Be a Blessing

This campaign season, NRUMC is focusing on the 5 pillars of our church- Prayers, Presence, Service, Gifts, and Witness. Each Sunday, one of the pillars will be the focus of the sermon. In addition, our theme this year will be “Plus 1”. We would like each churchgoer to focus on adding 1 more thing that they can do for the church, and for themselves.

Examples:
- Prayer: 1 more prayer for a member or friend in need

- Presence: Attend 1 additional church event

- Service: Support one more service ministry

- Gifts: Add 1% more to your pledge or give a pledge

- Witness: Provide witness to 1 more person or group

Let’s all join together to make ourselves more well-rounded in our journey at NRUMC and with Christ.

Pray the Lord’s Prayer Each Day: Use the words Jesus taught us if you’re not comfortable with your own yet
Prayer Before Meals: Whether it’s a fancy dinner or a simple sandwich, take a moment to thank God for the food you’re about to enjoy.
Strike Up a Conversation with God: When you're alone, take that quiet moment to talk with the Holy Spirit, like a friend by your side.
Start a Gratitude Journal: Keep track of the blessings and give thanks to God for them
Pray During Everyday Moments: When you do simple tasks like grabbing a plate, stopping at a redlight, or waiting for an elevator, pause and say a brief prayer—whether it's gratitude, asking for blessings, or seeking guidance.
Join the Prayer Chain Email List: Extend your prayer life by including someone new on your list who needs God’s love and care through weekly emails.

1. Support and Encourage Others

Call, text, or email your pastor or group leaders - Offer encouragement, praise, or show support for their leadership.
Be there for your friends in need - Show up when they need a listening ear, helping hand, or a comforting presence.
Be present for a co-worker or schoolmate - Take time to check in, listen, or help them through a challenge.

2. Engage in Worship and Fellowship

Attend church regularly - Make a commitment to attend worship every Sunday you're in town. If you’re away, join an online service.
Join a small group or Sunday School - Participate in a weekly small group or join a Sunday School class to deepen your connection to your church community.
Volunteer to support worship - Volunteer to read scripture, serve communion, usher, greet, or join a music group as an act of service and participation in worship.

3. Build Community with Intentional Actions

Visit a neighbor - Take time to visit your neighbor, whether to check in, share a conversation, or offer help.
Plan monthly meet-ups - Invite someone to coffee or lunch once a month, creating regular opportunities to connect with others and share life together.
Listen to someone after worship - After Sunday service, wait and listen to someone who may need a friend or someone to talk to.

4. Join in Church Events and Ministries

Be involved in special events - Provide a trunk of candy for Trunk or Treat, Volunteer for an outreach event, or participate in other church events that foster community.
Get involved with a church group that builds fellowship and supports the church’s mission such as United Methodist Men or United Women of Faith meetings

Each of these actions is a small but meaningful way to "plus one" your presence and become more engaged with your church, friends, and community.

Complete your NRUMC pledge card (maybe for the first time!) - Make a commitment this year by filling out a pledge card and planning your financial support to help the finance team budget and plan well for next year

Increase Financial Giving - Pledge an additional 1%, $10, $1000, or other ways to stretch.

Become a Mission Trip Supporter - sponsor trips to NC, KY, Mexico, Peru, and more

Legacy and Planned Giving - Include the Church Endowment in your Will or insurance policies to help sustain a legacy of mission into the future

Explore donation matching through your employer or other sources - Double your impact through partnerships

Donate Items when needed - Whether it's a food drive or school supply collection, donate clothes to North Raleigh Ministries, items for the Bake Sale or Holiday Market - there's lots of ways to make an impact beyond the offering plate.

Support Church Fundraisers like the Holiday Market, BBQ sale, Bake Sale, and more - these events are easy ways to give more to missions

Set New Financial Goals for the Future to increase generosity - Commit to increasing your giving by at least 1% for the upcoming year and set intentional financial goals for supporting missions.

These "Plus One" opportunities show how small increases in generosity can make a big difference in your church, community, and charitable efforts.

Care and Prayer

Provide care, prayer, and support for the church family.
Write a card each month – join the good will writers at church.
Crochet a prayer shawl.

Groups

Help disciple and facilitate community by serving as group leaders or hosts.
Volunteer for Confirmation as a Table Leader.
Join a meeting for United Methodist Men or United Women in Faith.
Participate in a service project they are doing.

Guest Hospitality

Create a welcoming environment so others can receive God's love and truth.
Be an usher to help make worship possible.
Volunteer as a greeter, serve at the Welcome Cart, or help with parking.
Volunteer as a Fellowship Friend

Kids Ministry

Help create environments where children can learn about Jesus.
Volunteer for Children’s Sunday School.
Help with a Special Event like Trunk or Treat, Egg Hunt, or VBS

Missions

Serve and engage in outreach locally and globally.
Email a mission leader to offer assistance on an event.
Serve with an Outreach or Blessing Initiative Partner

Operations

Assist with behind-the-scenes administrative support.
Assist in office operations or event planning.

Production

Support digital and in-person worship experiences.
Volunteer for worship production behind the scenes with Cameras or Sound
Help photograph or video church events

Youth Ministry

Mentor and engage students in grades 6-12.
Cook meals for youth Events
Volunteer to connect with youth and be a strong Christian mentor.

Worship

Support worship services through various roles.
Be a communion server.
Acolyte for worship services.
Serve communion or read scripture during worship.
Sing or play an instrument in the worship band or choir.
Help decorate the Christmas tree in the sanctuary.

Give NRUMC a 5 Star Google Review: Just one review will be viewed by hundreds of people every month as they decide if they will visit NRUMC for the first time.

Share NRUMC Posts or Events on Social Media: Help us speak THROUGH you and not just TO you - by sharing, you multiply our efforts.

Invite and Include: Extend invitations to family, friends, and neighbors to join you for church services, special events like the Christmas cantata or Good Friday service, or regular Sunday worship.

Engage Through Youth: Encourage your kids to invite their friends to Youth Group, fostering a welcoming environment for the next generation.

Live Out Your Faith: Demonstrate your faith in everyday actions. Whether you're buying groceries or dining out, take a moment to show kindness, offer a smile, and share a prayer to positively impact those around you.

Wear Your Faith: Purchase a North Raleigh "Be A Blessing" shirt and wear it in public at least once a month. Use this as an opportunity to practice sharing your personal testimony and what God has done in your life.

Share Stories About God: During visits with friends and neighbors, share the good that God has done in your life and the positive impact of prayer, making your faith part of your conversations.

Set Invitation Goals: Make a goal to ask someone to attend church with you, helping to grow the community and share your faith journey.

Model Faith Publicly: Pray before meals at restaurants or other public places. Your example may inspire others to explore or reflect on their own faith.

Discuss Church Activities: Mention your church activities and experiences in social settings like book clubs, providing opportunities to talk about your faith and invite others to join.

Promote Church Events: Share information about exciting church events like Trunk or Treat with your neighbors and friends, encouraging them to participate and experience the community.

Church in Raleigh