Yesterday, I, along with some members of our congregation, provided a home-cooked meal for the local Interfaith Family Shelter. What’s cooking? Well, we are planned a full menu of baked ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, baked beans, rolls, cookies and drinks. Yum! 

The churches of this county each pick a day of the month to provide the evening meal for the shelter. Our church has picked the 29^th of each month which is interesting in that yesterday was the 29^th of February-this February meal is prepared only once in every 4 years. So for most years, we have to cook for 11 months, while this year, it is a full schedule. 

This ministry has several benefits not only to those who receive the meal, but also to those who prepare and serve the meal. The residents receive a hearty warm meal served in a communal dining room. They have an opportunity to share fellowship with each other while not having to prepare the meal. They are able to keep any remaining food for snacks later on in the evening or the next day.  

Since this shelter is a faith-based organization, the meal begins with a grace led by the residents or the staff thanking God for all He has given them. In addition, the residents experience unconditional acceptance by folks from a world that is not always as kind to them.  

For the cooks, we have the chance to share our abundance with those who are in a different life situation at this particular time. It is an opportunity to help a neighbor who we have just met. It is a time to enjoy playing with treasured children. It is the moment to open our hearts and demonstrate the unconditional love of God to those in need.  

I like to remind myself of the special grace that I heard offered in November 2019. A young boy jumped up to lead the prayer. Here’s a summary of what he said all those years ago:  

He came to the front of the room and opened a lined sheet of notebook paper on which he had written his grace. A full page! He started by thanking God and praising His name. He thanked God for the food he was about to receive. He asked God to provide a home for each of the families living at the shelter. He thanked God for the safe shelter that he had currently. He thanked the providers of the food for their generosity and service.  

Dear Lord, Father of us all, Creator Blest, thank you for your unconditional love that sustains us in everything. Grant me a heart of love and gratitude. Help me to recognize all the blessings in my life through the intercession of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Terri