Thursday, November 18, 2010
Chapters 18 -25
I have enjoyed reading this book. There were many instances when I laughed at her directness. I am in awe of both her dedication to and the scope of the food pantries she developed. She fed the body and the spirit. However, as the book progressed, I wanted to see her broaden her interpretation of communion. Initially she made a wonderful connection between the communion meal and reaching out to feed those in need physically and spiritually. Though,with the exception of her description of administering communion to her dying friend, I didn't get the sense that I shared the same understanding of communion. Communion as the representation of Christ's suffering and death for our salvation.
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I know what you mean. I was surprised at her reaction when she wanted to schedule the second food bank on Sundays and was upset when people at the church didn't see it her way. She believed the church was about the food bank but didn't see that the church ministers to many needs and that those needs also need to be met.
I did think it was admirable of her to take the initial large donation the church received and started food banks throughout the community. She seemed surprised that those food banks didn't diminish the need at her church. I think people enjoyed the overall experience and closeness to God they felt when they went to her food bank.
As I read this part, all I could think was, what would the reaction be at Trinity?
I'm pretty sure people wouldn't be happy with Sunday. I thought it would have been easier if she would have done it Saturday myself. And recognizing concerts and other Sunday activities, you can see their point.
Based on her descriptions, the atmosphere she created must have been very comforting and supportive to the people she touched. It would be a place anyone would be drawn to.
Yes, the plans for the Sunday Food Bank was the point at which I thought she became a bit obsessive. This is where I began to question her interpretation of communion
I think toward the end of the book, she talks about fighting with the people she was supposed to be communing with and she recognized why there are problems in church. Try as we might, we're not Christ-like, we're human, and we often want things our own way. I could see both sides of the argument over expanding the food bank to Sunday. She was mad they wanted peaceful services, music or art, and forgot that feeding people isn't the ONLY mission of the church.
It was telling that when a psychotic woman walked in when she was praying, she told her she'd have to wait because she was praying. It reminded her that we have to work with people we like and don't like in the church.
I felt sorry for Martha and her daughter because they weren't involved as much in the church. I think they began to view the church as something taking Sara away from their family. That must have been difficult for all of them, being torn like that.
I did really enjoy her descriptions of cooking with Paul. It was like watching the Food Network
I agree, her family paid a heavy price. It is a shame Martha and Katie were not really involved in such a major aspect of Sara's life
Sara seemed to delight in not observing the the conventional norms of society and thought ritualizing religion undermined its impact and significance to individuals. I thought, however, she created a warm, inviting place and nourishing food for ALL elements of society and wasn't afraid to work hard and get her hands dirty. In this she followed Jesus example and is an example for all Christians.
When I read this book I kept thinking two things: How would she go over at Trinity? And where else but in San Francisco?
That is one of the reasons I enjoyed the book. It was like reading a Food Network book along with a story about faith. And cooking and feeding people is a way of caring for them, so I understood why she felt such a strong connection to God through doing this service. I guess if you're not thoroughly dedicated to a mission like this, it's hard to keep it going. Not sure if I have that much focus.
The connection that develops with the lawyer, Derek is an example of the power of her Food Bank.
I think it would be hard at Trinity because we aren't located in a city with such diversity and poverty. People could easily walk to the food bank at Sara's church. It would be hard for the people in Harrisburg who are probably the most needy, to travel to Trinity. A food bank like this would probably work best at the Lutheran church that has the medical program. (I've forgotten the name of the church.)
Wasn't that terrific when Derick found ways to funnel so much money to the food bank? And he was looking for something in his faith as well.
I believe there is a food bank associated with Messiah Lutheran on Forster St.
It was very powerful the way Sara helped him find his way back to the church. It is amazing the number of lives she touched through her work.
What did you take away from this book?
To answer my own question, I think Trinity's groups do reach out to the community and world either through physical service or through monetary offering. However, there is a lot more we could do. Trinity members also have an eumenical approach but feel the need for an intelligent understanding of the Scriptures and a solid theological basis for our belief and actions.
Has anyone heard any thoughts about the use for the property we have recently purchased? I keep thinking that something for younger members of our community would be in order - like something to do after school. Perhaps athletic facilities.
Through my involvement in Trinity's social ministry programs over the years, I have to say that the times I had the opportunity to be directly involved with people were the most meaningful.
Thank you for participating this evening.
Kim, in answer to your question about how I liked this book. I enjoyed it and thought a lot of her thinking was right on. But I think her take on the meaning and significance of communion was not in keeping with mine.
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