For the sixth year in a row, LAUMC suspended regular worship services and instead offered opportunities throughout the week of September 24–30 for congregants to put their faith into action through participation in a range of service projects. Although the final numbers are still being tabulated, by all accounts Compassion Week was once again a resounding success. Over the course of the week:

• More than 1,500 volunteer positions were filled
• More than 60 service projects were covered
• Participants addressed a range of needs, including feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, visiting prisoners, ensuring safe and affordable housing, cleaning up the environment, and assembling hygiene kits for disaster relief

New this year was a focus on “building a bigger table” by going beyond acts of service to actively engaging in building relationships with others. LAUMC sponsored two very well attended community dinners during Compassion Week. One was focused on listening to youth about the challenges they face, and the other was an interfaith gathering designed to foster understanding and friendship with people from many faith traditions.

Thank you to all who participated in Compassion Week! Plan to join us again next year. Better yet, think about how you might “do Compassion Week” all year long!