You Give Them Something to Eat

The church is not always quick to act. Frequently, we are slow to change. I have heard the church described as a slow-moving ocean liner that takes miles to alter direction. But there are occasions when we act with vigor and clarity of purpose. This was demonstrated time and time again during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it seemed like every day brought the need for a new adjustment. Our churches were nimble. They did what was necessary, even if they had not done it that way before. 

As leaders in the Presbyterian church, we promise to lead with “energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.” We might not always get opportunities to practice that, but I am heartened when we do and we decide to act. Like last week, as the suspension of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Benefits was set to pause life-sustaining food benefits for almost 700,000 Oklahomans, the churches of Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery acted. The Coordinating Council approved a $50,000 grant, followed by an additional $25,000 in $5,000 increments to support food programs at churches. The response from congregations in EOP was overwhelming. In two days, all the grant funds were on their way to churches. Whether the funds were going to support existing programs, expand things churches had done in the past, or fund new initiatives, the opportunity to impact local communities was met with a truly Presbyterian level of “energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.”

Last week, as we prepared to offer these grants, I was drawn to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Luke’s gospel. It was not so much the miraculous multiplying of food that caught my attention, but an earlier command. “The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside to lodge and get provisions, for we are here in a deserted place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.”” (Luke 9:12-13) When so many of our fellow Oklahomans will be struggling to afford food, I am grateful that churches across the presbytery will help by providing them with something to eat!

Blessings,

Rev. Tim Blodgett

General Presbyter

Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery