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Hello St. John’s Family,
I want to begin this note with a heartfelt thank you, from myself and all the staff for the many warm greetings, cards, and the very generous gift you shared with us this Christmas season. The love and warmth you share throughout the year is wonderful; your desire to share blessings with others as a response to God’s generous gift of Christ Jesus is truly remarkable. So many others experience the light and love of Christ through your generosity, including the staff! Thank you for your heart for God, and your generous responses to God’s gift to us.
For many years, we have shared in a wonderful partnership with the Eastwick UMC Food Bank and Mission House, supporting their mission to share the love of Christ with the Southwest Philadelphia region by addressing the tangible needs of local residents. The energy, vision, and love of Annette Rose-Glover and her staff at the Mission House has inspired us, providing a powerful example of living out Christ’s call to care for those in need. In late 2023, we received word that, due to situations beyond their control, the Food Bank and Mission House needed to close at the end of December following the Christmas distribution.
Naturally, this result is extremely difficult for the ~1250 people served on a weekly basis, and for the faithful workers who gave so much to this crucial ministry. Hearing this news burdens our hearts, as we know many vulnerable residents will need to find other resources for assistance. We will also miss the partnership and connection with fellow Christians seeking to serve God – something that Annette also noted in her letter (a copy of Annette’s letter is posted on the Missions bulletin board in the narthex). Please keep the vulnerable residents of the Eastwick community, and Annette and the workers at the Eastwick Mission House and congregation in prayer as they process – and grieve – the conclusion of this ministry.
As I read Annette’s letter, something else struck me. Yes, the ending of this ministry is difficult. Still, the concluding thoughts of the staff are thoughts of blessing and thanksgiving. They have been blessed in their tireless efforts to serve those struggling for 30+ years. They are thankful for the opportunity to extend the light and love of Christ to those who needed it most… even when that was difficult. They have been blessed by you – the St. John’s Family (mentioned by name!) – for your steadfast commitment and support of their efforts along the way. The thankfulness and blessing they expressed moved me, reminding me that God never fails to bring forth blessing through faithful efforts to serve Christ. Remember that – every sacrifice made, every gift given, every last food item donated will be transformed into a blessing when it is offered for Christ.
This Sunday in our worship services we’ll hear a summary of the many mission efforts you have faithfully supported over the past year. I pray this update from the Missions Committee will uplift your hearts and encourage you to continue to faithfully support God’s work here! During the message, we’ll continue to reflect on Christ’s calling by exploring how our calling is to be lived out with humility, grace, and love. We’ll examine a passage where the Apostle Paul responds to questions about food regulations (of all things!), and see how responding to Christ’s call can require sacrifices on our part, such that others can more clearly see and experience the goodness of God. I hope you’ll check out 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and Mark 1:14-22, then join us in worship on Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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