Faith Lutheran Did Not Sleep

The Thanksgiving ingathering helped Kaljas Homes for displaced individuals.

by Jane Ford

KITCHENER, Ont. – Lives were greatly interrupted over the past eighteen months, togetherness was reduced, and within our church family, we longed to meet.

The Lord had not forgotten our needs and those of others. He reassured and nudged us onwards. Our spiritual lives remained intact as we turned to online worship, email, and telephone communications. Not as clear, though, was how to continue as a caring church, reaching out to others.

God had planned for that, too. He provided clarity and a desire to care for others during the lockdowns. It was not only about what we couldn’t do; rather, we balanced it with what we could do. We did not want to sleep for what turned out to be eighteen months.

“You shall love your neighbour as yourself…the hour has come for you to wake from sleep.”  – Romans 13:9b, 11

Online Worship services and Bible studies reached out to members and others. Someday in heaven, the full effect these efforts had on all viewers may be made known to us.

As part of our re-opening plan, we included AA groups that depend on our church to serve clients and families. As early as the government allowed, these groups resumed their meetings.

Supporting a local home for displaced people has been a long time favourite for us. When it was time for the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, we modified food items to match new restrictions.

Knapsacks filled with a LAMP devotion book and other things were sent to Little Grand Rapids in the latest shipment.

When the LAMP team was unable to return to a community in northern Manitoba, winter accessories and other reminders of love were mailed to these children in several shipments.

Devastation from two hurricanes and the pandemic in Nicaragua compelled us to fund two large food hampers for 60 church workers, translators, and drivers last December and again in January.

Monica House reaches out to women and their children in crisis.

An Advent ingathering helped a women’s shelter, Monica House, which reaches out to women and their children in crisis.

Our Ladies Guild blossomed with multiple projects for medical missions, seminarian support, and funding for a local hospice. Their Virtual Christmas Bazaar lifted our spirits.

Respect for farm workers has connected us to those who leave their homes for up to nine months to grow food for Canadians.

A friendship ministry at a local farm employing Jamaican workers created awareness and respect for seasonal workers. Two ingatherings resulted: one for sports equipment and games and crafts; the other for fall clothing.

Advent and Lenten offerings supported Lutheran charities, and we encouraged each other in private endeavours, too, the kind that the left hand does not know what the right hand does.

Thankfully, God gave us courage to continue His mission to others, and we became a bit too busy to sleep much!

Jane Ford, Stewardship Chair

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