Connections Link Stories of EveryBody Fed
Stories of EveryBody Fed
As we talk about different kinds of Everybody Fed, we find that the lines between stories of spiritual, physical, intellectual, and emotional feeding are often blurred. Pacific Northwest United Methodist Extension Minister Rev. Johann Neethling, the director of Pastoral Care at Providence Marianwood in Issaquah, Washington, tells us his story of Everybody Fed:
Greetings,
The Mission Council at Providence Marianwood has the assignment of helping to integrate the Mission of Providence - "to reveal God's love to all, especially the poor and vulnerable" into every facet of our ministry - from nursing and the various therapies, to dietary, laundry, housekeeping, and maintenance. Reaching out with compassion to the "poor and vulnerable" has been at the heart of the ministry of the Sisters of Providence from the very beginning.
When Emilie Gamelin was just 18, her brother was widowed and she went to help him without any thought of remuneration, but with one condition, that they set up a table in his home that would always be available for the hungry people who came to the door. She lovingly called it "The Table of the King". This tradition has subsequently been continued in many Providence ministries.
A few weeks prior to Lent 2010 the Providence Marianwood Mission Council discussed options to make the season a practical one of "learning by doing" and the opportunity of demonstrating compassion right on our doorstep was a natural choice.
We set up a large table in our main Activity Room and decorated it with a purple tablecloth, made a throne out of one of our chairs, placing on it a scepter and crown. A large banner identifying the table as "The Table of the King" was hung on the front.
Providence Marianwood employees and residents were encouraged to use this season of Lent as a time to deepen their devotion to God through reaching out in love to His poor and vulnerable right on our own doorstep. Each week as food and other needed items were placed on the table we weighed the goods and kept a running tally of the total poundage given. Different employees got to participate each week in delivering the goods to Tent City 4, being taken on a tour of the camp and introduction to the residents. It was an eye- and heart-opening experience for each one that resulted in some very moving and inspiring sharing among the staff as experiences of the visit were shared with others. The reality of the economic downturn and very real hardship that has resulted for many ordinary people was brought home to each participant, coupled with a greater appreciation and thankfulness for having a job.
Between February 26 and March 30 our employees collected and delivered just under 1,000 lbs of goods to Tent City. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to reveal the love of God.
Thank you for the opportunity to tell our story. God bless you in your ministry.
Johann
Stay tuned for more Stories of EveryBody Fed! Got a story? Email everybodyfed@pnwumc.org!
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