Friends and Kinsfolk
November 17, 2020
Lydia Mulkey


A friend loves at all times,
and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.
Proverbs 17:17

I had some trinkets as a child that said “A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17.” Who knew there was a second half to that verse -- “and kinsfolk are born to share adversity”? What a valuable verse during a pandemic. This time certainly must be what the proverbs mean when they say “all times.” We are certainly in a time of adversity.

During this time, I have noticed First United Church of Oak Park being the kind of friends and kinsfolk mentioned here. To name a very few things, I have seen you:

  • Donate generously to Beyond Hunger to feed our hungry neighbors.
  • Call one another to check in on folks who are living alone or experiencing grief.
  • Drop off bread and other homemade goodies on someone else’s doorstep.
  • Spend extra time checking in during Zoom meetings to make sure everyone is ok.
  • Offer your gratitude and support to those who are working in our various ministries.

There are too many examples of your friendship and kinship on display during these adverse times for me to name, but know that I see you. We are so blessed to have the community of First United Church of Oak Park.