In our current Sunday School study of the book Get Their Name by Bishop Bob Farr, we have been exploring relational evangelism. This past Sunday we focused on faith sharing in service - relational evangelism through service is connecting those we serve with a clear communication of the Good News of God's love. The intention is to get to know the people behind the need, find out who they are and how we can be in a closer relationship with them, to find that opportunity to pray with them.

Tuesday morning I was standing outside the sanctuary doors greeting people as they walked by the church, inviting them to come into the sanctuary for prayer. A young man and his very pregnant wife stopped by to see if we offered shelter for the night. I said unfortunately not. They asked if we had a clothes closet or food pantry. I said unfortunately not, but we do offer a meal every Friday. Since this was Tuesday, he grimaced and said they had just missed the lunch at the church down the street. They asked for water and to use the restrooms, which I was thankfully able to offer them. Then they wanted to use the phone, so I said ok, but they would have to wait until I closed up the sanctuary doors at the end of our Open Sanctuary time. We had a prayer together. When I was able to, I took them down to the office where they used the phone. In the meantime, I had learned a little about their situation. They were homeless and waiting for room to open up with CARITAS. The young woman was trying to call family members, most of who hung up on her once she identified herself. Her conversation with her mother was very sad - the young woman was apologizing for only calling her mother when she needed money, and then asked for more money. Her mother eventually hung up on her. When they asked me, I told them that I did not have any money to give them. I found some granola bars and chips, and then sent them on their way. I told them I would keep them in my prayers.  

I know we have all faced these situations. There is such great need in our community. A prayer and a granola bar didn't seem like much, but there wasn't anything else I was in a position to help them with. I don't know if I will ever see them again. They may or may not come to our Walk-In Lunch on Friday. And this morning when I thought of them and wondered where they were, I realized I had forgotten their names!

This Sunday's lesson will move from building relationships with those we serve to the people we interact with in our daily lives - our neighbors, co-workers, the cashiers and receptionists we see regularly. Although they probably won't ask for money or granola bars, the intention is still to get to know people, find out who they are and how we can be in a closer relationship with them, to find that opportunity to offer them a prayer, and to clearly communicate the Good News of God's love.  And of course, get and try to remember their names!