Friday, May 3
May Friendship Day
The Presbytery of Cincinnati
Bobbie Bella, pastor of Pleasant Run (Ohio) Presbyterian Church, was intrigued by a letter from One Way Farm, a home for abused and abandoned children, that invited churches to offer worship opportunities. The idea attracted her, but she wondered if the congregation could muster enough volunteers. It seemed an impossible venture—that is, until Kevin Murphy, pastor of Northwest Community Church, contacted Bella to see if their congregations could partner in the mission. After extensive training, the two congregations began providing worship, faith conversations, and a meal with the children and staff at One Way Farm.
“It’s been really rewarding,” commented Greg Hudson, a regular volunteer from Pleasant Run. “We were unsure what we would encounter, because we had heard about what these kids have been through. But they see this is genuine and have been really receptive to us.”
“Their questions put us on the spot,” reflected Cari Wynne, a member of Northwest. “Their life experiences raise legitimate questions for them about a loving God, and it forces us to think about what we believe.”
“I have a new gratitude for the people who laid a foundation of faith for me,” added Bella. “The simple truth about God’s grace is an essential message to receive when you are a child.”
“This ministry has provided the chance for our members to leave their comfort zone,” remarked Murphy. “When you go into a ministry like this, you have to trust that you will be used by God in that moment with that child.”
“It was a no brainer for me,” added Wynne. “You ask us to work with some of the most troubled and abandoned children and expose them to God’s love. How can we pass up an opportunity to make a difference in these kids’ lives?”
The Presbytery of Cincinnati is made up of 14,133 members of 82 congregations. The Presbytery maintains a mission partnership with K’anhab’al Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian of Guatemala.
Let us join in prayer for:
Presbytery Staff
Officers
Elder Jill Moormann, moderator
Elder Janis Alling Adams, stated clerk Rev. Kevin Stainton, vice moderator
Rev. Cinda Gorman, chair of council
Elder Jim McVicker, treasurer
Staff
James DiEgidio, general presbyter
Marion Montefiore, administrative assistant
Donna Burckle, bookkeeper
Sandy Phillips, business administrator
Annie Tinsley, custodian
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Alan Greenstine, BOP
Annette Greer, PMA
Let us pray
Loving God, your Son identified himself with the most overlooked. Guide and bless efforts to discover and exalt the presence of Jesus in the lives of those whom the world has abandoned. We ask this in the name of the Christ who welcomed the children into his arms. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 96; 148
First Reading Deuteronomy 31:30-32:14
Second Reading Romans 14:13-23
Gospel Reading Luke 8:40-56
Evening Psalms 49; 138
