GO IN LOVE * BE A LIGHT
(We'll use Facebook to let you know of any new ways we can be coming alongside our neighbors during this time.)
While none of us imagined being a part of something like this, we believe that the local church is equipped now more than ever to be a light to our communities. We know that the church is more than a building. Our goal is to love God and love people. There is an incredible opportunity for us to love our neighbors well in unique and creative ways.
Here are a few ideas to get you started and please feel free to share new ideas with us through Facebook, we live in an amazing community that has support and outreach already happening on many levels.
PRAY FIRST - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 Today, we can choose to turn any fear we are experiencing into faith and put it into action on behalf of someone else.
GOOD NEIGHBOR – While in 'stay-at-home' mode, we think the most powerful way to be generous and show love is to look to our right and to our left. Who is in your immediate sphere that you can reach out to and love well? Join or start a Facebook Neighborhood Group to assist with your neighborhood needs and caring for those that are most vulnerable. Bellingham residents check out this Community Helpers page that is up and growing- https://www.facebook.com/groups/bellinghamcovid19helpers/
Check-in with your neighbors – text, call and send encouraging notes reminding others they are not alone. What needs do they have?
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS – This couldn't be more important, now more than ever. We love our community and want to support them. Buy gift cards from our small businesses online now and use them later or donate to a neighbor in need. Many restaurants have moved to take-out. Check out and support your favorite local restaurants.
FOOD BANKS – We have checked in with our local food banks and they are back up and running and can always use monetary donations. Our food banks are partnering with the schools to also get necessary resources to those entire families that are in need in our community. You can donate and support them here: https://www.bellinghamfoodbank.org/getting-you-…/donate-now/
http://ferndalefoodbank.org/home/donate/
DONATE BLOOD – Blood donations are down. When our 'stay-at-home' mandate is over, let’s help stock the shelves by donating to your local blood bank. Donating is safe. Check this link to learn more. https://www.bloodworksnw.org/
Scripture References
Philippians 4:6-7
Psalm 121:1-8
Matthew 6:25-34
1 Peter 5:6-11
Proverbs 3:5-8
Psalm 46
