Doug Hoy, SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator
In the fall of 2020, as I was delivering hand sanitizer around the Conference, I found myself listening to a podcast about doing ministry and mission. The presenter compared ministries of the church to coffee. As a coffee drinker myself, I listened closely as he explained there are many kinds of coffee: roasted, blended, cappuccino, espresso, mocha, and traditional— the list went on and on. He pointed out that the selection of a coffee is followed by the method by which it is prepared — brewed, filtered, poured over, French pressed, cold brewed, or percolated. Once brewed, some prefer to drink it directly without any enhancements, while others chose to mask the “bitter” taste with sugar, milk, or a flavored creamer. And, adding to the story, he noted that some enjoy a nice cup of “Joe” to start their morning, while others enjoy it throughout the day or while relaxing after the evening meal.
As the presenter continued, he explained that community ministry is very similar. There are many different kinds of ministry in the church. Congregations then develop, prepare, and offer those ministries based on the preferences found within their communities, offering them at the convenience of those who will benefit the most. As I listened, I was reminded of a church I attended for several years that operated a coffee shop. We literally used coffee to reach the community. It provided us with a platform to connect and share the love of Christ with people who would otherwise never set foot in a church building.
Scripture tells us “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
Grace UMC in Lemoyne recently opened its doors to host a community vaccination site. Pastor Jason Schwartzman explained, “Our church is in a great location to meet this need because we are very close to Route 83, near a local bus stop, and right in the middle of our community.”
After multiple e-mails with state officials, they were partnered with a pharmacy and set up a date. They opened their doors shortly after services on Sunday, June 27, and Schwartzman waited outside to greet those who came for their vaccination.
“From the start of the pandemic, Grace has been looking for ways to serve,” Schwartzman said. “This was a great way to reach our community and let them know we care. And, it gives us an opportunity to show and share the love of Christ.”
It is just one of many examples of the church using its gifts in service. You have been faithful stewards and used the gifts God gave you to engage others. You shared the love of Christ in your communities. Over the past 18 months, the people of the Susquehanna Conference have served their “coffee” and continued to “brew” for Christ. You opened your churches to support on-line and home-school learning. You supported students as they continued to pursue the arts. You fed essential workers on the pandemic front lines. You made and delivered blessing boxes filled with cookies. And, you volunteered your time and resources to support COVID-19 vaccinations sites.
As you move forward in mission and ministry, serving in your communities, continue to look for the kind of “coffee” your community needs. Then, put your love into action by brewing and serving it. “Never be lacking in zeal, keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need” (Romans 12:11-13). Practice “caffeinated” zeal and hospitality.
Visit the Disaster Response website: www.susmb.org/drm
