Scripture is full of celebrations, festivals and gatherings, and virtually all of these are centered around shared food. There is something powerful in the act of sharing a meal. This simple act builds relationships, breaks down walls, opens doors, and turns strangers into neighbors. The wisdom of God Himself brought this concept into human relations. In the beginning of theCHURCH, the Holy Spirit laid on our hearts to incorporate this simple act of sharing a meal into every gathering, as they did in the new testament church. Every Sunday we provide a meal to all who attend, inviting the public to join us. It is a part of who we are in Christ and how we “Love our neighbor as our-self”.

As we grow in numbers, this vision remains as a central theme, but the logistics necessarily change to accommodate the need and opportunity. It is now time to make such a change in logistics! Today we launch the “5+2 Crew”.

Just to be clear, this is NOT the same as a “covered dish” where everyone brings their contribution and we all share. While that is a common practice, it does not fit with the mission God has given us. With a “covered dish” people feel obligated to contribute or often they will not come. It can be embarrassing to be the one who doesn’t bring a dish while everyone else does. Pressure, expectations. That is not the goal here. We see this as a service opportunity. Feed your neighbor! We intentionally invite those who can not contribute! And if you don’t feel led to join the group right now, but would still like to bring something from time to time, that’s wonderful.. your gift is welcome and appreciated just the same.

Thus far, we have logistically operated as one or more individuals bringing the meal as God leads them. One feeding many. It is a beautiful thing to see the Lord provide! So far, we have served weekly meals for an unpredictable crowd for over two years and only one time did we run short on food for the crowd. That’s one time out of well over a hundred meals served! Even then, while we ran short of what we physically brought, the Lord provided in the moment—resources appeared, needs were met, and everyone was fed. God has faithfully provided both the quantity and variety for this mission.

However, through God’s blessings the number of people coming now exceeds what one family or individual is able to prepare. So we need a way to foster cooperation between those the Lord calls to serve in this way, to make this a team opportunity instead of just individual. Hence the “Five+Two Crew”.

In the story of scripture, Jesus fed 5000 people with five loaves and two fish. One providing for many. That is the calling here. We are pulling together those called to serve in this way and provide a group where coordination and cooperation makes this a weekly miracle of service. A way to contribute your skills and resources into the effort of spreading the Light of Christ both inside and outside the walls of the church.

Let’s make a few things perfectly clear:

1. There is no obligation to join the “5+2 Crew”, absolutely volunteer.
2. If you join the Crew, there is no obligation to contribute any given week, absolutely volunteer.
3. There is never an obligation to bring food to attend, this is not a covered dish.
4. God will provide the resources to do what He has called you to do.
5. As a member of the crew, you can contribute just once, once a week, once a year, whatever God leads.
6. As a member of the crew, you can contribute a dish, a drink, a full meal, a side, whatever God leads.

To join in this service opportunity, just let Brenda know what God has laid on your heart.

We will have a way for crew members to communicate weekly about who is able and led to bring what so that a full meal is provided at sufficient quantity and variety to meet the need.

I firmly believe that this vision, one feeding many, is a key part of spreading the Light of Christ in our community. and that God will provide the people and resources to continue this service regardless of the numbers involved. Jesus fed 5000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fish. This is our model. This is an opportunity to do what Jesus called us and led by example to do.

God Bless

Pastor Dave