Where the seeds fall...

Have you ever thought about what kind of help you can be to your neighbor? I find myself often wondering if I could help someone out but I second myself and justify inaction because I don't want to impose on someone else. It is strange to think that some of us don't help others because we are afraid they will be offended by the offer. Maybe we are just a little afraid too that if we help, we may have to change our priorities so that the other person is put ahead of us.

This weekend we held a worship service in the community garden at Zacchaeus' Tree! We talked about the parable of the sower (The Gospel of Luke 8:4-15). The story is about a farmer spreading seeds and about their life afterwards. Some seeds are lost from the beginning when they land on the path, some start growing but because of the rocks can't get enough water, some are thrown in with the weeds and can't grow because the weeds choke them out and there are seeds that fall on good soil and they grow and produce good fruit.

We often consider this story as a way to determine where we are...when we hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Are we in good soil, growing and producing fruit? Or have we landed among the rocks without enough support to make it through? As a congregation we are developing into a community that serves our neighbors by helping to cultivate the space around others and ourselves that allows for growth! As I learned in my own garden, it doesn't take long for a garden to become a bed of weeds if I leave it alone. Without consistent care the weeds grow taller and faster so that the crops have little chance to produce much if anything at all.

So what can we do that helps others to hear and receive the Good News that God loves them and wants to know them more?

We volunteer monthly at a local food pantry, are building partnership with the Fuller Center (www.fullercenter.org), and looking for ways to individually care for our neighbors. But it can be hard, because caring for others means we take a back seat in favor of caring for the needs of others. Pray for all who want to serve, that opportunities and ability come together to allow for authentic and caring relationships to form as we care for the needs of one another!