community

Community is an essential part of life. Every living thing on this planet lives in a community. You and I are no different. We constantly influence the community around us.

“For a community to be whole and healthy, it must
be based on people's love and concern for each other.”

-Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity

For us in Coventry Vineyard we are seeking to bring something of heaven to earth. We choose to influence the community in which we live with the grace and compassion, and the love and generosity that Jesus showed when he encountered people. We choose to love our neighbours, to welcome strangers and to accept outcasts.

For us serving our neighbours is a non-negotiable. Each month our Small Groups serve their local community in practical ways. We surprise people with God's extravagant generosity. We demonstrate the gospel. We roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty.

Why do we serve?

We serve because that is what Jesus did and does. In the bible we read that Jesus did not come to be served but to serve. Think of it. The one who said if we have seen him we have seen the Father, serving. Serving is at the very heart of who God is. To be a servant is to be like God, to serve others is to reflect God’s heart and love for others. When we serve others, what people see is God.

You and I are invited to become more like Jesus and this involves serving. Serving is the way and life of the Kingdom. So this is why you will find us out on the streets, cleaning up litter; in shops, cleaning toilets; in neighbours gardens, digging borders, weeding or laying turf; in the park, giving out cold drinks on hot days.

We serve to express God’s compassion and love to a broken world. We serve because Jesus serves.