Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!
For the second year in a row, we’re participating with ecumenical partners in the community to collect food for the student food pantry of our ministry partners in United Campus Ministries (UCM). It is a wonderful opportunity to give generously and with joy at a time when need is great.
I’ve shared the story many times of the experience last year, when seven churches collected over two thousand pounds of food — a literal ton — and restocked the shelves to overflowing with incredible abundance. The nets were full-to-bursting, my friends. And then, too, the tears of joy, the testimony that Dawn Black, UCM’s campus minister offered of this generous giving — how bare the shelves were and suddenly, we gave them more food than they had collected all of last year. She was left nearly speechless.
I want to name something else that is a joy to me in this effort. These are historic connections we are tapping into here, from a time of renewed hope and joyous collaboration. From a time we often call “the ecumenical movement.” Partnerships across denominational lines were formed for the first time ever. Churches worked together as if we have a common mission (we do). Again, for the first time.
This stuff might seem normal, but it still isn’t habitual to us. And a season of regression (over decades) sent us naval-gazing again. But we joined with others to found UCM and we give to the work they do on our campuses to serve the church’s most underserved demographic. And I hope that, in giving and sharing and gently competing, we are actually rediscovering our purpose is to serve Christ, not grow (or save) our denomination.
With love,
Drew