Building Community Beyond the Pews: The Power of Relationships in a Church, Faith and Charity

Street showers serving the needs of those individuals who are unhoused in the DFW area.

Does Faith equal church membership?  Are you required to be a church going person to be consider spiritual?  A reminder came to me from a young voice, "Church is where I am enjoying what God has provided.  A beautiful day at the beach or in the woods.  Enjoy the sound of birds at a park and appreciating the aroma of the season".   I agree.  However, the brick-and-mortar locations serve a greater purpose than just church services. 

To help ensure your life is balanced, church offers connectivity, support and charity.  Those tools help in all aspects of our lives.  I always seem to go back to the church of my youth - St. James AME Church in Bartow Florida.  Church educated me, provided speaking skills, enhance financial training and connected me with my best friends. 

I remember my first day at Sunday school.  I was in the "Beginner's" Class taught by Mrs. Essie Mae Ross, the pastor's wife.  I met lifelong friends in that back room of the Sunday School.  We received our little bible verse cards and started to hear impactful stories of faith.  We would then convene with the rest of the Sunday School classes and share our bible verse and tell what was learned.  What a great experience to learn and lead with support.  We worked together on our Easter and Christmas speeches.  But we also knew each other in public school and maintain our connectivity well into our teen years.  Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Green and Mrs. Longworth ensured we had opportunities to grow and work together as a team. 

One of the secrets of longevity is having a great social network.  Loma Linda, California has a strong example: the Seventh Day Adventist church has allowed so many of its parishioners to live long and high-quality lives.  Connection with others, healthy food and faith in a higher power.  Community support goes a long way in helping to live a wonderful life. 

Speaking of support, we heard all the cliches:  "It Takes a Village", "Ubuntu", "If we want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go with others".  You practice your faith, having the support of others to help strengthen your journey enhances the experience.  If worshipping in a Temple, Mosque or Church; the closeness of the shared experience is beautiful.  Being with like-minded people who are encouraging and positive goes a long way.  

I was asked recently; how can someone give if they lack the financial resources?  Giving can come in so many forms: Tithes, Talents and Time.   All work to make the lives of others better.  We hear so much about the need to tithe (10% of your earnings).  Please understand many need our time in doing activities such volunteering at an afterschool program, mentoring a young teen, cleaning the home of an elderly person.  So many in need just need our hands to help in a time of need.    There is a wonderful program here in my city called Street Showers.  Actual Showers are provided for the unhoused weekly with other support such as food, clothing, toiletries, etc.  Just be kind.  

If you need finding something or someone to help elevate your spirit in faith, let's talk.  Just a 30-minute FREE conversation will get you on your journey.