The Vine: October 20, 2026
Our fresh take on The Vine, a devotional based on the upcoming Sunday’s sermon. This is a tool for you to dive deep into specific verses of scripture and get acquainted with spiritual practices. This iteration of The Vine pairs perfectly with the pastors’ “First Glance Podcast.” The Vine: First Glance Podcast is when the pastors sit down to discuss the scripture for the upcoming sermon. It is a wonderful opportunity to prepare your mind and heart for the week ahead. We invite you to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week.
I Commit to serving...
“But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.” (Luke 10:33, NRSVUE)
When Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, the turning point in the story is surprisingly simple: the Samaritan sees someone in need. He allows another person’s suffering to interrupt his journey, and he responds with the resources he has. He tends the man’s wounds, finds him a place to rest, and makes arrangements for his continued care. His compassion becomes more than a feeling; it becomes action. The Samaritan reminds us that service often begins when we slow down enough to notice.
Service doesn’t mean we must respond to every need or have the skills to solve every problem. Service requires us to ask how the gifts God has given us might be used for the good of others.
Frederick Buechner describes vocation as “the place where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep hunger.” For some, that intersection is found in serving through a church ministry like welcoming visitors to worship, bringing communion to the home bound, or volunteering to teach children and youth. For others, it means using our gifts beyond the church walls, whether that’s advocating for a cause we care about, volunteering with a local organization, or showing up for a person going through a difficult season.
There are countless ways and opportunities to serve, and they don’t always have to begin with a volunteer sign-up sheet. We are called to begin by paying attention. What needs do we notice? What kinds of work bring us joy? What skills, experiences, or passions might help us respond? We may not be able to meet every need we see, but we can trust that God can use what we have to offer.
An Invitation
This week, take a few minutes to reflect on your own gifts.
I enjoy…
- What activities make me feel engaged, energized, or connected to others?
I can offer…
- What skills, experience, resources, or qualities could I share?
I notice…
- What needs in my church or community do I feel drawn to help meet?
Ask God to help you see where your gifts might meet an opportunity to serve. Then take one step toward getting involved. Reach out to a ministry leader or the church office to explore what might be a good fit. You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Start by noticing what you have to offer, and trust God to show you what comes next.
PREVIOUS WEEKS
To view all previous devotions go to https://fumc-rr.org/the-vine