I have been one of
four organizers for our church’s network of volunteers called Talent
Tithe. I received a call from Amy Kusin, Vineyard Boise’s Benevolence
Director, with a request for the “usual” arranging and delivery of meals
for someone in need in our church. This was for a lady in our
congregation who was terminally ill. I had no idea at the time what a
profoundly “unusual” ministry to her this would be.
The first time I met Elaine she was already bed-bound but alert. She was
in much need of prayer, encouragement, compassion and some meals. With
her sister on her way back to her home to California, Elaine needed
someone else to step up that she could rely on. This is when many people
made themselves available and stepped into the gap to meet a large
number of Elaine’s needs both spiritually and practically.
Terry Best describes it this way, “What blessed me about our time with
Elaine was witnessing the relentless nature of God’s love for her – even
though Elaine felt useless to Him on her sick bed as her time on earth
was drawing to a close. He never relaxed in finding ways to express His
love to her. Every moment of her life was valuable because He loved her
every moment.”
There were many practical expressions of God’s love for Elaine through
His people as they helped her and her sons, namely by packing up her
household and putting it into storage for her family and by bringing
them meals.
We
all witnessed God’s redemptive love at Elaine’s memorial service as her
two sons were reunited with their father and a time of healing began.
This story is a great example of what this quiet, behind the scenes
ministry we call Talent Tithe provides for the church. We call it that
because it utilizes the talents, abilities and time that God has given
all of us and tries to meet the needs that have been made known to the
church.
Filling out a Talent Tithe card is basically a commitment to meet a need
when you are called, if you are available, and it matches the service
that you have offered.
Each week Amy sends the needs that have come into the church to the
Talent Tithe coordinator that is on call. Each of the four of us has a
full set of Talent Tithe cards. We then match up the needs with a person
who has checked that particular talent or ability and contact is made
via phone.
Matching up needs and talents is very fulfilling and has produced some
great stories! One day a young woman called the church very upset
because she was in the hospital and her cute little dachshund was home
alone. I went through the file and found someone who was available for
temporary housing. I think Kathy was a little surprised that a dog
needed housing but she welcomed the pooch. The woman was released from
the hospital soon after and told us “I had peace of mind and it was a
tremendous help.” This lady does not go to a church. We can’t comprehend
the work of God in those people’s lives who have had their need met or
have had someone pray with them.
A
member of the congregation, a single mom, needed her things moved out of
storage but didn’t have the resources. She called the church and
arrangements were made. She later told us, “being able to call the
church and find that help was available has helped me become more giving
myself”.
There have been both temporary and long term transportation needs met
for those who otherwise wouldn’t make it to church. Many meals have been
delivered, appliances and cars looked at, food boxed delivered and so
much more.
Sometimes we have needs and no one in the box to match. Are you a fix it
person? Are you someone with a compassionate heart to visit someone
lonely or just have a little time on any given month? Do you cook, or
clean, or watch animals? Can you provide rides? We need you!
The Bible speaks a lot about putting our faith to work:
“But someone will say you have faith, I have deeds. Show me your faith
without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”
James 2:18
“Let us hold
unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good
deeds” Heb
10:23-24
Renewing the Talent Tithe
By
Amy Kusin
Some of you may be wondering why we need to update. Our success is based
on volunteers like you. Every year we update our forms to make sure that
we have current information, give opportunities to those of you have not
volunteered or those who are new to our congregation. Sometimes we find
that we run out of volunteers in certain areas. For example rides to
church. We have many people in our community that would love to come to
the Vineyard, but have no transportation. This is an area that we have
exhausted our list of volunteers. Every contribution counts. Every act
big or small, when done with love can effect change in those you
minister to.
Ingrid has mentioned that she is on of our contact people for the
church. She is one of the people who helps keep our volunteers
organized. She is also the link between the needs that come in and our
volunteers. This is something that you too could do, at home, in the
time that you have. This is a great opportunity for those of you who are
gifted in organizing and administration.
As
Tri has used the illustration of being a ‘City on a hill,’ this is a
great opportunity to do just that. So, want to join in the fun? It is
really easy. All you have to do is email me with your contact
information and a list of ways you are willing to help others. As needs
arise we will be contacting you!
amy@vineyardboise.org
