Service and Mercy Opportunities

We’re told that the fulfillment of the law is loving God and loving neighbor.  The Bible is clear that we should care particularly for those in need, and we take seriously Jesus’ words: “Whatever you have done to the least of these (the down-and-out, the marginalized, the left-behinds of our culture), you have done to me; and whatever you have not done to these, you have not done to me.” Love needs nearness; mercy requires sacrifice; and compassion shares suffering. Keeping this in mind, consider how God has uniquely gifted you to participate in his ministry of reconciliation and renewal. The opportunities listed below are simply starting points—as such, they'll continually be adapting and multiplying as we collectively take ownership of this mission.

Feed Downtown

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?  Is it not to share food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?  Then your light will break forth like dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard" (Isaiah 58: 6-8).     Every Friday at 5 pm a group of RUF students gather in front of "The Grill" downtown to feed the hungry, hang out with the forgotten, and find ways to help the poor wanderers.  Why?  Not because it's the socially responsible thing to do.  Not because we're simply "looking out for our fellow man."  But because God's love met us in the depths of our own poverty and we desire to love others in a similarly scandalous way.  We need your help--regardless of whether your gifts lie in service, mercy, organization, leading, or cooking.  Please contact Josh Mickey, Kelly Jackson, or Anna Murray if you would like more information or if you would like to participate in this ministry. 


Downtown Falcons Sports Leagues

Redeemer Presbyterian Church (the Church where RUF meets each Wednesday night) began football and basketball ministries five years ago as an avenue to reach out to the communities living in Athens' many housing projects.  With each passing year, the ministry grows and needs more volunteers to participate.  There is an ongoing need for football and basketball assistant coaches, scoreboard operators, concession stand volunteers, chain crews, etc.    There is also a great need for students to help drive kids to and from their practices.  If you want a less formal but still valuable role, consider attending the Saturday morning games to hang out with and get to know the kids and their families.  Please click here if you are interested in learning more about the Downtown Falcons or if you would like to participate in this ministry.

 

Downtown Falcons Tutoring Ministry

During the fall and spring semesters, there will be several opportunities for RUF students to enter more deeply into the lives of kids playing on the Downtown Falcons sports teams and living in the Pauldo Housing Community.  If you’re interested in being an after-school tutor for these children or if you'd simply like more info before making a decision, please contact Craig Gant.  

 

Opportunities for Serving RUF Students

You may have noticed that a large group of students is needed each week to organize and set up for RUF's Wednesday night meetings.  If you've been looking for tangible ways to love and serve the students coming to RUF, this is a great place to start.  We need ongoing help operating the sound system (training provided), setting up and taking down chairs, creating the powerpoints, and handing out outlines.  If you want to serve in a way that is not listed here, please give us a call and let us know!  Those interested in helping out in any of these capacities should contact Craig Gant.