As Labor Day weekend arrives, many of us pause to reflect on the meaning of work, rest, and the contributions people make every day to strengthen our families, churches, and communities. For those of us who follow Christ, our labor is more than a paycheck or a task list — it is an opportunity to serve.

Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:13: “Through love serve one another.” Service, at its core, is love in action. It is the willingness to put others before ourselves, to see needs and meet them faithfully, and to use our gifts so that others may experience God’s grace.

Faithful Service in Ministry and Community

The Church is filled with examples of leaders — both clergy and laity — who embody this call. Pastors who shepherd congregations through seasons of change, volunteers who show up week after week to prepare meals, teachers who lead Bible studies, and trustees who quietly steward church resources all demonstrate what it means to serve with love.

Their efforts remind us that leadership is not about recognition or position, but about a heart willing to give. Service-minded leadership inspires others to do the same, multiplying the impact of God’s work in the world.

Our Role

At the United Methodist Foundation of North Carolina, we see faithful service lived out in countless ways. Churches and individuals partner with us to ensure that their generosity today will extend far into the future. By establishing endowments, supporting ministries, and engaging in planned giving, our partners embody a commitment to serve — not just now, but for generations to come.

Our work is not simply about finances; it is about faithful stewardship. It is about resourcing ministries so that leaders can continue to serve, love, and transform lives in Christ’s name.

Labor, Service, and a Legacy of Good

As we celebrate Labor Day, we honor the dignity of work — not only in the labor we perform but in the service we offer to God and neighbor. John Wesley’s timeless words remind us:

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can,
in all the ways you can, in all the places you can,
at all the times you can, to all the people you can,
as long as ever you can.”

This vision of tireless service is at the heart of our calling as Christians and as a Foundation. Together, we are building legacies of generosity that will empower the Church to continue doing good, faithfully and abundantly, for years to come.

As you reflect this Labor Day weekend, consider the ways you can serve — through your time, your talents, and even your financial resources. Every act of faithful service becomes a part of God’s greater story of love.