Streams of Mercy
The current edition of Presbyterians Today tells of a mission/service project sponsored by the Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Ky. My brother attended Maxwell Street Presbyterian during his years in the UK College of Dentistry. He often spoke of the church’s involvement in the community.
“On Thursday evenings all throughout the year, there’s a dinner at Maxwell Street for “those experiencing homelessness and financial instability”. Anywhere from 30-130 people attend Maxwell Street’s Thursday might meals, but the event is about more than just food – it’s about building relationships. Listening to those who come from week to week, and getting to know them, they recognized all were big Wildcat fans! “That’s kind of a requirement in Lexington,” it was said!
The weekly volunteers wanted to do something beyond the Thursday dinner that would bring “a little extra joy” into the lives of those who were coming. They came up with “A Slam Dunk of a Service Idea” - and the annual “Souper Saturday” event became reality.
“When the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team lost its showdown a few months ago at the University of Tennessee, it didn’t dampen the warmth of the spirits of those watching the game on a big projector screen at Maxwell Street Presbyterian which sits next to the University of Kentucky (UK) campus in Lexington.” Those “experiencing homelessness and financial instability” were welcomed by university students and church volunteers who served them a meal and plenty of snacks and desserts during the broadcast of the game that followed. A handful of UK cheerleaders came to join in the fun!
A few weeks ago, I attended a meeting of local pastors, gathered to discuss needs in our “neighborhood” in this part of our county. I noticed many around the table spoke of “homelessness” – not “the homeless”. I noticed the article I read speaks of “financial instability” – not “the poor.” I believe that helps a great deal in communicating the truth that these are circumstances of life to be dealt with, not words that define those experiencing those circumstances. These are helpful new thoughts to me. We agreed to gather again very soon to talk further about ways to work together to address such circumstances, to share with each other the resources available, and to bring hope to folks in our “neighborhood.” Perhaps we can come up with a “slam dunk of a service idea” of our very own!
Giving thanks for mission/service opportunities that put our faith into action, build relationships, and share the love of God with all of God’s children……and for those streams of mercy, carrying all of us toward a new and better day.
Elizabeth