We’ve spent several blog posts outlining all the ministries and programs at Church of the Reconciler. We’ve highlighted our food ministry, prayer circle, worship service, partnerships, and case management among others. These ministries positively impact those experiencing homelessness and poverty in our city.
Church of the Reconciler’s positive impact extends far beyond these communities - shaping and enriching the lives of everyone who enters the doors of our church.
A Church of the Reconciler volunteer recently told me, “Every time I come to Church of the Reconciler, I receive something good from the people there.” This volunteer recognizes the positive impact serving at Church of the Reconciler has on her.
As we wrap up this blog series, I want to emphasize the crucial ministry Church of the Reconciler provides to our partner churches and volunteers.
Pope Leo XIV recently wrote a short booklet, Dilexi Te (You are Loved), describing ways the church has cared for the poor throughout her history. He reflects on the ministry of the saints, writing, “Each in their own way discovered that the poorest are not only objects of our compassion, but teachers of the Gospel. It is not a question of “bringing” God to them, but of encountering him among them.”
Each week different groups bring food, bring a helping hand, or bring other resources to COTR that support our ministries. We’re deeply grateful for what our partner churches and volunteers bring to us. It is my hope and prayer that our partner churches and volunteers, all of you reading this blog post, receive the greatest gift Church of the Reconciler can offer to you: an encounter with Jesus, through our members and guests.
I know I’ve encountered Jesus through serving at Church of the Reconciler. Sometimes I hear Jesus speak through a joyful expression spoken in the midst of unimaginably difficult circumstances or a prayer that’s shaped by the sort of faith that moves mountains. I’ve seen Jesus through hands raised in worship, surrendered fully to God and smiling because, despite everything, hope persists. I’ve witnessed Jesus through listening to the hard won wisdom of my brothers and sisters facing homelessness or poverty. I’ve met Jesus through shared meals, laughter, and tears.
The members of the Church of the Reconciler community have ministered to me. Their ministry reinvigorates my faith, renews my hope, and restores me.
In times such as these, we could all benefit from a reinvigorated faith, a renewed hope, and a restored sense of self. In other words, we could all receive something good while serving at Church of the Reconciler.