I need to preface this particular post so it will make some sense.

A week ago Sunday our Sunday School class was gradually filtering in from the worship service. Kurt and Michelle had signed up and brought a wide assortment of doughnuts from AM Doughnuts. As our classroom began to fill we had guests come in from the class across the hall. One young woman ventured to the table and began to "load up" while she encouraged more classmates to come in and do the same. When this young woman left the first time she carried four doughnuts with her, then she came back for a couple more. Carolyn, who is probably one of the kindest, most soft spoken people I know, went across the hall and told that class that they were welcome to share in our treats however we must begin to cut the doughnuts in half in order for everyone to receive a portion. Shortly thereafter the teacher from the adjacent class came in offering his apologies and an explanation. This particular young woman had not been to church since we went to the summer schedule of one church service and she thought she was simply scavenging left-overs. She was truly embarrassed. We talked in our study period about the possibility of making this a project and a recipient of our class collection, to supply treats to the "Inner City" class meeting across the hall. The discussion ended with no definite plan of action.

This past Sunday Krl and I had signed up to bring treats to class. While we are known for my famous breakfast casserole, we opted to do something different. Krl baked muffins and prepared fruit trays and plans were to also pick up doughnuts from Jack and Jill's. Krl completed her preparations Saturday night and Sunday morning about eight I left and made the run to Jack and Jill. We arrived about twenty minutes early to service so we made some preparation for class by getting the coffee maker and some of the supplies from the closet. We placed all of our goodies in the closet and went to church service. Just before the benediction Krl and I slipped from the auditorium and went to set out the treats for class. While Krl made coffee I divied things up and took half across the hall. I took not only the goodies, but plates and plastic ware. I had it all set up when I realized that I had forgotten napkins. I went back across the hall and got a handful of napkins from our supply closet and took them across the hall, but this time I got caught. A few members of the Inner City class were filtering into the room and they were gleefully surveying their new found bounty. One of the class members was the young woman from a week before. She smiled a huge smile and inquired "Did you bring all this for us?" "Yes" I replied and I slipped out of the room. As it turns out, Gayla didn't think anyone was signed up to bring goodies so she had brought cake and fruit as well and she took that across the hall also. As class was over the teacher from across the hall came in to thank our class and to tell us that we would never know how appreciative the Inner City class was.

I began to think of a recent church service where the Maxwell family delivered the communion thoughts. It was right after spring break and their family's covenant group had gone to Washington, D.C.. They told of an opportunity to serve there in a fine old house run by two older gentlemen. They prepare a meal not ever knowing who might come. It might be attended by homeless, it might be attended by dignitaries, it might be attended by men of great power and wealth, but these groups share a meal and share a table set with fine china and crystal. The communion thoughts went on to cover the story about preparing a great feast and sending servants out to invite strangers from the streets and the highways to share in this meal, not to invite friends who might reciprocate. The Maxwell's went on to state that the Lord's Supper is a shared meal, where all that come to the table are one in Christ, equal, needy, redeemed.

I feel that Sunday morning we shared in that meal. I feel that Sunday mornings meal, shared almost anonymously with those across the hall, was probably one of the most powerful communions I have ever been a part of. It still reverbrates this morning.

FATHER, don't give up on us yet! Keep on exposing us and sooner or later YOU will break through and we will get YOUR point. I am thankful that YOU are faithful to us and our needs. YOU are a mighty and powerful GOD from whom all blessings flow. Thank YOU. FATHER I pray for healing for Krl and me. I pray for renewal, mentally, physically and spiritually. I pray for complete healing. I pray for Memama, Pepa, Ol', Hag, B., Lillie, Carol, Michelle, Aimee, Jennifer, Tori, Ed, Ashlyn Kate, Tj, Anna, Jess, those continuing to recover from their accident injuries, Dr. Mackie, Yaenga, and Jeanine. I ask YOUR gifts of healing for them all. I pray for those heavy hearted with grief. Lift and comfort them. I pray for those of us who stumble daily, give us stability. I pray for our spiritual family and our leaders. I ask safety for those who are traveling this summer. I pray for those working to expand YOUR kingdom. I pray for the "Inner City" class that bridges may be built and that they might see YOU in us.