As we approach the\u00a0winter season it brings to mind the extreme cold, snow, ice, and other wintry conditions we expect to see this time of\u00a0year. So grab a cup of hot chocolate and consider these creative ways people at your church can serve their community\u00a0this winter.<\/p>\n
1. \u00a0Offer to take an elderly neighbor to the store to stock up on winter supplies\/groceries, or have your neighbor make a list for you to pick up while you’re out.<\/p>\n
2. \u00a0Shovel your neighbor\u2019s walkway. Or, get your exercise in for the day and do the whole street!<\/p>\n
3. \u00a0Place salt on someone\u2019s front door steps or that neglected bit of sidewalk between houses.<\/p>\n
4. If others lose power, offer your house\u00a0as a location for cell phone\/laptop charging.<\/p>\n
5. Invite neighborhood kids\/families to build snowmen if schools are cancelled.<\/p>\n
6.\u00a0 Create a free hot chocolate stand outside a busy shopping area.<\/p>\n
7. Offer to help someone scrape the ice off their car or scrape someone\u2019s car when you do yours in the morning\/after work.<\/p>\n
8. Send thank you notes to police, firefighters, road crews, etc.<\/p>\n
9. Order a PIZZA for your local police, fire station, or road crew!<\/p>\n
10.\u00a0 Carry extra winter supplies in your car to assist distressed motorists.<\/p>\n
11. Contact local emergency shelters to learn how you can support their efforts.<\/p>\n
12. Offer hand warmers to people standing at bus stops or to school crossing guards.<\/p>\n
13. If your kids have had school cancelled, help them write appreciation notes to their teacher.<\/p>\n
14. Offer to watch your friend\/neighbor\u2019s kids while they run out for groceries or during their work hours.<\/p>\n
15. If a friend\/neighbor has mobility issues, offer to walk their dog— or better yet, keep your kids occupied and have them offer to walk the neighbor’s dog!<\/p>\n
16. Share or post the locations of heating stations in your area on your social media pages or church website.<\/p>\n
Whatever you decide to do— please be sure to do it safely and with good judgment. After all, it can be slick out there!<\/p>\n