Appalachia Service Project is excited to share our theme for 2024: Building Kindness.
Our theme comes from Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (NIV)
At ASP we build lots of things–we build new homes, we build relationships, we build community. We build on the foundation of God’s love shared with all of us through Christ who modeled a life of service, compassion, and intentional kindness. Stories of kindness are woven through scripture as a way of guiding us in our relationships.
The book of Ephesians is a book about God’s love for all people and in this we find instructions on how-to live-in unity with each other as members of the body of Christ. Our theme verse tells us that we are called to live by building kindness with each other. This is an intentional way of life where we give of ourselves in love and compassion to others. We do this with a servant heart, in humility, and we offer kindness with no expectation of receiving anything in return.
This year we will explore our theme of Building Kindness through stories of Jesus’ ministry. Together we will learn how building kindness is foundational to building relationships and that kindness is a way of life as a follower of Christ. Let’s consider Building Kindness not as a series of random acts but as the potential to become a radical way of living.
Kindness should be extended to everyone.
Kindness requires us to notice the needs around us and act.
Kindness and forgiveness are deeply intertwined- to be kind, we must be willing to forgive even when it’s difficult.
Kindness is embodied in small, simple gestures that show love and humility.
Kindness often means including those who are ostracized or marginalized.
Kindness is shared through words that heal and comfort.
We are guided by the belief that each person is a child of God, imbued with dignity and worth, and we serve our neighbors in Central Appalachia with kindness, respect, and love. Through intentional acts of kindness, we grow in compassion for each other, offering love and forgiveness to all people. We invite you to join us as we Build Kindness together as service minded disciples of Christ.
Jane Cheema
Director of Spiritual Programs
