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.
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