Dorcas Societies have a long history in the church. There are some that were formed in the 1800s and are still active today. Even though they don’t seem to be as common now, I remember as a child hearing about them from time to time in some of our congregations. They are wonderful ways for especially Christian women to get together and aid those who are less fortunate.
These societies were named after Dorcas (her name in Greek), who was also known as Tabitha (her name in Aramaic). Her story is in Acts 9:36-43. We don’t find out much about her life or background, but she lived in the city of Joppa on the coast. And she was most known for . . . . always doing good and helping the poor (Acts 9:36).
The word “always” speaks to a general quality. The Christian community knew that Dorcas was ready at all times to support those who needed it. After her death the widows showed Peter the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them (Acts 9:39).
The Old Testament also abounds with references to helping those who are truly in need. One of the commands of God’s law was this one:
28 At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, 29 so that … the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands
(Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
Even when Dorcas became sick and died, God was not finished with her mission on earth. He brought the Apostle Peter to her home and through him raised her back to life. The Lord kept her in the community of believers as an example of how disciples of Christ live.
God gifted us with salvation in our helpless spiritual state, and gave us a place in his kingdom through his Son. Whether it has a formal name or not, we can all consider ourselves members of the “Dorcas Society,” Christians living as this pious believing woman did. Wouldn’t it be great for people to say of us after life here, “They were always doing good and helping others out of their faith in Christ”?