StoneBridge Community Church

Thursday, April 2
A Reflection on Charity from Gayle Luker

Gayle is a longtime member at StoneBridge. She currently serves as an elder of Session, helping to lead the Cross-Cultural Missions Team. She is married to Mark.

Just as I have, I know many of you have participated in a variety of charity and volunteer work. There is a great sense of accomplishment when we give to others our time, our talents and/or our resources. Sometimes, charity takes on a deeper meaning, transforms us, and is a blessing. Let me explain.

To be a blessing is much different than just giving. To be a blessing means to live in a way that genuinely adds value, hope, and goodness to the lives of others. To be a blessing goes beyond good intentions or appearances and is rooted in sincere care, humility, and consistent action. Small acts like kind words, patience, forgiveness, or simply showing up for others often have great impact. Such moments of compassion can restore faith, inspire courage, and remind others that they are seen and valued.

Let me share with you a memory from my professional life as a pediatric nurse.
I was caring for a six-year-old girl being treated for a rare form of cancer. As I was attending to her, her father asked me, “Why do you do this?” I said it is my duty to care for my patients. He said, “Yeah, I get that. Many nurses come in and attend to my daughter. But you do it as if she’s your daughter!” Then he added, “You are a blessing to me and my family.”
That statement struck a deep chord within me. That’s when the reality of what I was called to do as a child of God struck me to the core – charity meant utilizing the gifts God has blessed me with in a manner that truly serves others.

I experienced a similar moment when serving in Uganda. I was helping prepare dinner when our Ugandan host interrupted my work and asked me to stop, saying, “Let me serve you, you had come a long way and you are a blessing to us!” There are moments in life when God has directly spoken to me through others. Again, this was one of those times!

From these experiences, I learned that exercising charity is a blessing that transforms both the receiver and the giver. Pouring kindness into the world creates a cycle of grace that extends beyond ourselves and ultimately, we are shaped by it in return.

Experience the transformative power of Holy Week with StoneBridge!
Join us for a journey of reflection, renewal, and celebration.
4/2: Maundy Thursday Service - 7:00pm | Communion will be served. Nursery care provided.
4/3: Good Friday Service - 7:00pm | Find hope in the darkness. Nursery care provided.
4/4 & 4/5: Easter Celebration Services:
Saturday @ 5:30pm | Regular Children's Programming
Sunday @ 9:30am | Regular Children's Programming
Sunday @ 11:00am | Nursery care provided.