BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY

with UNITY!

While attending a committee meeting the other day at the city's Health Commissioner's Office I saw that I was listed on the agenda as "Violet Little-Hold Communion.". After I pointed out the typo, that it should say Holy and not Hold Communion, I added, "We're actually trying to give it away, not hold it!" Everyone laughed, and we went on with the meeting. On the way home, I began to reflect on that typo.

Because I am an analytical type, I wondered how the person who had typed the agenda might have experienced church, if at all. Really, it was not so unusual for a church to "hold" communion. I, myself grew up in a church that had many restrictions around who was allowed to receive the sacrament and under what circumstances. My father-in-law shared stories with me of growing up in the South and having communion "held" from him because he was African American and the communion table was segregated. Another family member was refused communion because she had been divorced. Maybe "Hold Communion" was not so accidental after all.

So what did Jesus say about all this? His words were simple, "Take and eat."

I like to think that the work we do at The Welcome Center is a continuation of that meal, not only in the lunches we serve, but also in the sharing of ourselves with one another making us one in Christ. We do this, in part, because Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion took its name seriously and did not "hold" communion but rather opened its doors, allowing us to serve over 2,500 lunches to hungry people since our January 17, opening.

In recognition of work done thus far, The Welcome Center has been chosen as one of three sites in the city to receive a one time grant from Philadelphia's "Breaking Bread" initiative.  This award of $10,300 includes $800 that we might buy a freezer to store the food we serve. We offer special thanks this month to Dainette Mintz, Director, Office of Supportive Housing and to her Assistant, Dave Zega for making this grant possible. Thank you, too, to each and every one of you, for your donations, prayers, food, and ongoing support. Together let us join in the feast!

Pastor Violet C. Little

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For my birthday I received an unusual present from the Food Bank spiritual leader Ms. Mae. On the box is printed, “Our Daily Bread Promise Box”. Inside there is a small plastic loaf of bread with a hole in the top; there are small cards in this hole with 240 of God’s many promises ex:

  “For everyone that asketh receiveth and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” – Matt. 7:8

The food bank of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion (volunteers and members) answers the knock of many families. Seniors with limited income, often caretakers of  incapacitated spouses or young grandchildren; single parents; disabled; and those living on the street or commuter stations with no income.

Emergency food is request by organizations and families, and those folks seeking receive.

The folks answering the call serve; not in a judgmental manner or criticize. As a matter of fact when jest is needed for server or servee, it is given especially on Ms. Mae’s end; she often stops the line with  wisdom or jokes. Often servers say; ‘Move on’-gently.

The August food bank mission was fun, and phone time between the second string and one who thought she is a small stone or nail of the building.

Well, the rocks and pebbles were fantastic. I enjoyed getting the calls; while being stuck during my stay at Temple .It’s nice to be needed. BUT, it’s also nice to KNOW you “ain’t” needed. Things rolled along smoothly. Everyone was at their “peak”.

Stats were:

            Household – 369

            Children – 33

            Adults – 222

            Elderly – 258

Total # of people – 513

Emergency bags – 184

The volunteers supposedly lead by my child; really showed her. God bless those knowledgeable volunteers. The Master and His Spiritual leader Ms. Mae allowed Cynthia, Joan, Vicki, Mike, Estry, Dannie, Nancy, Amelia, and Mr. White all his children, I love to continue your (LCHC) great service. The staple bag (usually 7 items); containing protein food, green vegetables, starch and fruit was one short according to Mike, had to be corrected next give out food day. Meat bag and goodie bag correct.

Tuesday cards given out by Vicki were signed correctly; and Cynthia and Nancy insured promptness of service or kept folks happy with suggestions of food usage. Joan keeps bags flowing and makes sure everyone gets goodie bags; and bread when it is here.

A. Joan Ricks