Natalie Emptage Downs
At my previous church, our mission pastor started up a worship service called God and Grub that met once a week during lunchtime. This new ministry came from a call to intentionally invite and welcome those who were housing insecure to the church to join in worship and a meal together. The community became a staple within our worshiping community, and frequent church attendees and longtime members who were able to attend during the day joined in fellowship. Every week, scripture was read, a message was preached, people asked questions, and talked about God's presence in their lives. Prayers concerned were shared and lifted up and the Lord’s supper was distributed. This community became a place of belonging where all were called and known as children of God, and the imago Dei was realized in fellowship and conversation with one another. Soon after, God and Grub’s mission and community expanded. During the winter months, we provided daytime and overnight warming times at the church. People volunteered their time visiting and playing games with guests during the overnight stays, and some prepared the meals and snacks. God was carving a new way for many who felt it was the end of the road. Lives were changed through community, hope and healing were taking root through connection, all rooted in the presence of Christ.
The journey of faith is not meant to be a solo endeavor. It is to be traveled as a community with Jesus Christ at the center. The author of Hebrews reminds us that fellowship with Christ is gathering together frequently, encouraging one another daily, and living our lives in service for the neighbor inside and outside the church. We pay attention to the Spirit’s prompting to those who are in need. We offer our prayers, words of affirmation, and presence to encourage all in this walk. All of this, we do with confidence, knowing what Christ has done for us, and live in the freedom of that salvation daily. God and Grub was a ministry that took a step of faith, answering God’s call and the need that was present in the community. And with that small step, new possibilities emerged, hope sprang up, and lives were changed by the power of the Holy Spirit in the presence of word, meal, and fellowship with one another.
Let us pray:
O God, we give you thanks for your Son, Jesus Christ, who came in human form to show us how to live with one another. Open our eyes to see those in need. Open our ears to hear the cries in the pews and the streets. Open our hearts to know how we may serve and accompany others. By your Holy Spirit, wrap us in the bonds of unity, and help us to foster communities that encourage one another and share the good news of your love and grace through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
