep the Faith@First,
Pastor Brittney