“Wash hands, for sure.
Then, wash feet.”
— Scott Sauls

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John
13:34-35)

In these days of isolation, social distancing and shelter in place, it can be hard to find creative ways to love one another, to love our neighbors. And it is easy to isolate ourselves, watching the news and tv and social media and forget about Jesus’ call to LOVE. Self-Sacrificial love is the logo of the disciples of Jesus. Just as the golden arches are to McDonalds and the green mermaid is to Starbucks so self-sacrificial, foot washing love is to followers of Jesus. “If I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do just as I have done for you.” (John 13:14-15)

But if I am honest, I am having a hard time trying to figure out how best to
balance social-distancing for the good of all and tangibly loving my neighbor in Denton. Sure, social-distancing for the good of all is an act of love for my neighbor in Denton and beyond – and I am trying to play my part. But at the same time, I have this nagging feeling that Jesus calls us to more. How can we do that?

First – if you are still working full time, especially if you are on the front lines of fighting the virus in a place like health care or working at the
grocery store – THANK YOU. You are already doing your part and more.

Second, for those of you who are on the high side of risk, please let the body of Christ serve you. Let us know what you need from the grocery store or when you need a prescription picked up. We would love to serve you.

But, for those of us who have suddenly found ourselves in a place where we have extra time on our hands because of school being out or online, our jobs being reduced or on hold, let’s help one another love one another better. What are your ideas for loving your neighbors? Do you have a story of serving somewhere that you could share with the rest of us that might spur us on to love and good deeds?

Please send me your story so I can share it with the rest of the congregation.
I’m going to share two stories below. I had the chance to serve with Denton ISD last week, taking meals to needy families. It was SUPER easy and simple. I signed up on their volunteer list at https://www.dentonisd.org/meals and volunteered with a few other people from our community taking meals to kids in need. I met with the rest of the volunteers at Denton High School at 11 am and then we loaded up several trays of bag lunches and a cooler of milk and a box of chip bags onto a big yellow bus. Then we drove to a mobile home park located near Mr. Frosty’s drive-in on Fort Worth Drive, where we parked the bus and waited for the kids to come and get their meals. And little by little kids came to get their lunch.

While there was not a ton of interaction with the kids, I was able to ask their name and how old they were and what grade they were in as we gave them their food. It was great to see their smiling faces. I am sure that other school districts are doing this as well so I encourage you to try to serve in your local district.

Scott Geer was able to serve one day at Our Daily Bread and here is his story:

Encouraged by our Pastor this past Sunday to put aside fear, rest in the Lord, and go serve our neighbors, I went Monday morning and helped at Our Daily Bread. ODB serves the homeless and indigent folks in Denton with meals, hygiene items, over the counter medicines, clothes, and carry-out food. I worked with the other volunteers serving tables and cleaning each table and chair after the guest left. I was amazed at two things.

First, the courage of the other volunteers. There were ladies in their 80’s who were there, serving and interacting with people. Here they are, members of the most vulnerable class of citizens to the COVID-19 virus, and yet they courageously came and served without fear, trusting in the Lord. Secondly, the guests were, for the most part, polite and thankful for what was being done for them. The face of people would brighten as they were spoken to and treated as a fellow traveler with the rest of us through this life. Each has a story and there was no time to hear the stories, but when they were treated like an important person, they responded with a smile and thanks.

ODB needs volunteers. I encourage any that can to come, even if it is only
for an hour or two. Children as young as 14 are welcome without parents and under 14 with parents. 16 and over can volunteer in any capacity. They
make it easy to sign up. Just register to volunteer at https://www.ourdailybreaddenton.org/ and click on the “Volunteer” button. Once you are registered, then just click on the “Register to Volunteer” link, look at the calendar view, and sign up for a job.

Would you do two things for me? First, consider sharing a story with the rest of us of opportunities you have had to serve during this time. Second, consider sharing a way in which the rest of us may serve you and your family during this time – even if it is as small as “give me a call”.

Trying to be the body of Christ in a weird time,
Pastor Wagner