Service Practice Week 4
Kinship
The service practice is invitation to follow the example of Jesus, who "came not to be served, but to serve". In this practice we will explore what it looks like to make serving others our default way of bring in the world. This transformation into people of self-giving love is the result of true spiritual formation under Jesus. Below you will find steps to help you engage with this practice over the next four weeks, as well as resources for further exploration.
Ways to engage with the Service Practice
First and foremost, this practice (and all practices) are meant to be done in community. If you haven't yet, find a small group of people that are commited to walking through this practice together.
Download the Service Practice Guide. If you can, it is advised to print it out to reduce the distraction of our devices.
Gather with your group once a week to watch the Practicing the Way video found below. This will include questions for discussion, as well as a short teaching on that week's practice.
Step into each practice as much as you are able and feel comfortable to. This invitation is for everyone at all stages of life and faith.
Reflect on your experience of the practice using the reflection questions at the bottom of the guide and be prepared to share them the next time you gather with your group.
Recommended Reading
The Active Life by Parker Palmer (Chapters 7-8)
Rule of Life Podcast
Service Practice Guide
Download the practice guide here
Week 4 Practice - One Act of Service to Someone in Need
In the book of Acts, a synonym for “the poor” is the phrase “those who had need” or “the needy.” In the first century, this would have been: widows, orphans, or those in prison.
In our time, this could be: kids in the foster care system, the elderly living on a fixed income, a single parent, the sick, those dying in hospice, those in prison, or refugees. The reality is all around, often hiding in plain sight, are people who are in need. This week, go serve them.
You can do this through one of two avenues:
Either through volunteering at a local nonprofit.
Or go directly to someone you have a relational connection to.
Keep in mind that kinship is often cultivated slowly through regularly serving the same need, among common people – so consider making a commitment to weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly service as you’re able.
Week 4 Reflection Questions
As you come to the end of this Practice, take 5-10 minutes to journal out your answers to the following questions.
What fears or hesitations did I experience?
What emotions or thoughts was I surprised by?
How did I encounter Jesus through the poor?
