Connection to the community helps to expand the outreach and witness of the local church and to multiply the love and hospitality of Jesus. Read Matthew 25:34-40. Jesus gave examples of compassionate service for his disciples, including us, to follow. Feed the hungry. Care for the sick. Clothe the naked. As individual disciples we can do a little bit. When disciples connect with each other to provide services to those who need them, we can do so much more. The month of August has been our month to emphasize local outreach. We have a food drive for Hope Southern Indiana’s food pantry, donating thousands of items in a season of great need. We plan to have a workday August 9 at Catalyst Rescue Mission, which is Southern Indiana’s only homeless shelter in our area. Last week I stopped by Catalyst Rescue Mission and one of the people recognized me as the pastor of Wesley Chapel. He used to go to Wesley Chapel as a child when it was on State Street. He was excited to find out that Wesley Chapel was sending a team to help Catalyst. He felt personally cared for. God gives us the strength to do works of compassion. When we come together, we grow stronger. When we serve our community, our community grows stronger. When the community sees our compassion, God is glorified.

Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with compassion as we join together to reach our community. May the people of Southern Indiana know that you are our God and we are your people. Strengthen our connections and our witness in our world. Amen.