When Seneca Creek put out the word that we were collecting supplies for last Monday’s MLK Day of Service, our church responded with enthusiasm. The snowstorm that cancelled weekend gatherings didn’t slow things down.

One of this year’s service projects was to assemble “Market bags,” for families in high need communities who are transitioning out of homelessness. We partnered with an extraordinary organization called “A Wider Circle” for this project. One of the best qualities of Seneca Creek is the generosity of our church family when presented with needs like this. Even though we lost a week of collection due to the snow cancellation, you all purchased and delivered enough supplies for the project. Then on MLK Day, our community volunteers came in and filled over 75 Market Bags!

Let that sink in for a moment. 75 families living in food and service deserts will have many of the core personal items they need to successfully step out of homelessness. It’s practical. It’s tangible. It exactly the kind of thing Jesus had in mind when he told the story of the Good Samaritan.

So this week you’ve got a reason to smile. In fact, you’ve got 75 reasons to smile. One smile for every family that receives a Market Bag and takes that next exciting step toward the future God has for them.

Thank you for being a generous church in these crucial times. Thank you for exemplifying the story Jesus told when he said,

I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25:35-40)

I have to believe that Jesus is smiling, too.

-Pastor Mark