Filled to Overflowing, We Serve

One of Jesus’s disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” John 6:8-9

A large crowd was gathered around Jesus that day. They were hungry. They needed to be fed. The disciples recognized the need. But what could they do? Where could they get food for that many people? And how in the world could they get enough money to buy food for more than 5,000 people?

Andrew said, “Well, this child here has five simple loaves of bread and a couple of fish. But that’s not much.”

But faithfully placing those few resources in the hands of Jesus was more than enough. With twelve basketsful left over.

Now some folks in our congregation have recognized a need in our community: another COVID crush is upon us and the VA hospital and its workers are again in need our love, prayers, and support. They are stretched both physically and emotionally. Some of them are also coming down with the virus themselves.

So now we are banding together to give what we can to provide lunch for the healthcare workers, as we did for a full year at the beginning of this pandemic.

As people of faith, we understand how it is that when we give the little we each have into the hands of Christ, many receive not only food for their physical nourishment, but also receive our love and care. The presence of Christ, the love and grace of God, is made known through your care, your hands.

Our Children of Hope Preschool chapel offerings in the month of September will support this wonderful work. And on September 12 for God’s Work Our Hands Sunday, we’ll gather donations in worship.

After five weeks of considering Jesus, The Bread of Life, we’re immediately putting that reflection into action. You saw the need, you felt the love for those in need.

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’” (John 6:35).

You have come to Jesus and received his life, his love, and he has filled you to overflowing. Let’s go to those in need and let that love flow in Jesus’ name.

God’s grace and peace to you this day.

Pastor Annemarie

Photo by Kate Remmer on Upsplash