A Wedding Banquet of Generosity

I love weddings. I think it’s probably because I see so much love and commitment. Sure, there are nerves and emotions, but that’s all part of it. When two people say “I do” to each other, promising a life together where there is faith and commitment to making this relationship work, it’s beautiful and powerful. I think that’s why I love weddings so much.

When Alex Lowe and Lindsay Graham married on Friday, July 23 it was a beautiful day. There was abundant sunshine, the gift of family and friends surrounding the bride and groom; God’s love was clearly present. As so often happens on the day of the wedding, there is food for the bridal party—sustenance to keep folks going strong for the ceremony and the celebration following. This was the case on this day. The families had ordered delicious sandwiches, fixings and sides. It was a feast before the ceremony. After everyone had been fed, the family decided this food should go to a good cause and not be wasted.

The family asked if the food could be donated to Barnabas Community as part of the meal ministry. The meal ministers at Barnabas said, “YES!” The next day on Saturday, the wedding food was added to other scrumptious foods, placed in ‘to-go’ containers and distributed to the guests and friends of Barnabas Community.

As this story of generosity unfolded, it reminded me of the teaching from Luke 14:12-14. In this scripture Jesus talks about when we throw a banquet, we are called to invite the poor and those who are vulnerable in the world. We are to share and be generous with those who ‘cannot repay you.’ It brings God great delight when we share our resources with others. Thanks Lindsay and Alex and their families for sharing with Barnabas Community!

Written by Pastor Rhonda Bostrom

Learn more about Barnabas Community:

Website: barnabascommunity.org

Facebook: facebook.com/barnabascmtylnk

Instagram: @barnabascmtylnk