October 29, 2026

These words from Jesus are at the heart of our Do Unto Others Ministry—DUO. Picture Jesus standing right there among his friends and a crowd of folks longing for healing and hope. He invites them—and us—to a generous, courageous kind of love: loving even those who are hard to love, praying for people who have hurt us, and giving without expecting anything back. He says, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

The Golden Rule nudges us to take the first step—to offer the same kindness and care we hope to receive ourselves. That’s what DUO is all about: noticing when someone needs a hand and responding with compassion.

One of our hopes for DUO at St. Nick’s has always been to help people discover their gifts—to notice a need, dream up a response, and invite others along for the journey. We want everyone here to know they have something valuable to offer, and that their ideas can become ministry.

Not long ago, one of our young people came to me, excited and carrying a PowerPoint presentation. She had a big idea for something she called the No Littering Ministry. Her reason was simple and honest: we should all care about the trash we see and do our part to take care of the world around us.

Here was one of our own, noticing a need, thinking through what could be done, and bringing her idea to her church family. This is exactly the kind of leadership we’ve been hoping DUO would inspire! She saw something that mattered and wanted to invite all of us to do something about it.

Her idea weaves together the three themes I’ve been reflecting on during my sabbatical: community, creativity, and creation.

Community grows when we roll up our sleeves and work side by side. Picking up litter gives us a reason to talk, laugh, and get to know each other better. When we care for the places we share, we care for our neighbors, too.

Creativity was already shining through in her presentation. She took something that worried her and imagined it into a ministry. She helped us see how even something as ordinary as picking up trash could become a way for our church to serve together.

Caring for creation starts with paying attention to the world God loves. A stray wrapper or plastic bottle might seem small, but picking it up is a real, hands-on way to care for the land, water, plants, animals, and people around us.

This young person’s idea is a living example of our mission: “St. Nick’s is a community of loving, giving, joyous Jesus-followers.” We show our love through what we do, give our time, and find joy in serving side by side.

It also brings our vision to life: “Everyone is welcome. Everyone is loved. Everyone is empowered. Everyone belongs. Everyone!” That word empowered really matters here. Our young people have gifts, concerns, and ideas that can shape our church’s ministry right now. Part of our calling is to listen, encourage them, and help them take the next step.

Through DUO, we’ve been hoping to see leaders of all ages step up—people who notice a need and invite others to respond with love. And here she came, PowerPoint in hand and hope in her heart.

So, I want to invite you to join us on November 7, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., for our No Littering Ministry and church workday. We’ll mow, pull weeds, change air filters, clean carpets, wipe down children’s toys, and spruce up and clean the kitchen. We’ll also decorate trees, clean windows, and pick up trash at St. Nick’s and around our little village of Bulverde. There’s something

for everyone, no matter what your age or ability, and every helping hand makes a difference.

When we show up, we’re caring for this place we love. We’re also telling a young person, “We heard you. Your idea matters. We’re here to help.” That kind of encouragement helps leaders grow, and belonging takes root.

Come spend the morning with us. Let’s put our love into action and help a hopeful idea take root and grow. Who knows, maybe God is putting a new ministry on your heart too…