Sharing God’s Mercy Through Food
I distinctly remember the first few years of my life in New York being a time when I was often burdened with physical ailments. I was a new transplant, living away from my family, suffering from loneliness and illness. Yet it was in this time that God planted in me the seeds of mercy for the sick.
Out of my personal experience, I came to believe in the Diaconate’s Meals Ministry as a necessary part of the church community. As Christians, we are called to take care of the poor and work for justice in this world. I also believe this begins within the church family as stated in Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Attending to the needs of the church body is an integral part of ministry and providing food is a tangible way of showing and sharing God’s mercy.
The Meals Ministry prepares and brings meals to congregants who are recovering at home post-operatively, the home bound and the sick. And the Mom’s Group members are also on the front lines of bringing food to other moms in their network when a new baby is born or other needs arise. Meals Ministry volunteers not only feed families in need of physical food, but spiritual food as well by visiting and praying for them.
On August 25, the Diaconate held an appreciation luncheon to honor the service of volunteers from the Diaconate’s Meals Ministry. As many of our Meals Ministry volunteers find joy in the art of cooking, the highlight of the event was special guest, Chef Lynn Bound. Honorees were able to view and participate in a marvelous demonstration of creating a sherry vinaigrette beet salad with fennel, baby greens, roasted nuts topped with a sliver of orange beet. It was almost too beautiful to eat! As viewers asked Chef Lynn questions, they observed her sense of grace in the kitchen, gained over a 20-year period of being a professional chef. All were able to enjoy the perfect summer afternoon of friends, food, and fellowship.
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