Creating a habit of service to those in your life
even when it’s uncomfortable
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Those You Know
Widows/Widowers/Elderly:
- Rides to doctor appointments
- Grocery shopping
- Handyman projects
- Yard work
- Check in on them regularly for practical needs
“When a single lady at church broke her wrist, a family from our church went over and did her yard while she recuperated.”
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Neighbors/Families:
- Seasonal outdoor help
- Invite them for dinner
- Take a meal, unexpected, to a busy family
- Babysit
"One year, 5 people from our church took one day a week and took a boy to school each morning. His mom had ear/sinus infection problems and could not drive. His dad was taking time off work to get him to school (and losing income), so for a year each person showed up at their house and drove him to school"
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Single Parents:
- Offering to watch children while they shop
- Take children shopping for Mother’s/Father’s Day
- Invite them out for girl time/ guy time with pre-arranged and approved child care
- Remember them on holidays by doing something thoughtful for them
Families of Addicts:
- Connect with prayer and encouragement
- Send cards and/or emails
- Invite them to your home for dinner
- Go with them to join a support group
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Those Around You
Long Term Hospitalized / Palliative Health Issues:
- Visit them and make regular contact
- Invite family over for dinner
- Give gift cards for restaurants near the hospital
- Create a gift basket with snacks, food, drinks to have in the hospital room
- Offer to stay with person who is ill for an hour, so the caregiver can take a shower, or go to the store (get out for an hour)
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Elderly Neighbor:
- Remember them on holidays
- Yard
Refugee
- Invite them to your church
- Teach English as a second language
- Get to know them. and help them learn about everyday American life and your local community
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Needy:
- Give out “Blessings bags” with useful items to homeless in your town
- Give comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals) to the local police to have in their vehicles for children who need aid.
- Contact your local food pantry or shelter and supply needed items