Talking Courage at The Supper

The young among us were a gift at our last Supper. Once the chili bowls were scraped clean, the youth headed outside to carve and the kiddos went to a covered indoor area where they were given markers instead of knives. :)

The older folks read together about Jesus contemplating what lay ahead as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, then watched this clip from the excellent movie Stranger Than Fiction. In the movie, Harold learns that not only is his life being narrated by a fiction author, but that author is about to kill him off. When he finally gets hold of the manuscript, he can't bear to read the end, so his professor friend, played by Dustin Hoffman, does, then gives Harold the bad news that Harold indeed must die.

Both Jesus and Harold (Will Farrell's character) are facing death and both are questioning whether there might be an easier way, a way out. Will they choose to courageously move forward and fulfill their part in the Story? We know what Jesus does, but I'll let you watch the movie if you haven't seen it yet (it's good!).

Around the table, folks shared, in English and Spanish, about what they are facing in life and where they would like to have more courage. We took time to encourage one another. In other words, we saught to give each other courage as we face life. And I can't speak for everyone, but I left enlivened, with new determination to move forward in the parts of my life where I sometimes get stopped by fear.

Where do you need courage in your life? Jesus has been there and he walks with us through it, into new life.

Serve one another in love

Community Table volunteers Barb and Nohemi shop.

A few months ago, the Cornelius UMC Community Table Food Pantry switched from a system where volunteers filled boxes for guests to a shopping-style pantry. Now, instead of receiving a pre-made box which may or may not contain food that they like, families can make their way around a well-stocked room, choosing items off the shelf at their own speed with guidance from a helper. Volunteers and guests have expressed appreciation for the change, saying that it’s great to have a more personal connection and to take home food that they know they’ll eat.

On our first attempt at shopping-style, we explained the system to all the volunteers and, as usual, helpers who needed food came back before the opening time to get it. Barb and Maria, two long-time volunteers (one an English-speaker, one a Spanish-speaker), paired up and began to roll a cart slowly around the room. They seemed to consider each selection carefully as one helped the other assemble her box, seeking to communicate in simple English and Spanish. Finally, Maria rolled the cart out and I asked her if I could help her get it in her car. She said, “It’s not mine. It’s Barb’s.” I turned to Barb, who said, “It’s Maria’s food.” Then it hit us--they both thought they were helping the other woman with her food!

Maria and Barb had a good laugh, then rolled the cart back in to re-stock the food and start again, practicing their English and Spanish along the way. As they did, I smiled and gave thanks for the spirit of service I had witnessed. Each came that day so ready to offer herself that she didn’t even realize that the other person was trying to serve her! May we always show up ready to serve and be open to the love offerings of those around us.

Galatians 5:13: Serve one another in love.