B.L.E.S.S – Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World

Part of our mission at Tallmadge Lutheran Church is to help people connect to Jesus. But this isn’t just our mission, it’s yours, too! And this is important because following Jesus was never meant to be comfortable, but it is life-changing and you never know what awaits on the adventure. As a follower of Jesus, know that the Lord has called you to help people find and follow Jesus, too. But all too often we are sitting on the sidelines.


During this Fall sermon series called B.L.E.S.S. we are using this acronym to share strategies for you to get off the sidelines and take some of the awkwardness, challenges, and obstacles that are often associated with sharing your faith. So follow along and hopefully you, too, will find the people and places that you are called to B.L.E.S.S.

B – Begin with prayer
L – listen
E – eat
S – serve
S – story
 
 
September 12 Sermon – Begin with Prayer
Prayer like flossing is something that we should do every day but often don’t. Whether you have a name in mind or are completely clueless on who God is calling you to bless, prayer is always the place to start.  If you’re not sure who, why not start with a simple prayer “God show me who in my life you want me to bless.” If you have a name, write it down, use a post-it note or our B.L.E.S.S card and place it somewhere you will see it every day, then take a few minutes when you see their name and pray for them. (see attached B.L.E.S.S. Card)
 
September 19 Sermon – Listen
We’ve all been there, had a conversation turned around and poof, everything we heard, gone. Jesus shows us time and time again how this skill can be life-changing, as a matter of fact in the Gospels Jesus asked many more questions than he answered. As you interact with those around you ask questions and then listen. All relationship starts with listening to someone’s words and life.  
Watch
September 26 Sermon – EAT
 Who doesn’t love a good meal? Considering those people on your list, which one have you not connected in a while with? Why not invite them to dinner. There is something about sharing a meal together that moves any relationship past acquaintance toward friendship – faster than just about anything else we can do.
Watch
 
October 3  Sermon – SERVE
Jesus came to serve, or as he put it “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve…” (Matthew 20:28) What are so small things you can do to serve your neighbors, serving is a tangible way we can demonstrate the love of God.  “I noticed you forgot to take your trash cans to the curb, no problem as your neighbor I got you!” or “I know this is a crazy season for you, we ordered some pizza’s for you and the family so you don’t have to cook tonight.” 
Wat
 
October 10 Sermon – STORY

Once your friends are ready, tell your story! When you befriend and bless people, they feel relationally safe and want to know your story. Your story is so unique, regardless of how you got here or where you are in your personal faith journey, you can make a difference in someone’s life by simply telling your story.