Jesus said in Matthew 20:26 & 28 (Living Bible), “Anyone wanting to be a leader among you must be your servant. Your attitude must be like My own. For I did not come to be served, but to serve.”
As members of Atonement, the act of serving moves us closer to Jesus and is a natural extension of our understanding of our mission and goals that growth is expected, gifts are released and resources are shared. There are many ways in which you can live out your faith and serve your neighbor through Atonement; locally, regionally and globally.
Serving at Atonement
There are many ways to get involved by participating in a ministry at Atonement.
Serving through and beyond the church
Jesus ushered in God’s kingdom on earth. He turned the world’s value system obsessed with power and position, to a new way of living. Jesus showed us how loving and serving others, lifting up and embracing others who are marginalized is God’s way of living. Compassion and justice was top on Jesus’ mind.
Serving beyond our church walls is a goal at Atonement. Here are some outside serving opportunities for you to consider:
Holy Family Ministries
Our roots run deep with Holy Family School. Located in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, Holy Family School provides opportunities for children and adults from Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods to excel academically, grow spiritually, expand life experiences and become effective leaders.
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI)
LSSI and Atonement continue to share a close relationship and partnership for well over 20 years. LSSI offers adoption services, counseling, children’s services, affordable senior living services, and behavioral health services to name a few. Each year, the people of Atonement “adopt” families and children at Christmas time as a way of serving all God’s people.
The Community Meal
Offering a free, monthly meal to in the Barrington area, The Community Meal mission is is to show Christian hospitality by providing a welcoming place, nourishing food, a listening ear, and acceptance to all regardless of faith beliefs or economic means. The simple act of sharing a meal together gives hope to all. The Community Meal strengthens friendships, and inspires a community that is inclusive and loving towards one another.
Lutheran World Relief
A non-profit organization that works with local partners to provide lasting solutions to poverty, injustice and human suffering. Specialty groups like Lydia Circle, create quilts for LWR to be distributed in some of the most impoverished places on the planet.
Missionary Support
Mission Support provides 80 percent of the resources to enable the ELCA to begin new ministries and accompany existing congregations as growing centers for evangelical mission. These funds also provide the staff and resources for the development of new leaders, partnership with churches around the globe, alleviating poverty, working for justice and peace, and so much more.
Exodus World Service
Exodus World Service mobilizes the Christian community to welcome refugees. We do this by educating churches about refugee ministry, connecting volunteers with newly arriving refugees through practical service projects, and equipping leaders to advocate on behalf of refugees.