Loaves & Fishes Inauguration

by Kelly Spetalnick

Once upon a time, I faced the thought of being flat on my back for 4-6 weeks with determination, hope and a little dread.  Hating to miss work, I also worried about meeting the daily needs of a working husband and two elementary school kids, because that is what mothers do.  On top of that, I was considering a change in churches mostly due to my own inertia and a failure to connect.  But for now, St. Martin’s was my church, and I was going to be stuck at home on Easter, three days after coming home from the hospital.  So I called the church, and our gentle Father Suthers came to visit me in the hospital.  He was the right answer to the question I wasn’t asking.  On Easter morning, the expected knock on the door came with my future friend, Jim Lynn, bringing Communion to me and my family.  He hails from Birmingham, like my family, and a new connection was made.  Then from a group of women in the church, meals arrived for my family for a week from people that were little more than acquaintances from church.  If you know me, you might understand that I feel that the gift of food carries love, and often, prayer.  To say that I appreciated the gesture towards my family, as well as the delicious food, is an understatement.  I felt the long, warm arm of community wrapping around us all with care, drawing us into St. Martin’s like following the sweet, heavy smell of an apple pie cooling in the kitchen. Now you’re stuck with me.      

The ministry of providing meals to members of St. Martin’s has quietly closed down over the years.  Since that time, those that needed nourishment during a tough time had to count on friends that knew of their situation to step up and help out. I know in my circle of friends, there have been many cooks and recipients, because life just keeps coming at us fast and hard.  But maybe you could use a little assistance, nourishment, and love, and you just don’t know who to ask.  Well, now you do.  We are starting a group called ‘Loaves and Fishes’.  There will be no meetings or reports or solicitations beyond food.  If you think that you could supply a meal to a member of our community on an occasional basis, whether it’s home cooked or take-out, and deliver it to someone that lives near you, think about joining us.  While it’s true that many hands make light work, work with love as the driving force is uplifting.  It truly is a joyful moment to bring someone nourishment with a meal, a smile and the knowledge that St. Martin’s long, warm arm of community includes them.

To join us, please email Kelly Spetalnick at kspetaln@bellsouth.net.  Should you find yourself in need of a meal or two, please contact the Parish Administrative Associate at the church office to make the arrangements.