It is difficult to imagine that we could do "greater works" (v.12) than Jesus did. God calls us - individually and as a community of believers -- to do the work that only we in our time and place can do. If you are wondering how to recognize what God is calling you to do, let us turn to Frederick Buechner for advice on discernment. He describes our calling as a " place where our deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."

  

The call to service is most alive when it resonates with our deepest interests, gifts, and passion. It can even lead to starting a social enterprise at your church. With the aid of technology, like social media, we can do "greater works" than Jesus, by reaching more people with the good news of the gospel.

Over the past two weeks, a few Pastors have expressed renewed energy around encouraging their congregations to do greater works. At a recent Mercersburg Association Ministerium gathering, I heard several heartwarming stories about congregations engaging the needs in their community:

• St. John's UCC in Chambersburg hosted a speaker and encouraged conversations about Lyme Disease. Approximately 75 people attended (50 attendees were from the community and not affiliated with their church)
• For the first time, St. Matthew's in Carlisle sang at a nursing home. They brought joy to the residents and a sense of deep fulfilment to participants from the congregation. Every 5^th Sunday is designated as "Be the Church" Sunday for community outreach
• A UCC Homes Board member shared that the Helping Hands fundraiser raised $25,365 to support their residents

May Christ's love be revealed in us and through us.

• Your food pantry or food drive
• After-school program
• Tutoring
• Participation in community projects
• Help for the homeless
• Working to protect the environment
• Housing rehab

• Video should be 30-60 seconds long
• Shoot the video horizontally (hold phone sideways)
• Email your video to jannsoha@ucc.org
• Videos are due May 31!