Despite what the evening news might lead you to believe, human beings seem to be wired to serve others. There is something very rewarding, very visceral that we feel when we have done for others what they cannot do for themselves.

        As Christians who are trying to grow into the "full stature of Christ" in our baptismal vows, it is even more imperative that we find ways to serve others. It is our calling, as children of God, to serve our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, our fellow travelers on this planet.

        One of the greatest Christians of our time said that he wanted more than anything to be remembered as someone who had served others. Marin Luther King Jr. died a few days later after saying this, and one of the ways we honor him today is through a National Day of Service.

        You are probably serving others in ways you don't realize. If you are a parent, you have a ministry to your children; as a spouse, you support your husband or wife; in your work, you may have opportunities to do community service.

        It is also important as a parish for us to identify ways that we serve the community, the world. St. Luke's has a long-standing tradition of assisting community organizations financially, but recently, the Vestry had to make cuts in how much we can give to some of those regular recipients.

        We also serve some of the neediest of the needy -- people with developmental disabilities, mental illness and addiction problems that have left them nearly homeless -- through our 4th Street Café on Thursday mornings. But this ministry is struggling now, because there is not an overall coordinator, and volunteers each week have been loyal but few.  This is a challenging ministry, and many people find it scary to interact with others with such great need. But this ministry can be incredibly rewarding for those who can sit through the fear, and just be present to the guests.

        I encourage you, as your priest and spiritual leader, to find a way to serve others beyond just your family. You will find that your sense of the Body of Christ will expand in mystical proportions. And you will experience a satisfaction that nothing else can provide.

                                                                                                                          ~ Madre Liz