What do we hope to accomplish with acts of compassion? 

Some people have referred to these efforts as carrying out social justice or preaching a social gospel.  True followers of Christ think little about either of these.  The concept of social justice has been claimed by the political left as a way to take from the "haves and give it to the have nots."  The social gospel tends to ignore the spiritual needs of people.  Our actions are practice…learning how to love the way Jesus did.  Many aspects of society actually divide us by race, gender, status and abilities.  We don't have to go out of our way to judge those who are different.  But it is a challenge to create opportunities that bridge those gaps.  A video I will show during the sermon illustrates the principle of understanding the struggles that people face and determining to help where you can.  We can't do everything, but we can learn to do something.  The next opportunity to serve others that we are organizing is on November 25th, which is the day after Thanksgiving.  We will go to the Tacoma Rescue Mission to Sing and Serve…I am working on getting it arranged, but we hope to serve food, serve coffee, sing and hand out socks.  I always am grateful for those who help in this ministry effort and who are learning the love our neighbor as ourselves.  Pray that as we work at the rescue mission, we will be safe and that God will lead us to some people who are looking for Him.  Please donate socks or money to buy socks and plan to help on the 25th.  We will also be partnering with YWCA in caring for women and families stuck in the cycle of domestic violence.  We have "adopted" 20 families for which we will provide a Christmas meal, and gifts for the kids and mom.  (Thanks to all who have helped with the Thanksgiving Baskets).  The effort for the YWCA will begin on December 4th.