FINDING GOD’S PEACE IN HELPING

someone else. She kept trying to be a good sport, but finally, two mornings later, on the train to her conference on healing, she began to whine at the man sitting beside her how infuriating her journey had been thus far. It turned out that this man worked for the Dalai Lama. And he said — gently — that they believe when a lot of things start going wrong all at once, it is to protect something big and lovely that is trying to get itself born — and this something needs for you to be distracted so that it can be born as perfectly as possible.”

Oh, God, make it so! May this time of trial that seems hell bent, like the wild fires out west, to wreak havoc and destroy everything in its path, be instead a tempering blaze, steeling our resolve to do the hard work of justice, no matter how much it disturbs our peace. Let us bear with each other and bear with the birthing pains of a more just, more perfect, union, where there is respect and love for the dignity of every human being. Let us, with God’s help, strive for justice and peace among all people.

Janice Robbins, Deacon

As I was driving up the mountain last week, I heard our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry speaking. I didn’t hear it all, but I did hear him say, “Love is not a sentiment, it is a commitment.” Whoa...now that is food for thought... (and action!). Loving our fellow humans is a manifestation of that commitment. Granted, it is made harder when we have such limited personal interaction with our community.

It is well known that people who help others feel happier and more optimistic than those who look and feel only for themselves. Love can start as a sentiment or feeling, but the feeling needs to morph into a commitment to actually do something. The difficulty in 2020 becomes showing our love outwardly for our fellow humans in ways that are safe for all.

At Good Shepherd now and throughout the year, we are collecting healthy snacks for approximately 40 Fairyland children whose families need food assistance. Sacks of snacks are sent home every Friday so children have healthy snacks over the weekend. Good Shepherd sends sacks every month during the school year.

Donations are being accumulated in the wagon in the narthex and can be brought any time. It is an ongoing collection. Snacks need to be healthy and individually wrapped. If we end up with excess snacks, they’ll be taken to to the school for further distribution. Healthy snacks are ALWAYs needed.

Our chairs are Wendy Taliaferro, Kara VanBrunt, and Ferne McDowell. If you feel so inspired and you’d like to send 40 already stuffed sacks (or any portion thereof!), please give Wendy, Kara, Ferne or me a heads up.

Also, If you should have any items (gently used clothing, sports clothing, winter clothing, canned goods, childcare items, cleaning products, etc.), please bring these to the narthex. They will be delivered to the appropriate agency for distribution.

Also scheduled for Good Shepherd is a work day on the Habitat for Humanity’s Faith House. All that is needed for participation is willingness. There is a limit to the number of people we may send – 6 people at a time. We may operate 2 or more shifts. Skill and experience is NOT needed – experienced workers are there to assist. 16-year-olds may participate, but may not be on ladders or the roof. Further information will be forthcoming along with signups sheets. At this time, the date is set for Saturday, November 7.

Good Shepard is also partnering with Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga to assist three families in need as they transition to self-sufficiency. Our role during the week of October 25 through 31 is to provide dinner each evening and breakfast options for a week. The three families have been staying full time at the Church of the Nazarene in Chattanooga since July. In October the families will utilize the Family Promise Day Center Program which includes case management and assistance to existing community supportive services. The families will return each evening in October to the Church of the Nazarene for lodging and meals. You can sign up to make a meal at http://bit.ly/FamilyPromiseOct2020 .

Sometimes too, we have to recognize that the best we can do in giving is to donate financially. Without a doubt, there is an abundance of organizations who would love to have some assistance. If you don’t have a special agency that you want to donate to, please contact me for ideas.

Loving your neighbor in the 2020 chaos takes more effort, but doesn’t lessen the need. In giving we are committing our love to our fellow humans.

• Provide meals for Family Promise - October 25-31.

Sign up at http://bit.ly/FamilyPromiseOct2020 • Work day for Habitat’s Faith House – November 7.

Email Janice@gslookout if you’re interested • Snack Packs for Fairyland – ongoing collection in wagon in the narthex. Please keep the wagon filled.