Reflecting on Serve Sunday

Wow!!! What a Kingdom Vision manifested before our very own eyes. When Pastor Liz first presented the “Resetting the Banquet Table” vision, more than a few were skeptical. However, there was no room for skepticism on Sunday September 24th, as LaSallers from everywhere came locked and loaded to Love and Serve the Lord, as we Love and Served the Lord’s people.

Those who participated had no doubt that they were “ingredients” in a “scrumptious meal” seasoned and “served” straight from Heaven. The day started with the early arrival of LaSalle youth and young adult congregants Tatum Pridgeon, Sadie Huizenga, Magdalene Johnson, Sam VerHage, and Quique Martinez. This group led the congregation in prayer, song, scripture, and Spanish instruction & interpretation. With an abbreviated service filled with all the heart-moistening attributes for a Divine Day of Service, LaSallers scurried over to Leslie Hall to plate hot meals, stuff food bags, prepare toiletry bags, pack the delivery truck, select size appropriate shirts, and make their way to the 18th District Police Station to serve our newly arrived guests from Venezuela.

Once our feet hit the fertile ground, the Divine Day of Service continued with Quique Martinez welcoming our guests in Spanish, introducing LaSalle, and inviting our new friends to enjoy all the nurturing offerings that were to come. Intergenerationally, with honor and dignity, LaSallers served each guest a Hot Meal of Chef Keith’s & Chef Jill’s Baked Chicken, Rice & Gravy and Green Beans, while Spanish Worship music saturated the air. As their parents enjoyed a taste of Heaven, the Venezuelan kids put their plates aside to play sidewalk chalk games with our bilingual youth led by Magdalene Johnson, and blow lots of hopeful and fun bubbles, each one filled with dreams of a brighter tomorrow. We were blessed to have the Spanish Honors class from Walter Payton High School join us as well. Following the delicious meal, each guest received a loaded toiletry bag filled with all the essentials for hygiene excellence, coupled with specialty items for personal TLC. LaSallers didn’t stop there but continued to serve, giving each guest a personal invitation (in Spanish and English) to our Wednesday evening Breaking Bread gathering.

Prior to our departure, our guests received a Wooden Cross necklace and Quique Martinez offered a closing prayer in Spanish, thanked our guests for spending time with us, and reiterated our invitation to join us for Breaking Bread. One LaSaller fell in my arms with tears rushing down her face and overjoyed with gratitude, stating, “Pastor Randall, everyone received a meal.” A parent of a Walter Payton student couldn’t stop thanking us for creating the opportunity for her daughter to serve in this capacity, right down the street from their house.

This is what “Resetting the Banquet Table,” and Faith, looks like in action. First, asking the question, “Who’s not at the Table?” Followed by making room at the table for the answer.

Look forward to seeing you at the next Serve Sunday on October 22!

Pastor Randall