Men often have difficulty expressing their feelings or letting others see their gentler side; at least the men from my generation did. It wasn’t considered “macho” for them to show tender feelings. So when we brought our son, Thomas, home from the hospital, my hus-band, Gene, handed me a tape of Don Williams’ latest song, “Miracles.” Two years later when we brought James home, Gene handed me one of the Oak Ridge Boys’ latest hits, “Thank God for Kids.” And that was the way it often was for Gene – sharing his combined love for us and belief in God through music.

It seemed only fitting that an old George Strait song from 1990 (his first multi-week hit) was making a comeback a month or two before Gene died. It was one of his favorite songs and he played it often for the boys and me to hear. The lyrics speak of a father's love that is not based on if you were good or bad, but is given all the time.

During this season of Lent with Easter just-around-the-corner, it seems fitting to reflect on the chorus of this song – our Father’s unconditional love us, his chil-dren. And to also remember, there are so many ways to share Christ with others (and still be “macho”).

Let me tell you a secret, about a fathers love
A secret that my daddy said was just between us
You see daddies don’t just love their children every now and then
It's a love without end, amen, it’s a love without end, amen.

Rita Klock

I had an experience a number of years ago that I will always cherish; I was visiting a woman my age in a nursing home one morning a week for about 4 months, until she passed away.

Lynn was too ill to attend church so I had never met her before my visits started. I did know her husband, and I had been sending meals to them for a number of years.
Visiting Lynn, seeing her health decline markedly from week to week was difficult, but we grew to be friends over the months. She had a very strong faith, and I know that I enjoyed that time together as much as she did. I’m just sorry that my hearing wasn’t better so that I could have heard her describe the visions of heaven she was having on my last visit, several days before she died. She was excited.
   - Judy Curry

In so many instances, disabled persons struggle to survive. Sadly, their needs are often overlooked or even ignored by many in the community. This occurs with people that have mental disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, visual and hearing impairments, and so many other disabling conditions. Every morning as I drive to work, I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to have worked with this wonderful population for the last 20 years. It is so rewarding to share in the joy that they experience when participating in the various community activities. They endure many things that we take for granted. They are an inspiration and source of strength. Don’t look at the impairment; but look into their eyes, and smile, and give a gentle touch. Jesus was aware that this population would be overlooked and He said, “Go out…find the lame, the blind and the disabled…and bring them in.” Then He added, “Do this and you will be blessed.”
   - Becky Elliott

Suddenly they scatter like ducks that have been feeding on a pond. They jump in several cars and zip off with radios blaring. It’s common behavior whether they are headed to the mall, movie, or one of their friend’s houses. On this morning there must be 8 to 10 boys and girls between the ages of 15 and 18. They arrive at their destination in less time than it would have taken Superman.

Seven days a week, each morning begins the same. The menu is planned and food preparation begins, so that a hot and nutritional meal can be served to some 100 men, women, and sometimes children. The people to be fed are from the street, homeless in most cases and many if not all looking for their only meal of the day. It’s Manna House, and they have a mission to feed the hungry of our community.

The volunteers are the senior high group from St. James. The youth of St. James have been a constant source of support of this ministry, volunteering several times a year.

Upon arrival, the teens get their work assignments, and the next several hours are fast and furious. Some prepare the food, while others ready the serving line. Still others are busy placing chairs around the dining tables and getting the dining area ready for their expected guests. The morning is filled with constant chatter and youthful enthusiasm. Outside at the front door, the men, women, and children start to arrive. They seem to come from nowhere and everywhere. Before the doors are opened, a prayer is offered thanking God for all the blessings of life and seeking a special blessing for those about to be served. The teens greet each guest with a smile and words of hope and encouragement as they serve. Before the day is complete, dishes are washed and the kitchen and dining area are cleaned and readied for the next day.

Each time that the St. James’ youth volunteer at Manna House, they experience the gift of sharing Christ.
       - Harry Randow

Have you ever hosted a Canterbury House Birthday Party? I know some might think: What do I do? What kind of gift do I buy? What do I serve? What about entertainment? What kind of party do these people want?!! As a member of the Episcopal Church Women, I have found that the opportunity to provide a party is one of my most rewarding ministry experiences. I have hosted several and found the recipients to be a gracious, joyful, and appreciative group. And no matter what kind of party I plan, we always seem to have a good time.

Let’s see, I have worn a grass skirt, played Jimmy Buffett music, served figs from my fig tree, and given light-up magnifying glasses as gifts. I have picked wildflowers for the table, brought homemade cake, called upon Ray Bloch to share his musical talents, and brought in my teenage boys to help me. Every time is different (in a good way.)

But, at every party we ask for God’s blessing before we eat the cake and ice cream and sing “Happy Birthday”. And I always feel especially blessed that I was able to share in a happy occasion with these lovely people.
      --Kelly Texada