On February 24th, Regional Minister Ben Bohren challenged us to take our "scraps of God" and piece them together like a quilt. Of course, he wasn't saying we should literally do this with the scraps of cloth that were passed out that Sunday. It would be both difficult and impractical to make a quilt with such small scraps! Ben's point was that together, we can do ministry much more effectively than what one person can do alone.

The Outreach Committee has been meeting over the last few weeks to discover how we can sew these "scraps of God" together in a tangible, practical way. We have made a commitment to both the Torres Shelter and the Jesus Center to provide meals for the homeless and other families and individuals in need. The point of this commitment is not just to prepare food, deliver it, clean up and be on our way, but to engage folks in conversation and treat them with dignity and respect and as fellow children of God. This is not an easy task for some. Quite often, we feel unprepared or unequipped to talk to folks who are struggling or homeless.

Bill Bergman, who is on the Chico Peace and Justice Center board of directors and sings in our choir, is offering an opportunity to "equip the saints for ministry." He will be facilitating a class on Monday, March 10th at 7:00 PM in the Fireside Room at First Christian Church. There will be a few guest speakers that know what it is like to be homeless and come home again. This will be a night of inspiration that will touch us all as we move forward in our support of the Torres Shelter and the Jesus Center. Come as you are and leave with a deeper appreciation of what we are called to be and do. You never know when you might be sharing your "scraps of God" while walking and talking with Jesus. What a great opportunity it is to share a meal with Him.