Pastor’s Corner – April 13, 2023
Dear Beloved,
This morning, I was thanking God for you and thanking God for the offerings of letters which we participate in at least once a year. I can remember glancing around one year and seeing a five-year-old writing a letter to advocate for healthy food for all and food security next to an eighty-year-old. The moment was beautiful and glorious and turned me to total praises to God!!! The memory of it still does. Thank you for those memories. Thank you for your commitment to equity, justice, and shalom in the ways of Jesus our Leader!
As I thanked God for you, I praised God who is our Nourisher of body, mind, and spirit. What is your favorite story or memory of nourishment of body, mind, and spirit? This time of year, I begin to think of picnics with friends at parks and my heart feels happy. I think of Jesus feeding people and eating with people who others would not dare eat with. The stories of God’s provision of manna and daily bread overwhelm and humble me. I am excited to explore the story of the woman and child who shared with Elijah and the passages about gleaning this summer during Vacation Bible School and as we enjoy a visit from a leader of Society of St. Andrew who helps extra Indiana produce find a place to become food for people. I write this with Maundy Thursday still ahead of us – a time when we remember Jesus’ last meal with his disciples before his death and resurrection, and by the time you read this we may be exploring the meals the resurrected Jesus had with people as he shared hope and the good news of God’s Spirit and peace with them.
Thank you for journeying through these memories with me! I’d love to hear or read your stories and memories of nourishment or meals shared if you’d like to chat or send them. I hope you’ll be joining in writing letters for the Bread for World offering of letters either virtually or in person on Sunday, April 16. If you have more questions please connect with me or our Friedens Moving Outward Ministry Team.
With much gratitude for you and praises to our Nourisher, Bread of Life, and Spirit of peace~
As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
Luke 24:28-30
