Have you ever heard the term “food desert”? It describes a place where grocery stores are rare or non-existent. Most of us live within a few miles of multiple stores and can take our pick, but certain areas within our own city (most of them on the East side of Austin) are food deserts. That is part of the reason Austin City Lutherans came together to establish the Bread for All Food Pantry. As part of ACL, Triumphant Love’s members serve on the board and in other advisory capacities, support the ministry financially, volunteer stocking shelves or making deliveries, and donate food items. Maybe you are one of them! During the pandemic, the popularity of the pantry grew as you might imagine, but amazingly – dare I say miraculously – the BFA Food Pantry has been able to maintain and even at times multiply the food distributed. Though the food looks like any other on the outside, I imagine at times it tastes like the “bread of life” to those who receive it.
As we continue through these “Bread Sundays” in worship until August 22nd, I encourage you to bring an item or two for Bread for All to help stock the shelves. You can leave your donations on the pantry rack in the office hallway on Sundays or during the week.
The scriptures for this Sunday are Exodus 2:2-4, 9,-15 , Ephesians 4:1-16, and John 6:24-35. Songs for this Sunday are #487 “What Feast of Love”, #485 “I Am the Bread of Life” vs. 1, 2 & 5 and #647 “Glorious Things” vs. 1, 3 & 4. We give thanks to this week’s Worship Leaders, Production Crew, and Musicians!