This morning at All Saints' we celebrated the gifts of food; food for the soul in our worship, and food for the body in our action. At our service we heard from Alane Spinney, the chef for the City Meal Site. CMS serves about 200 homeless folks each Tuesday evening with a three-course sit-down hot and nutritious meal. Alane told us about the history of the Meal Site, how it has grown since moving to All Saints' Church last year, and how grateful the guests are for the service that is provided. It was Episcopal Charities Sunday. CMS is one of the agencies that receives support from Episcopal Charities.
Following our service, and in honor of Black History Month, members of the congregation provided lunch for all who could stay. The food was in the African culinary tradition and everyone appreciated the fellowship and all that was spread before them.
Then, as we have done each Sunday during February, sandwiches were made for delivery to Crossroads so their residents would have lunch. Sandwich making is rotated every month among several churches to provide lunch at Crossroads. Then, during the month of March, we have asked parishioners to bring in jars of peanut butter and jelly for distribution.
Food for the body is important, and so is food for the spiritual life of the community. On page 855 of the Book of Common Prayer it states, "The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.... The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love."
In feeding the hungry, working for justice and an end to oppression wherever and however it occurs, and by giving glory and thanks to God for the gifts we receive, all members of the church seek "to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ." We are very grateful for the work and ministry of all the faithful.
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