Serving Those on the Margins
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”” Luke 15:1-2 NIV
Pastor Jim, along with volunteer Stella Anderson and community member Kevin, pray over a young homeless woman
Greetings in Christ, Steve!
Angie and her daughter Areanna have attended Dinner Church for many years and we have enjoyed getting to know them. Areanna a few months ago finished high school online and was set for possibly going to college or some other educational opportunity.
One evening at Dinner Church Debby and I were celebrating her graduation and encouraging her to take advantage she had for a better future.
Unfortunately, that evening was the last time we saw her. Angie, her mom, told us she went along with a man and left no notice of where she was going.
Angie has not had any communication from Areanna since last October. Angie had notified the police who said that since her daughter is 18 years old, they cannot do anything.
I’ve shared this story before in my Weekly Message, but it is an important story that should not be forgotten. I have talked each Wednesday at Dinner Church with Angie and she is heartbroken that she has heard nothing.
This is one of the many troubling stories about those who live on the margins in our city and lack visibility or value in our society. But our ministry seeks to recognize them as important to us, and even more to God, as seen by Jesus’ love for all those who live on the margins. Areanna is not going to be forgotten and we pray daily for her safe return. We do all we can to support her mother who grieves her loss.
Amber has been a wonderful part of our ministry ever since we started in 2019. She is a dear person who has had a troubled life. She’s distant from her father but had been close to her mom before she passed away. She has been through a lot of rejection in her life and continues to deal with those who do not like that she’s a transgendered woman.
Her health in recent years has been a continuing concern. We keep her in our prayers and encourage her in her faith to trust in God.
Her income is very low and she needs to take advantage of the Westminster Food Pantry. I see her there and take time to be with her. She needs transportation so I regularly help her with bus passes each week.
Derek traveled to Indianapolis a few months ago and has been living on the streets as he seeks help with finding affordable housing. He has told us that he’s been roughed up and bullied by other homeless men. Those who struggle with living on the streets are vulnerable to violence and crime. It is a problem that goes unreported and unnoticed in our city.
Our ministry can’t prevent what’s happening on our streets in the city, but we can offer a place where all are welcomed and received with God’s love.
When we read the Gospels we see how Jesus spent most of his ministry with people who were rejected or pushed to the margins of society. The religious authorities were quick to judge Jesus for his willingness to welcome and care for them.
“Sinners” was just a derogatory term for anyone of low class who was not considered part of the religious class of that day. The radical nature of what Jesus did is seen by the way “sinners” is emphasized here – “this man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Jesus’ welcoming and placing himself on the same level with those who were thought undeserving and inferior were what so angered the religious leaders to the point of having him crucified.
Jesus never backed down and succumbed to the pressure exerted by those who demanded he not associate with those who were marginalized. In addition he never turned away but accepted even Gentiles and Samaritans.
Jesus welcomed all and this did not exclude the wealthy and prominent in society. He made a radical move and placed the wealthy and the poor on equal ground . Nothing like this was thinkable in first century culture. Later the Early Church continued this welcoming of all people into the family of God.
Circle City Dinner Church seeks to welcome all people including the marginalized like the unhoused and disadvantaged. In an increasingly divisive, unjust, rejecting and judgmental world we offer a respite and loving environment.
The photo shows the racial and ethnic diversity of Dinner Church
We seek others to volunteer and support our efforts to bring together an inclusive community that reflects the love of Jesus Christ. Please sign up to serve on a Wednesday Dinner Church. We appreciate your financial donation that enables us to serve nearly 500 meals each month.
May God’s Peace be with you,
Pastor Jim and Debby Riley