From the General Presbyter

“Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But Jesus told (the disciples), “You give them something to eat.”  – Mark 6:37

Like many of you, I am watching the news, the endless feed about the government shutdown, impacting many who may not be able to pay their mortgages on the first of the month. I am hearing about the possible impact on SNAP, a food assistance program for seniors, children and others living with food insecurity that may not be available after November 1. Who can ignore hurricane Melissa that is wreaking havoc and destruction on Jamaica and Cuba, parts of the Caribbean and Bermuda. Even still, many families of immigrants are afraid to go out, lest they get arrested by ICE.

Simply put, now is the time for the church to step up. I don’t care who you voted for, because in this moment people need help. Regardless of who is to blame, on November 1, unless something changes, many will be without food. When leaders care more about building ballrooms and playing chicken, the church needs to show up.

There is not much we can do to prevent a natural disaster once it is in motion, but we can visit the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance website and follow their instructions. On the domestic front, we vote, we march, we protest, but until election time, we get together as followers of Jesus and “give them something to eat.”

So what’s the plan?

= Jackie