by Janet Shih

In June, the Singles ministry had the privilege of planning a Saturday date night for the Grace Life families ministry. Our church families were given the opportunity to sign up for a date night with food and entertainment fully provided by the Singles. Children’s programs were also available so parents were able to enjoy the night without distraction. Those in the Singles ministry were found throughout the church: playing with babies, talking and interacting with the older children, preparing food in the kitchen, serving food and drinks to the tables, and enjoying fellowship with the families in the sanctuary. Some of the highlights of the night included a video encouragement and musical performances from some very talented men and women in the Singles Ministry, who were able to portray marriage as the grace of life in song and lyrical rap.

I was particularly encouraged to see those in the Singles Ministry so willing to serve the families at Lighthouse. I distinctly remember many people asking what they could help with throughout the course of the night. As I reflect on how everything turned out, I am encouraged by the all of the efforts put into planning and all of the many hands that worked together to make the night a success. The night was not simply a time to showcase talent or run a program, but it was a creative and practical way to serve, love and encourage those in our church family with the resources, gifts, and talents that Christ has given to us Singles in this stage of life.

As the year continues on, I’m excited to continue to run alongside the Singles ministry. I am reminded of Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). As a Singles ministry, my hope is that we would continue to labor tirelessly not just for big events like this, but in every part of our day-to-day life. I hope that we would continue to serve in ways that considers the needs of others more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4) and do so joyfully, knowing that our service is pleasing in the sight of our Lord.