This past year, as the pandemic raged and people found themselves confined to home, many wondered what to do with venues closed and activities curtailed. JustServe, an initiative sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to connect volunteers with service opportunities in the community helped fill the void.
JustServe offers a broad array of projects in order to meet the interests of volunteers. Although some opportunities were curtailed during lockdown, Covid-friendly projects continued. Many sewed scrubs and face masks for donation to medical workers, some knitted hats, scarves and mittens for the homeless, others made blankets. In Manchester coats and donations were collected for the homeless.
Catherine Jolliffe, who along with her husband has been with JustServe for three years commented, “When someone makes a real difference, their hearts are touched, and they want to continue serving.”
Martin and Judith Cook were called last May to lead the work in the Manchester Area, where they have helped establish new connections. Covid restrictions have limited the number of projects available there. One of note is the Lancashire “befriending service” in which volunteers call a socially-isolated person once a week. However, as lockdown ends, they look forward to increased social interaction; so many wonderful service opportunities will be available.
Martin looks at the lockdown as a gift of time. As we have replaced live meetings with virtual, travel time has been eliminated. This can amount to an hour or more each week that, for some, may be used to serve. In his view, “As we come out of lockdown, JustServe will provide a pivotal point for the entire
church to engage with our communities, to live the second great commandment, to assist in the gathering of Israel, and prepare for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/JustServeUK/.
All are encouraged to sign up at JustServe.com to find ways to help.