Feed my Sheep
Following the resurrection, Jesus sees Simon Peter on the beach and asks him if he loves him and when Peter says he does, Jesus tells him to feed by sheep. Most often this is interpreted as caring for or even teaching others. But in these dark days of government shutdown and much needed resources being withheld from those vulnerable in our society, I feel we are especially called at this time to feed those around us. Most of us (but not all) have never known true hunger or food insecurity. The lack of SNAP resources will have a tremendously negative impact on those who are able generally able to access this program. Other bills will go unpaid. People will be hungry. We are called to feed others. As I was talking with my teenage daughter last week, there is enough of everything in the world - it is simply not distributed fairly.
Here are some ways to be involved where you are:
1. Join with area organizations who are already set up to help provide food in our community. Some examples in Louisville are (Thank you to all who helped me compile this incomplete list):
Dare to Care - Dare to Care | Together, We Can End Hunger | Home
Louisville FIN https://foodinneighborhoods.
FeedLouisville https://www.feedlouisville.
Change Today Change Tomorrow /Feed the West https://www.facebook.com/
Hip Hop Cares https://www.facebook.
Glean KY https://www.facebook.com/
Mutual Aid groups like the little free pantries https://m.facebook.com/
2. Join with Grace Immanuel UCC on Saturday, November 1st to prepare meals to deliver to people at St. John's Center. They are also collecting shelf-stable snacks and hand-warmers. We'll gather at GIUCC at 9am on Saturday.
3. Keep items in your car for when you see someone in need. It may be a bottle of water or granola bars or gift cards to fastfood restaurants or grocery stories. Have something tangible available to share with those around you.
4. Keep your eyes open as you are out and about running your errands. Is the person in front of you at the grocery store having to put items back? Can you afford to help with the cost? Pay it forward with acts of kindness wherever you may find yourself.
The righteous ones asked Jesus - when did we see you hungry and feed you? And Jesus responded, whatever you have done for those on the margins of society, you have done for me. There is enough for everyone. Especially when our government fails to support society, now is the time to put feet to faith.
Together on this journey!
Pastor Amy
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