Friday, March 9, found six of the Chapel Hill UMC family serving those within another family, at The Stew Pot at The Bridge. Archie and Iris Shivar, Pat Moore, Margaret Young, Jose Ramirez and Ruth Medcalf had said “Yes, I can do this.”
I want to share what the afternoon was like for some of us. As me, going to serve at The Stew Pot for the first time was a step outside of what might be called my usual comfort zone; something I had never done before and did not know very much about. I did know that God wanted me to do this, something that I been needing and wanting to do. Ruth and Archie had served before and I wanted to serve with them. I’m ever so glad that I went, especially with my Chapel Hill family. Now I know that serving at The Stew Pot is something that I can do! When I saw faces that were so young I thought “but they’re so young”, I thought of my former students and wondered how they’re doing now. When I saw the aged faces I thought of my own father and thanked God for taking care of him. I told myself that each person is a child of God and thanked Him for taking care of that person.
Margaret Young shared with me so I could share with you, “I have served before and I do it because it is a real need. In my early marriage years, Carl and I had to have assistance for a short time so I know what it was like to be helped so we could get back on our feet. Many of these people need help just for survival and if we can help even a little bit we are following the message discipleship.”
Pat Moore told me,”This was the second time for me. I had been in the Summer and served dinner. It’s very interesting to watch the faces of the people as they go thru the line. Some show despair, some relief to be out of the elements, others thanks for the meal and for the volunteers who help serve. I guess that sums up why I like doing this; the simple things that change a person’s day.”
Ruth Medcalf said, “Mom, serving at The Bridge makes me appreciate what I have. I poured the water both times that I have gone to The Bridge, by doing that I interact more with the homeless. Some of them thanked me for being there and serving them and one man said that I had a good smile and looked happy. That made me feel appreciated. I am glad that I took time out of my day to go and serve others who are less fortunate than me.”
When you see Archie and Jose ask them about the time they served at The Stew Pot. Chapel Hill UMC will have an opportunity to serve again at The Stew Pot during dinner June 1 and July 6. Till then, to learn more visit www.thestewpot.org/meal.asp. While I was writing this I had to stop and read Matthew 25: 33–46 and Romans 8: 28
~Iris Shivar for our Outreach Team
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