Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
We were having one of those fun family gatherings. Everyone was getting dinner together. Some were in the kitchen preparing food, some were setting up the extra tables, some were preparing dessert, and I was out at the grill/smoker cooking up some chicken! The grandkids were helping too. They were setting the table, carrying chairs, folding napkins, and helping prepare some of the food. Everyone who was of age seemed to be doing a job and enjoying participating. Well, except one. He was having a little trouble. He tried to carry a chair, but it was too heavy. He tried to set the table but got so hyper he tried to fling a napkin and knocked a plate on the ground with a crash and shattered plate was everywhere. He tried to clean it up but got a little cut on his finger. Though a bandaid was not needed, a Pokémon one made it better. He then got back to trying to be part of it all by grabbing the biggest knife in the kitchen and ran, yes RAN to the counter to help cut the bread. His mom caught him in midstride, unhanding his grip on the knife, and redirecting him out of the kitchen in one fluid movement. It seemed this was a practiced move! With frustration and what looked like defeat this little would-be-helper slumped his shoulders and sauntered outside to where I was grilling the chicken. He said to me, “Papa, I want to help, but I’m just not good at anything and I break everything”. He collapsed into a chair and stared down at the ground. Then he looked up at me and said, “Papa, is there anything I can do to help you?” I put down my tongs, scooped him up in my arms, hugged him close, and then whispered into his ear how much I love him and reminded him of the many ways he is helpful and a wonderful part of this family and God’s family. He smiled and I asked him if he thought he could do the important job of turning the chicken. His face beamed. I showed him how, cautioned him on the dangers of a hot grill, and handed him the tongs. He took them like it was a symbolic rite of passage and went for it. He was cautious, persistent when it did not go as smoothly, and he did a superb job! His participation mattered to him and to the production of this family dinner.
God has designed us to participate, to be good helpers, to serve others, blessing them with good works.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
1 Corinthians 12:7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
We all can find some way to participate at home, at work, in our local schools, in our churches, in our neighborhoods, at our local senior centers, or in our city in some way. People are looking for volunteers and we are at our best when we participate. Where could you find a place and way to participate? Your participation matters!
Yes, church can be great place to participate, but also a place to be prepared to do good works in our community. If you do not already have a church to attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church and would love for you to connect with us! Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our Sunday gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Seeking to participate along with you,
Messages From Mike 
