Meeting Plans

“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.” (Maria Wright Edelman)

There is no doubt that we are surrounded by need. Just pause for a moment before you read on and think about the needs of your own community... It doesn't take long to come up with a long list, does it?

The Bible makes it clear that we are called to address the needs of our communities and to make a difference to the people around us. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus, when asked what the greatest commandments are, replies:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.”

Sometimes it is tempting to separate these two, to concentrate on the ‘loving God' angle and opt out of the whole ‘loving your neighbour' bit. But for Jesus, these two commandments go hand-in-hand – the second is a direct response to the first. When we love God, we are motivated to love and serve our neighbours. And this is the way we will make a difference…

We don't have to be overwhelmed by this – God does not want us to single-handedly and instantly solve every issue in our communities. However, even what we perceive as small acts of service can make a big difference. Concentrate on the things you can do rather than those you can't and just have a go.

Crusaders are supporting CSV (Community Service Volunteers) Make A Difference Day.  The aim of the day is to encourage people across the UK to spend time helping others or improving their area, as well as remembering that they themselves can develop their skills and knowledge through the experience.

Last year over 90,000 people used the day to change their community for the better taking part in activities ranging from litter picks and gardening to creating murals, helping the elderly and working with a local charity. CSV have materials and advice to help you organise the day and help you kick-start your project. 

Volunteering in this way can have many positive benefits for your group, as well as your community. Working together is a fantastic way of developing a group identity and can raise the profile of your group in the locality. You may also find that you develop links with other organisations in your area. Many groups who have taken part in volunteering have found that their involvement has profited both their community and their group.  

Think back those needs in your community. Now imagine your youth group getting really stuck into meeting and solving some of those issues. Isn't it amazing to think that they could change the face of the place you live?! So why not get involved in making a difference…

If you haven't read the article about this in LINK magazine or on the Energize website please do so and consider getting your group involved. Click here for the article.

If you are able to organise a practical project for your group to get involved with, then this meeting plan and the meeting plan on Service (go to www.energize.uk.net/service) should provide a useful background for the young people.

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