Indiana church offers scarves to those in need
April 19, 2020
Over the past few months, a group of knitters called Charity Knitters has gathered at our church each week to knit. Some knitters belong to our church and others come because they love to knit and love being part of a group that shares their common passion.
I was overwhelmed with joy and thanks when I found these scarves tied to trees right outside our downtown church doors. The knitters group attached a wonderful message to each scarf expressing the gift that is waiting in front of the one reading the message. Their message is packed full of care and welcome for our neighbors. Their message will perhaps spark others to extend random acts of kindness.
The Charity Knitters are finding new ways that God can make use of the gifting God has given. This random act of kindness, which I’m sure the Spirit prompted, has energized the group and is helping those who are experiencing a cold shoulder in life or who need just a little goodness and warmth to go with them. God is so good!
Central Presbyterian Church; Lafayette, Indiana
Note: Central Presbyterian Church is one of the churches that has accepted the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Matthew 25 invitation. Matthew 25:31–46 calls all of us to actively engage in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new possibilities. Convicted by this Scripture passage, both the 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) exhorted the PC(USA) to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) aims to help multiply this loving commitment to radical and fearless discipleship by partnering with mid councils and congregations to help them embrace one or more of the three focuses of Matthew 25 — building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty. Learn more by visiting pcusa.org/matthew25.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, April 19, 2020, the Second Sunday of Easter (Year A)
First Reading Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Psalm 16:1-11
Second Reading 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel John 20:19-31
Today’s Focus: Charity Knitters
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
William Brock, Office of the General Assembly
Christian Brooks, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Let us pray:
Dear Lord, thank you for groups like the one at Central Presbyterian Church, whose members are reminding others that they are not alone in this world. Amen.