Family Serve Night: Making An Impact Together

November 14, 2024
Trisha Smith

At Browncroft Community Church, one of our greatest joys is coming together as a church family to serve those in need. This past week, we hosted a Family Serve Night that was nothing short of amazing! Our community gathered to lend a hand, bringing together people of all ages with one heart and purpose: to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It was a powerful reminder of how much we can accomplish when we work together in love and compassion. Here’s a glimpse into the impact we made during our night of service:

1. Blessing Bags for the Homeless

One of the organizations we supported at Family Serve Night was the Open Door Mission. We packed 200 blessing bags for those in Rochester who are experiencing homelessness. Each bag was filled with essentials like socks, hand warmers, hygiene items, and snacks. These bags represent more than just supplies—they are a message of hope and care, showing our homeless neighbors that they are valued and loved.

2. Snack Bags for the Ronald McDonald House

We also packed 200 snack bags for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. These bags are a small token of support, helping to brighten the days of families facing medical challenges. Each bag contained a selection of comforting snacks, easy to grab and go, giving families one less thing to worry about during their hospital visits. Serving these families reminded us of the importance of standing by those who are walking through difficult times.

3. Personal Hygiene Kits for Students at East High School

Another incredible part of the evening was creating 150 personal hygiene bags for students at East High School. We know how essential these basic items are for young people’s confidence and well-being. We hope these kits will be a practical source of support and show these students that they have a community who cares about their success.

4. Lanyards for Operation Gratitude

Many of our high school students got creative, crafting 100 colorful lanyards for Operation Gratitude, an organization that supports military and first responders. These lanyards will go into care packages sent to those who serve our country. It was inspiring to see our kids and families so focused on showing appreciation and love for our service members, reminding us all of the value of honoring and thanking those who protect and serve.

5. Cards, Pictures, and Notes for the Talibe Boys in Senegal

One of the most touching projects of the night was creating hundreds of cards, pictures, and notes for the Talibe boys in Senegal. These boys, often living in challenging circumstances, will receive these notes filled with encouragement, hope, and love. The messages were heartfelt, the drawings were bright and beautiful, and each note was a small act of connection, telling the boys that they are known and cherished by God and people across the world.

Family Serve Night was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together in faith and service. In just one evening, we were able to touch the lives of hundreds of people, both near and far. It was a night filled with laughter, teamwork, and joy as we embraced the opportunity to show the love of Christ to those in need.

When generations come together to serve, we plant seeds for a future where kindness, compassion, and connection are at the heart of our church community. My prayer is that this night reminded us all that service isn’t just about what we do—it’s about who we do it with and how God grows us together through it.

Together, we are making a difference, one blessing bag, snack pack, hygiene kit, lanyard, word of encouragement, and prayer at a time.

When generations come together to serve, we plant seeds for a future where kindness, compassion, and connection are at the heart of our church community.

If you would like to know more about what God is doing in the world through the life of our church, and maybe even be inspired to get involved, please consider joining us this Saturday, November 16th, for our Send Me Conference.  There are many exciting breakout sessions to choose from, including several for families with young children who want to learn more about serving together. You can register right now at the button below!

About The Author

Trisha Smith

Trisha Smith is Browncroft’s Senior Director of Family Ministry. She has served in various family ministry roles over the past 20 years. She is passionate about seeing the next generation grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus and encouraging parents along their journey. Outside of church Trisha loves spending time with her family and she is especially blessed by her two grandchildren.

Further reading

God’s Hand at Work: Our Students’ Week in Peru

As many of you know, Browncroft has a partner church, Alianza Cristiana de Miraflores, in Lima, Peru. This July, a team of twelve-- five adults and seven students-- traveled to Lima to join forces with the Miraflores Youth Group for work and outreach projects at the Westfalia Orphanage in Cieneguilla. To give you a glimpse into our experience and the impact it had, we’ve asked some of our incredible students to share their testimonies. Here is what they had to say.
Read more

The Power of Rooted

What do you do when you feel spiritually dry? What do you do when following Jesus seems mundane? When I encounter these seasons, I find that God ultimately calls me to do something seemingly uncomfortable.
Read more