power of listening

Today let us celebrate All Saints stepping outside of the sanctuary doors and into a realm that encourages new levels of faith.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:16

There are many opportunities to shine your light through seeking God’s direction for what is happening at All Saints Lutheran Church. This weeks highlights come from a few of the fellowship ministries, 39+, Listen Strong, and our Food Pantry. 39+ gathers monthly as a way to build each other up in whatever life situations All Saints friends and family find themselves in. Listen Strong team encourages the All Saints family to grow and reach our community with Christ’s grace, hope, and love. The Food Pantry volunteers also offer the same encouragement as illustrated in this story provided by Bonnie Strittmater…

A couple of weeks ago when we were working the Food Pantry/Clothing Closet, a woman signed in to receive her box of food.  She was vaguely familiar as someone who comes to us but hadn’t been herer for awhile.  I started a conversation with her by asking how she was.  She got a huge smile on her face, leaned on her cane and replied, “my daughter is graduating college, the first one in our family.”  I responded that she must be so proud and she said “yes, she wants me to come see her get her diploma but I can’t”,  ohhh I replied how come?  “I don’t have nothing to wear and I don’t want to embarrass her, you know how kids are about that sort of thing. Anxious to her response knowing there is more than the food necessity supplied here, I said “Did you know we have a clothing closet here?”  Her face brightened “You do?” but she hesitated, “I don’t have no money though.”I sprang into action —-ok so I hobbled into action——and took her by the arm and lead her to the clothing closet.  Marilyn and Holly greeted her and we told her it was free—-a gift.  She looked among the clothes until her eyes lit up and she pulled a blouse down from the hanger—–this was it—-a treasure for her.  Perfect!  My eyes misted as I recognized the blouse immediately —-my 93 year old mom had given it to me for our clothing closet, she said she had only worn it once.  She loved it but it didn’t really need it and besides, she said, what does an old lady need with so many blouses, so I took it from Wisconsin to our Clothing Closet in Davenport and now a mother will be wearing it with pride to her daughters’ graduation.  Marilyn and Holly also fixed her up with pants, belt and accessories.  As she left with her valuables under her arm she stopped and shook her head and said, “you don’t know what this means to me”.

We do know.
Thanks be to God.

Bonnie Strittmater

And the crowds asked him, “What shall we do?” and he answered them, “whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” ~ Luke 3:10-11

 The All Saints Food Pantry and Clothing Closet is looking for volunteers to help the second Saturday of the month from 1:00 – 3:00.  No experience necessary, just a kind heart and helping hands.  Please contact Bonnie at 563 370-7076 if you can help!!!!

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