As the chair of Good Shepherd's Social Concerns committee, I have seen God in many aspects of our efforts over the past year or so, both in big and small ways. Here are a handful of examples:

I saw God in the decision by our youth confirmands about a year ago to engage with the Clare Project, a ministry for some of the most marginalized people in our region – the unsheltered in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Our confirmands set an ambitious goal of gathering materials for 400 sock-rollup care kits to support the street outreach ministry, a goal which our congregation rose to meet. I also saw God in the coming together of many of our parishioners to joyfully pitch in to put together the kits: writing thoughtful notes, gathering the “filling” items, and rolling up the sock kits.

God has been visible in the growth of our mutual aid ministry for the sick and homebound this year. In response to identified needs, we have slowly but proactively been building a structure to respond as new needs arise. The dedicated team of people providing meals for this ministry have been a reflection of God for me. As has been the loving reaction of those we have provided meals for.

And I have seen God in the work with our Family Promise ministry partner. Twice this year we have helped to provide meals to the homeless families Family Promise provides emergency shelter and support services for. Again I saw God in the caring preparation of dishes for these meals, but also the fellowship as the meals were served and everyone sat together enjoying a meal, and most especially in the abounding joy of one tiny young girl as she helped get a dish ready to serve and interacted with everyone around the table.

If you want to feel the presence of God, join in service to our neighbors. Come and see.

Jason Crockett
Rector’s Warden