Christian Charity Challenge

On Sunday, May 21, I preached about depending on God's Holy Spirit. I suggested that if we want to see the Holy Spirit in action, all we need to do is look to the transformational activities of God's people. When we depend on God, both individually and communally, the Spirit will move us to remarkable acts in the name of Jesus.

As 9:30 am worshiper left the church they found a woman with a small child at the front door, a cardboard sign in hand, asking for money. At the same time, there was a man and two small boys standing at the lower level entrance with a cardboard sign, also asking for money.
I heard from parishioners about our guests very quickly. I'm grateful for members of the congregation that invited the man and woman and their children in to receive food. I am grateful that the woman and her child accepted the invitation.


Here are thoughts that I've shared with congregation members this week. First, a gift is a gift. When we determine to help people in need, it is not our role to determine their worthiness or control how a gift will be used. If we are moved to give a gift, then we just give it, no questions asked.


Second, Brighton First has prayerfully made a decision to help those in need in a very specific way. We have served in partnership with Love INC for over 20 years. Love INC coordinates the efforts of 60 Livingston County churches to meet the emergency needs of residents. Love INC works with individuals and families who are in need of emergency shelter, food, laundry supplies, furniture, bedding and gasoline. Love INC also helps families with appliance and auto repair. Ultimately, we rely on the guidance of God's Spirit as individuals and as a community of faith to care for God's people. We pray that we act in ways that honor God and God's creation


The couple was asked to stop asking for money at the entrances to the church. When the man was approached, he gathered the family together and they drove away in a van.

How do we help the poor, especially the poor who stand before us and tell us their specific needs? Brighton First congregation members were faced with that difficult question on Sunday morning after hearing a message about depending on God's Spirit for guidance. 

Brighton First offers two ministries through Love INC, gasoline vouchers to a local gas station and bedding. We provide over $300 in gasoline per month for emergency needs. We give out bedding to families on a weekly basis.

People who need assistance stop by our church regularly. Church staff members assist those in need of resources by getting them connected with Love INC. There, intake volunteers assess their needs and send them to the churches with the appropriate resources. We are committed to treating all people in need with dignity and helping through the consortium of Love INC churches.

On Sunday morning, the man and woman who asked for money received the offer of food and the contact numbers for Love INC and the emergency aid number sponsored by United Way, #211. This is the way that Brighton First offers consistent, compassionate care to those in need. It may not be the ideal for those who have a heart brimming with generosity or for people who would prefer an immediate gift of money, but we believe is a response that gets important resources to those in need.