By Betty Hertz, St. John Lay Leader
"The mission of St. John is to grow disciples of Jesus Christ …"
We say it every Sunday, but what does it mean? Aren't disciples those 12 that Jesus chose? You know those who answered Jesus' call to "Follow me?" I used to think I wasn't holy enough to be a disciple; I was just an everyday person. But then I realized Jesus called everyday people to serve Him, and He continues to call me and you.
I saw you serving as Jesus' disciples on Donation Sunday through:
your generous donations of snack items and winter clothing for our unhoused sisters and brothers filling Rooms 120 and 121;
your loving hands (young and old) assembling over 400 snack bags;
your financial donations making purchases of hand warmers, underwear, emergency blankets, and much more possible.
The idea of Donation Sunday came from some St. John members who went to the 3rd and Ingra encampment every Tuesday this summer. They handed out supplies during the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness pop-up event. This activity led to discussing our neighbors' needs with the St. John Mission and Outreach Committee. The committee agreed to make the first Sunday of every month Donation Sunday, giving everyone a chance to "love and serve our neighbors."
While Donation Sunday happens only once a month, you are welcome to bring items any time or donate to the Unhoused Neighbor Fund. Even if the elimination of encampments happens, the shelters will be full and need our support. Whatever you donate will be distributed to our neighbors.
A prayer written by Mother Teresa from UMH, p. 446:
Make us worthy, Lord,
To serve those throughout the world who live and die in poverty or hunger.
Give then, through our hands, this day their daily bread.
And by our understanding love,
Give peace and joy.
Amen.