Pastor’s Column
March 12, 2026
March 12, 2026
My dear Church Family,
Have you ever wished you could hear the stories of people who find themselves underhoused and food insecure? The FPCA Lenten Soup Suppers give each of us that opportunity.
Last night 34 of us gathered in the Parlor to enjoy a meal together. Included were nine people who have joined the meal in response to the banner on the corner inviting the neighborhood to the meal. An additional seven people are folks who are loosely associated with the congregation, but do not worship regularly with us. So, almost half of those gathered were “guests” of the congregation!
I am reminded of the story of the meal Jesus was invited to as told in Luke 7:36-50. Jesus described the woman who massaged his feet with perfume as having shown great love to Him.
Later in this newsletter you will read about the love that is shown to those in our community who need a hot meal through the Dine & Connect program. Barbara Curtis has been leading FPCA’s participation in Dine & Connect for many years. Our next opportunity to prepare meals is Monday, March 23rd.
The original intent of Dine & Connect was “serving unhoused and food-insecure neighbors with dignity, compassion, and connection.” In the first months of the program, tables were set up in church halls, and the volunteers who prepared the meals sat with the guests and ate together, not only sharing food, but sharing conversation. Unfortunately, when the COVID pandemic hit, the practice of sitting together with the guests ended.
The FPCA Soup Suppers have brought this opportunity back to our neighborhood. As we invite people into our church home for a meal, we can show our guests the dignity, compassion, and connection that the woman with the perfume showed to Jesus, and that Dine & Connect originally hoped for.
As I wrote last week, we all want to be noticed, named and known. All the more so for those who do not have a well-established community and are often ignored. What a wonderful ministry the Soup Suppers are to show our neighbors that they are noticed, named and want to be known.
I trust you will be able to attend the remaining Soup Suppers.
Looking forward to supping with you,
Pastor Cindy