It started as an idea ... one of the members of the congregation wanted to do something to provide food and fellowship to some of the families in our midst who are marginalized and in need ... he wanted to provide a meal, a concert of 'good ole gospel music', raise some money, and provide a time and place of fellowship for folks in town to come together and just enjoy being together ...
It started as an idea ... then came a date ... and a plan ... and a few phone calls and some announcements were made in church ... and the idea grew ...
Musicians were lined up ... donations of food were arranged ... volunteers were lined up ... and plans began to turn the idea into an actual evening of food, fun, fellowship and music ...
Tonight over 270 meals of turkey with ALL the fixings, were served and enjoyed ... and close to 100 people gathered on a beautiful autumn evening to sing and to listen to community musicians sharing their passions and their talents ... and along the way some much needed money was raised for the local food bank AND for the Community Christmas Hamper initiative.
And it ALL started with an idea ... and tonight it ended with hugs, laughter, and the heartfelt desire to 'do this again sometime soon!"
Moments like this are the very heartbeat of a community ... the gathering of friends and neighbours around the proverbial kitchen table to visit and share the bounty of the fields that surround us ... the gathering of friends and neighbours singing and sharing stories and memories ... the gathering of friends and neighbours together sharing their times, talent and treasures to help each other, and to help our community ...
Tonight I remembered what small town ministry is supposed to be ... and I heard the heartbeat of a community that has been through much, but that continues to share its story, its care and its compassion as it lives its faith ...
Tonight started with an idea ... and it ended with a song !!!
Tonight, ALL I can offer is: Thanks be to God !!!
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