This morning was, in a word, bounteous.
Danishes, croissants, French toast (not too eggy), muesli and yoghurt, fruit platters, tea and plunger coffee. We went back for seconds and thirds (or was that just me?).
But more was the bounteous joy of working together with the church women to prepare this women’s outreach breakfast. Some of us served upfront, praying, compering, a shared testimony and God’s word opened, while others served behind the scenes, arranging flowers, cooking, shopping and washing piles of dishes! It felt like a genuine partnership, working together for the gospel.
Most bounteous of all was feasting on the word, as Laura G. told us of the Good Shepherd, the One who would would rather die for us–wounded, wandering, wayward sheep that we are–than leave us to the wolves. Why? she asked, He could have gotten himself some new sheep. But he didn’t want new sheep, he wanted these sheep–us. This was further testified to as one of the local women shared how God had sustained her through an incredibly rough year–surely his goodness and mercy will follow us, though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death…
“…fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
— Isaiah 41:10