November 18, 2009

Hello everyone.

Do you ever get that feeling that other people are talking about you?  I’m not talking about it in a paranoid, defenceless, hurtful, lashen hora (gossipy) way. On the contrary, it’s more to do with knowing that someone else has our best interests and praises in mind.

Last week, Fran Roberts from James Street Baptist wrote:  We do a prayer email every weekday, with concerns and praise items in our midst - we have a wonderful core of faithful prayer warriors who pray for these specific needs.  I am sending a copy of this morning's to you, as we are praying for your group at work in the kitchen today!  May you be blessed knowing that fervent prayers are with you all.   Fran  

"The entire law is summed up in a single command:  'Love your neighbour as yourself'."  
Pray for Cindy Richter, the co-ordinator of Tuesday's Out of the Cold programme, as she and her volunteers have just started their 12th year of caring for those in need in the downtown core.
Pray for everyone involved in this 5-month effort, every year, to care for the hungry and homeless in the downtown core;  Praise God for their hearts of service and their difficult decision to stop providing overnight stays
Praise God that everyone involved in helping our fellow citizens are anxious and willing to find the appropriate solution for everyone involved!
Love, in Christ, Fran 


I had no idea!  Does G-d hear our prayers? “I do not know,” writes Rabbi Brickner. “No one does.  Perhaps the real question ought to be, “Do we hear our prayers, and do they make a difference in our behaviour?  Prayer may not be able to mend a broken bone or cure cancer, but it can soothe a broken heart and change a life. G-d does not need our prayers. We do.”  We couldn’t be luckier to have such thoughtful hosts as JSB speaking about us among their worshippers and G-d.
Another case in point:  Bev, Andrew’s new replacement from Housing Help Centre, told me last night that as she has been introducing herself to clients seeking her help with landlord, housing, and eviction concerns, she is being told that “Tuesdays at JSB is a meal you do not want to miss.”  I like to think that it is not just for the food. The experience must include the kindness of our volunteers, appreciation for a safe environment, and warmth.  There were certainly many new faces joining us this week, so keep up the good work making them feel welcome.

Let’s all try to talk about someone else in the most favourable of terms. It may just get back to them and be a pleasant surprise and affirmation of their hard work and character.

See you next week, going Italian!

Cindy

Yikes! The meal yesterday was a delicious curried butternut squash and apple soup, chicken with a pineapple sauce over rice, green beans and Caesar salad, and fruit.  One hundred and eight very hungry guests made it all disappear!