Thursday, November 6

Psalm 145

The eyes of all look to you,

And you give them their food in due season.

You open your hands,

Satisfying the desire of every living thing.

Spotlight on Mission

The First Presbyterian Church of Barre has been involved in feeding ministries for a number of years now. Dozens of people have been involved, one of which is Kay Oles. Here is an interview with her about her work…

How did you decide to get involved with the community breakfasts?

My friend Jill Bruce had mentioned the breakfasts to me. I went to church one Sunday and the sermon was about how it is easy to write a check but it takes more to give the gift of time. I heard the invitation to give back for my good fortune…besides writing a check. I am impressed by all that this church as a small church does for the community, all the connection to the community that we have, and I am grateful to be part of it.”

What keeps you returning to the work of community meals? Knowing that I’m meeting a need and it makes me feel good. I am finding peace here that I experienced growing in the Catholic Church. I stopped attending the Catholic Church and my involvement in feeding work at the Presbyterian Church has helped me to get back on the right path of things to accomplish.

What inspires you? It has been a long time since I’ve been connected to the church. I feel like I want to be in the church and the service makes me want to be part of the church. I have learned that this is a church that really helps people. I feel fortunate to be in a position to help out, being retired, and able to give back. It has helped me on my spiritual journey. I always say, “My church is nature and I love nature and my spiritual journey is learning how to care for life. I consider myself a seasonal Presbyterian (when it comes to Sunday worship) but I’m here every Wednesday serving.”

Questions for reflection:

Are there ways that you have been connected to the church’s mission and ministry? What experiences that you have had resonate with Kay’s? How are your experiences similar? How are they different?