Faith and Works

By Nancy Quitslund

Seabold United Methodist Church

September, 2005

I am constantly in awe of the Spirit of love that that transcends personal, religious, and political differences.

The human and physical devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina has touched enormous numbers of Americans and many foreign citizens and governments, propelling them to action. Offers of aid have poured in from most of our allies, the United Nations, and even our competitors including China, Cuba, and Venezuela. Sri Lanka, which suffered so much from the tsunami eight months earlier, donated to the American Red Cross.

There is so much more that unites us as human beings than divides us. Disasters remind us of that occasionally, and our faiths have the potential to remind us daily. Almost all faiths recognize human beings as the children of a common creator.

Jesus brought the compassionate teachings of the Torah into focus for his followers. His death on the cross assured that his life and teachings would be remembered. He insisted that we care for the poor, feed the hungry, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, shelter the homeless, forgive transgressors, in short, love our fellow human beings. He asked those who wished to follow him to give all they owned to the poor, and he called peacemakers blessed.

Following those teachings completely seems to be impossible for human beings, but trying to do so, with love, can fulfill individuals, and greatly improve the condition of our community. The giving becomes the gift, because we receive so much in the process of giving ourselves. We grow, and we belong.

Most faith groups are actively involved in charitable works. In 2005 Seabold United Methodist Church began its 25^th year of making sandwiches on the third Sunday of each month to deliver to the First Avenue Service Center (recently re-named the Family and Adult Service Center). Members stream into the church parking lot with bags of sandwiches, cartons of hard-boiled eggs, fruit, clothing, and toiletries for the homeless people in Seattle who use the center as a living room; haven from the cold; source of referrals for jobs, counseling, and shelter; and a place to wash themselves and their clothes. In the process of helping that particular place of refuge, our congregation has learned a lot about poverty and homelessness in our area. The congregation has also strengthened its own community and identity as loving people.

The last week of each month faith groups prepare and share meals with our Island neighbors whose resources are scarce. In addition, groups belonging to the Interfaith Council continue to increase their compassion and knowledge, and strengthen community, by participating together in the annual CROP WALK. Together we help local families avoid hunger by raising funds for the Helpline and Fishline food banks. In addition we increase our understanding of conditions at home and overseas while helping fund project partners who represent the world’s most distressed citizens. We will walk together for the tenth time on September 25.

Faith with works is alive!