I’m a volunteer at New Beginnings. Before the pandemic I would go to the prison on Friday evenings for church — plus I would often volunteer for large events during the year like when they would celebrate Easter or Thanksgiving in the gym. One time I remember in particular, we had a full gym and sat eating popcorn and watched a movie about Martin Luther. New Beginnings is my favorite ministry.
I act as usher and help out with church the best I can. The ladies really appreciated the time when we had to sing "Wade in the Water" during a few of the Friday services — it’s a wonderful spiritual. Fortunately I knew how to sing it. I had grown up checking out folk records from the library and have appreciated spirituals since. I had also heard it sung at church — as the hymn is found the Lutheran Book of Worship.
That first day we sung the hymn everybody was surprised because I delivered it in a deep and moving voice. Generally I’m a pretty mild-mannered guy. I’m glad everybody likes that song because I really enjoy singing it, too.
Something I liked about Friday services is that they were meaningful to all who attend — even to those who attend only to be with friends. It’s great to see the congregation of New Beginnings put together their own church and really put their heart into it. The preaching is delightful and I like how pastors from different churches in the Synod come there to preach. Plus I like how volunteers will perform music for the service and how the ladies there have a band as well.
The gospel reading from John shows Jesus reconnecting with the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. One of the disciples put his clothes on and jumped into the sea and swam to Jesus. I think he wanted to be ready for Jesus and thus prepared himself to be with him. Some may interpret his behavior as a little bizarre, but I see it as readiness and confidence to do what needs to be done. He wasn’t going to be intimidated by a little cold water between him and Jesus nor was he going to sit safely and wait until he drifted nearer because he didn’t want his clothes to get wet.
There on the beach, they cooked fish over a charcoal fire and ate bread with Jesus. Then Jesus interviews the disciples and forms the church. The ladies at New Beginnings are that church and show the courage, readiness, and zest like the disciples did for Jesus. I’m glad that I jumped in with them as well to be part of this wonderful ministry.
~ Greg
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