When James Mattek, pastor at Immanuel, Findlay, Ohio, needed some help, he called member Julie Baker, who always was willing to lend a hand. He apologized for interrupting her day and asked for her assistance.

In a firm, but humble, tone, she replied, "You said 'I'm sorry to bother you again. I know you're busy.' But you don't ever need to apologize for asking Christians to serve. It's what we do."

Serving is what we do. And no one is too busy to do it. "People aren't overworked; they're underchallenged," said Bob Beach, vice-chairman at Immanuel, who finds time to attend two Bible studies a week while being a regional president of a bank.

Volunteering isn't something we fit into our schedule if there's room. It's a privilege we should grab hold of. A way of letting our light shine. A chance to show love and thanks to our Savior.

Read the examples to see how congregations and individuals are putting their faith into action in their church and community.

Julie Tessmer is the communications assistant for Communication Services and Northwestern Lutheran.

Volunteering--through all ages

One of the great things about volunteering is that anyone--no matter what age--can do it.

Jerry Kastens, administrator for the Commission on Youth Discipleship (CYD), lists five things that make up a balanced youth ministry: worship, Bible study, recreation, fellowship, and service.

"So often we provide information and facts about Bible truths, but we don't give youth the opportunity or the encouragement to identify and use their gifts," says Kastens.

He continues, "Involving youth in the ministry of a congregation is important. They need a place to fit in. If they don't have that place, they'll become inactive."

Youth in Service grants, a new CYD initiative, are helping congregations provide that place. Eighteen WELS congregations received grants of up to $750 to help fund youth service events. Youth will participate in projects such as canvassing in their neighborhood, helping WELS missions with canvassing and VBS, conducting Easter for Kids programs, making Easter baskets for a local food shelf, and distributing flyers at a local fair booth.

Youth at Emmanuel, Tempe, Ariz., will be serving food and cleaning up at a local soup kitchen. But that's not all.

"They'll also run into people they never would have met and have opportunities to witness," says Gene Sims, pastor at Emmanuel.