DeacPost “Thanksgiving Service” Deaconess Barb Herzinger

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35
I got hooked because, after 30 years, Miss Mary was tired.
Miss Mary and her volunteers, a small group of African American women, provide for those who otherwise would not have a holiday meal. And now, I was asked to coordinate the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals on her behalf. So with my youth group, we found our way to Boulevard Gardens to add our help and share the best Thanksgiving meal ever.
I stood at the door to greet the guests.  As a doorkeeper, I got to say the first, “Welcome” to those who were hungry. But more than helping Miss Mary and her inspired friends, children and even grandchildren who served, I was introduced to a part of town that I normally don’t see. Here, in our own backyard, was great need and an amazing response!
It felt good to be part of that — providing for the immediate, physical needs of people.  It was also a reminder that we can make a difference in our communities, not just in faraway places.  We can enable justice and righteousness to flow and be a part of  God’s grace here — by service and love, given freely to our neighbors.
Prayer: Thank you, dear Lord, for bringing us together in mission.  Thank you for showing us places that could use our help.  Thank you for surprising us – when the ones we serve have so much to offer us.  Amen.
Deaconess Barbara Herzinger – Valparaiso, IN

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