As we go along in our busy lives worrying about the world’s problems and how we are going to make it through this latest heat wave, we may often forget about the need for reaching out to others in their times of need. In most churches across the country, there are members who for one reason or another cannot get to worship service on a regular basis. We try to include them in many ways. For example, CD ministries, TV/ radio programs, phone calls and the list can go on. I believe all of these ways to stay attached are important and not to be forgotten, but nothing seems to work better than the face to face visit with those who need to feel attached to the body of Christ. I know it is easy to forget about those who don’t make it out to our worship services. As I go about my days, it is not always a priority to me to see those that are shut in and unable to get out on a regular basis. There is always a great reward for me when I visit the needed, whoever that may be. I am reminded of Jesus’ emphasis of this in Matthew 25, "For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me." They also will answer, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” He will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." I hear good things from our North Grove family about visiting. There are many in the family who get out on a regular basis and make it a point to visit, shop, or bring a meal for those who are in need in our family. There are a number of things we can do, not just the above listed, and I think we do an okay job of keeping connected. What we have looked at as the elders and myself is we need to be more deliberate in our approach to taking care of needs. It seems to be easy to give money to something and hope that someone else will do the work, but money is only part of the process. We need to get involved on a personal level. Paul tells us in Romans 12 to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. In other words, get involved! There are many of us who have the gifts of mercy and hospitality who enjoy going to visit, talk or even just listen to those who need to feel attached to the body of Christ. I urge you to pray about this. I have given a bit of information on this issue and two people have come forward to express interest in participating in this type of ministry. Is God calling you to be a helper? Let me know as I continue to pray.