Loving requires “companioning”
Remember the story Jesus told in Luke 10? The Samaritan’s actions toward the injured man reflect a deep understanding of human need. The Samaritan put the stranger on his donkey while he walked beside it, as if he understood that the injured man needed to be treated as being of greater importance than the Samaritan’s’ own comfort. It was as if the Samaritan knew that the injured man, after the terrible experiences of being beaten, robbed, left for dead, and then ignored by other passersby, had not only a broken body but a broken spirit.
As we at St. Peter’s sought to follow Jesus’ instructions that we “go and do likewise,” we have come to recognize that we (collectively) must tend not only to the physical and practical human needs around us, but also to the needs of the human spirit. Here ae some of the ways we try to do just that:
- Lunch Bunch! Every Wednesday, beginning about 11:30, we gather to share a simple lunch (bring your own or share ours, your choice!). The number of people who come does not matter. Some days we are five; other days fifteen. By sharing our lunch and conversation, we are building bridges in the same manner Jesus did. We listen. We ask questions. We reflect on life and its wonders and mysteries. We experience Christian fellowship. Everyone is invited and everyone is welcome. Please join us when you can. (And don’t mention it to anyone but there’s a good chance we’ll end with ice cream!)
- Garden Hospitality! We tend a small but beautiful piece of land and hav made it a garden open to all. We stock a cooler with water every day and post signs inviting strangers to enjoy this sacred spot. Rest in our peaceful garden and find some release from the the anxieties of life and the world. Read a book in the shade of our cedars; reflect on the lives noted in our memorial garden; grab a free water from the cooler and listen to the sounds of nature. Let God restore your spirit.
- Church Tours Christians of every age stand on the shoulders of those of the past and we are enriched by their lives and their stories. The stories of many are captured in our little church! Check out the “Triptych”, a beautiful, folding, three-part work of art behind the altar, depicting moments in the life of St. Peter. Find the symbols of life in a fishing village and the images of flora and fauna of Long Beach Island hidden in our stained glass windows! See the beautiful carvings in the woodwork. These represent the faith, hope, and love of those who came before us. Enjoy this sacred space and be filled with its blessings.
- Burgers & Blessings (July 13th) Shore communities know that the great gift of life is fragile. The storms of nature, the mistakes of humans, and (yes) sometimes even human arrogance can put life at risk. Shore communities also know that they are blessed by the life guards who are willing to spend the summer in our midst trying to protect us from under-estimated dangers. Their work can be demanding and they self-less in their response to all. Burgers and Blessings is our effort to lift and to reassure their faithful spirits with our gratitude. We are always assisted in this ministry by our friends who worship at Zion Lutheran Church here in Barnegat Light. We are grateful!
- Blessing of the New School Year (August 10th, at the 10 a.m. Eucharist) – This is an annual event here at St. Peter’s and it never gets old! We celebrate new beginnings, blessing all students and those who will touch their lives over the coming year. Yes, there are many to remember: Teachers, administrators, bus drivers, lunchroom helpers, crossing guards, school office workers, other students, librarians, coaches… You get the picture! Join us as we bless all of these – in addition to blessing the backpacks and supplies collected and the students who will receive them! It is a day of hope and blessing!
- St. Mary’s Food Distribution Ministry – On the 4th Tuesday of each month, we join the community at St. Mary’s in Pleasantville, NJ, to assist with food distribution to those in need. Extra hands are always welcome!
- Support for local food pantries – We have seen a serious dwindling of the foods available for distribution in recent months, even as the number of individuals and families at risk of food insufficiency keep growing. We can help stock the shelves of local food pantries by receiving not perishable food items and delivering them to those pantries. Goods can be left in the designated baskets, either in the church or in the parish house. Your help will be a source of blessing.
- Backpack Ministry (Begins July 12th) – We are blessed each year as our community joins with summer visitors who want to help make sure that at least 4 dozen children in need receive backpacks filled with supplies before the start of the school year. Who doesn’t like school shopping??
- Blessing of the New School Year (August 10th) – In August, we are blessed as teachers, administrators, bus drivers, lunchroom helpers, students, and others join us for a special Sunday Eucharist in which everyone lifts in prayer both students and those who will accompany them through the next school year.
