After 42 messages and nearly a year together in the book of Acts, we've reached the final chapter.

We've watched the Church take its first steps. We've seen the Holy Spirit move through ordinary people in extraordinary ways. We've witnessed healings and miracles, baptisms and conversions, persecution and perseverance, disagreements and reconciliation. We've watched the Gospel cross boundaries, cultures and continents as people responded when the Spirit moved.

And then we reach Acts 28... and it simply stops.

No dramatic conclusion to Paul's story. No final trial before Caesar. No neatly wrapped ending telling us what became of everyone we've followed.

Instead, Luke leaves us with Paul under house arrest, welcoming people, teaching about Jesus and proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

Maybe that's exactly the point.

As Heath reminded us Sunday, the book may be finished, but the mission of Jesus isn't. Acts records what Jesus continued to do through the Holy Spirit and the lives of the early believers. The final page doesn't mark the end of that work.

The same God is still at work. The same Holy Spirit still leads, equips and transforms. And the Church is still called to respond.

Throughout this series we've returned again and again to a simple truth:

As the Spirit moves, the Church acts.

But that leaves us with a question now that we've closed the book:

What's our next act?

We don't have to cross the Mediterranean, stand before Caesar or become Paul.

Sometimes our next act looks much more ordinary.

Paul had survived a storm and a shipwreck. He was a prisoner on his way to Rome. Yet when everyone washed ashore on Malta and a fire needed to be built, where was Paul?

Gathering sticks.

He saw something that needed doing, and he served.

Maybe that's where continuing the story begins for us too.

Not waiting for the pastor. Not waiting for a ministry leader. Not waiting for somebody to ask.

But learning to recognize where the Spirit is moving and being willing to say:

"There's a place for me in this. I'll help."

Paul had survived a storm, a shipwreck and weeks at sea. He was a prisoner on his way to Rome, yet had become a trusted leader among those travelling with him.

And when they washed ashore cold and wet and someone needed to gather wood for the fire...

Paul picked up sticks.

He didn't wait for someone else. He didn't decide the task was beneath him. He simply saw something that needed doing and joined in.

Following Jesus often looks like that.

We can spend a lot of time wondering where we're supposed to serve, what our gifts are, or whether we're qualified enough to step into something. Those are worthwhile questions, but sometimes the opportunity in front of us is much simpler:

See the need. Take the step. Serve.

So this week, look for one set of "sticks" you can pick up.

Maybe it's setting up a chair instead of walking past it. Staying a few minutes to help clean up. Welcoming someone you don't recognize. Sending the encouraging text you've been thinking about. Helping a neighbour. Checking in on someone who's been missing. Praying with someone instead of only saying you'll pray for them.

It doesn't need to be impressive. It doesn't need a title. And you may never receive recognition for it.

It simply requires being willing to notice.

Your Tiny Practice

Each morning this week, pray:

"Holy Spirit, show me one place I can serve today."

Then keep your eyes open.

When you see the opportunity, don't overthink it.

Pick up the sticks.