Serving Spotlight – Krista Gurley

I have been at HCC (Harvester Christian Church) for more than twenty years and have been blessed by all of the staff and volunteers who have served my family in so many different capacities over the years.  Part of my way of giving back to so many people who have invested in my kids is finding ways that I can serve.

Last year, I began serving monthly at the Sharing Shed.  We partner with other area churches throughout the St Charles community to individuals and families who, because of various life circumstances, are trying to get into their own home.  Often for the first time.  We help them shop for all their basic home furnishings to help give them a small head start in the next chapter of their lives.  For even that small amount of time we are with the families, we get to just love them, hug them, pray for them and let them know they aren’t alone.  It’s a small amount of time to be with a stranger, but it reminds me that we have that opportunity everywhere we go, with everyone we encounter.  We can just love people where we encounter them.  Life can be hard.  It seems like especially now that so many people around us are hurting.  Even the good things in our lives sometimes can feel like a burden, but as Christians if we can try to look at each encounter with those around us as an opportunity to serve Christ we often will find ourselves being blessed and filled with joy.

I love serving at the Sharing Shed because it has moved me past the 4 walls at Harvester and into the community.  I have made new friends from Harvester, some who I probably never would have met otherwise.  Plus, I get to join with Christians from all over St Charles to come together for others.

For me, I want serving to be an extension of who I am.  Whether it’s opening up my home to my kids and their friends, offering a ride or a meal to someone or just listening and praying with a coworker I want serving to be the natural make up of my life.