Serving Up the Soup

Serving is a vital part of the life of Jesus and the life of His followers. Touching our community and being visible is important to me. Some call it the "ministry of presence" - just being there. Being there is essential. In this picture I am serving up soup at the Empty Bowls Fundraiser. People purchase ceramic bowls made by local artisans and then volunteers fill them with donated soups from local resturants and chefs. It is some excellent soup and ladeled up for an excellent cause - our local food pantry. So, this picture is really wroth a thousand words and it made the front page of the local paper. Here are some of the word: Well, it is me serving up minestrone soup at the La Purisma Catholic Parish Hall to our resident atheist, Mr. Hughes. He is a very nice fellow but simply does not believe in God and has been very vocal about about his views. He is attending this local fundraiser and giving his monies to a worhthy cause - he might believe in the ministry of presence as well. Serving and showing up are vital to our impact upon peoples lives. They really don't care how much you know - until they know how much you care. In order to care, you have to show up. In order to speak into people's lives you have to show you care. I get that and I think Mr. Hughes does too. Make sure you are heard by showing up and caring. Soup is a good thing.