Dear friends,
On a Sunday in March, the Justice and Love in Action Team, in partnership with the Soup Group, hosted a free dinner for people who are caring for our neighbors. Some folks who came are activists – attending rallies, standing on street corners with signs, writing letters-to-the-editor, and holding elected representatives accountable. Some are drivers – taking kids to school and carrying thousands of pounds of rice in their cars. Some are artists – making music and poetry and paintings to inspire and uplift us all. Some are cooks –
bringing food to neighbors who are having a hard time. Then there are the teachers, the social workers, the pastors, the snow shovelers, the good listeners, the letter writers.
It was an amazing group gathered in that room – amazing for their dedication, and amazing for the diversity of ways we care for one another. We had a wonderful time, enjoying delicious soup and tasty desserts, enjoying each other’s company, enjoying the gift of being together. That was the purpose of the event, simply to nourish ourselves and one another with good food and companionship.
That meal was one of many ways we have lived out our Lenten theme – Nourishing Community: Body, Mind, and Spirit. During Lent, we refilled our freezer with soup to bring to friends and neighbors. We supported Open Spirit’s annual Iftar. We collected 1,000 pounds of pasta for families at A Place to Turn. We made springtime gift bags for children who use A Place to Turn. We auctioned desserts. We gathered in a circle to reflect on restorative justice. We sang beautiful anthems. We prayed each other’s favorite interpretations of the Lord’s Prayer. We were inspired by church members who offered sermons. We have been nourished as a community – body, mind, and spirit.
As we move into the final week of Lent, we draw strength from the nourishment we have given and received. Nourished by community, we find courage to face the painful truths of Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, we dare to join what we know is a dangerous parade. On Maundy Thursday, we name the reality of our human capacity to betray and deny even our most beloved friends. On Good Friday, we acknowledge the power of cruelty, hate, suffering, and death. Together, with bodies, minds, and spirits nourished, we are strong enough to face what alone we might try to deny.
Thanks be to God, the story does not end there. Together, we prepare ourselves to receive the good news of Easter. Together, we dare to believe the unbelievable: that God’s love is more powerful than hate, suffering and even death. Together, we dare to trust in the promise that God is at work, planting seeds of new life in the midst of suffering and loss. Together, we nourish the soil of community so those seeds may flourish.
May we nourish and be nourished, body, mind, and spirit. May we celebrate the good news of new life.
Peace, Debbie