My husband Ian wrote a lovely post on some happenings at
church a few years ago. Here is a re post of his note here...
I was greatly encouraged by my son, Nigel, yesterday. We
were selling snow-cones and cookies outside of our church, raising money for
camp scholarships. A man who was obviously mentally ill approached our booth,
asking if we were giving away food. I told him that we had enough to share and
wrapped him up a plate of cookies. My son then invited him to the fellowship
breakfast that our church holds every month between services. Now I don't know
if the man will remember to come back in three weeks, but it was amazing to
hear Nigel respond so readily to someone's need. I know that I never reacted
with such confidence and grace around the mentally ill when I was his age (12).
A half-hour earlier, the worship team at our church led us
in the song "All Are Welcome" during communion:
All are welcome, friend and stranger
at the banquet of the Savior
All are welcome, all are welcome here
From the woman who comes crying
leaving tears at Jesus feet
To the man who knows the right way
but cannot see (Chorus)
From the ones who feel forgotten
those who sense their place is gone
To the ones who live in hunger,
here you belong (Chorus)
Go into the streets and cities
to the farms and families
Tell about the splendid table
God's mercy (Chorus)
Nigel sang and played the song, but more importantly he
believed and lived out the song a few minutes later. What a church it would be
if we all connected our worship and actions so naturally!
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