And so Ron made the first connection by introducing himself and offering to do whatever they wanted him to do. The group of church ladies that has taken this on was delighted to show him the ropes. The dinner is small, serving thirty to forty people, and there’s no kitchen in their current building so everything is pre-made and kept warm in roasters. And while it can get crowded in the small space they have allotted, they unapologetically to do what they are called to do.
The first time I went with him, I felt like I was kind of in the way, but they put me to work as well. I sat behind a little table and I was the official “counter.” Every time someone new came into the room, I had to make a little mark on the paper—that’s it, but I sensed that it was a big responsibility. Of course, while I was doing that, Ron was schmoozing with the church ladies and the dinner guests—one of his many spiritual gifts.
We’ve also attended the worship services on Sunday morning that are held in their rented office building. I’m amazed at how they’ve adapted a small room with low ceilings to accommodate their praise band. Generous cups of coffee and baked treats are served in a narrow little hallway just before the service. Everyone knows each other in this small congregation and we were immediately drawn into the group.
Since my tasks at the dinner have been minimal, I’ve enjoyed many conversations with the other helpers, including Pastor Gary. I’ve heard about his postponed retirement goal, I’ve heard about major health struggles and miracles within his family; we also had great discussions on the similarities and differences in our religious denominations. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the solid little group of church ladies that we’re all familiar with who run the show, and have earned the almost fearful respect of the pastor.
But what moved me the most was the strong desire of everyone in that church to have an impact on their community. Free dinner isn’t the only thing offered here; there’s a clothing closet and a food pantry; people are also encouraged to attend “Celebrate Recovery” which ministers to those with “hurts, habits and hang-ups.” Each Saturday morning there is a massive bread give-away. (Apparently when they say “bread,” they mean cakes, pastries, and sometimes other groceries as well. I wouldn’t know—I don’t get up that early.) They’ve been looking for a new building, but staying within their neighborhood is very important to them because of whom they serve.
As Ron and I left the dinner last Monday I was feeling rather emotional about my experience. Ron had just prepared the meal of ham, cheesy hash-browns and beans, but somehow I was thinking that the gift he/we had given and received was not about a meal; it was about so much more. I believe that when followers of Jesus connect with each other, and we serve Him together, we breathe new life into each other as well. We’re not alone in this!
We have so much in common as individuals and as congregations. Many of us struggle with inadequate facilities, over-worked pastors, struggling budgets and unique personalities. It’s okay. Sometimes we do the right things in inadequate ways and we easily lose our focus—but then God sends someone to remind us why we’re here.
It’s hard for me to adjust to new places sometime because I need to connect with others. Other circumstances may have led us to attend a large church when we’re away from home, just out of habit or obligation. But because of Ron’s desire to serve, here’s where we ended up. I love this little church in Florida—they’re my people now—we’re friends and co-workers and I’m going to miss them when I leave. But I know that wherever I go I’ll be able to find more people like them because followers of Jesus are hard to miss.
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