Summer 2023
Dear friend of Loaves and Fishes:
During the summer, we are also in the season of Pentecost on the church calendar. The story of Pentecost is about people of every nationality being filled with the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the Church as an instrument to carry out God’s work in the world. Following the part of the story in which God sent the Holy Spirit, which left everybody awe-struck, the Book of Acts goes on to describe how the Holy Spirit was the inspiration for lives of gathering, serving and sharing — and providing for people’s practical needs:
All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. (Acts 2:44-47a)
With apologies to St. Luke, the author of Acts, we offer:
One corner of the Church, St. Stephen and the Incarnation in Washington, D.C., is where many who believe are together and where many nearby and far-away friends remain connected; they share from their possessions and incomes and distribute them to people in the neighborhood, as any have need. Day by day, as they spend much time together in the church, they break bread at home and eat their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.
Friends, this is what Loaves and Fishes is doing. It serves people like Mario. He slowly walks with his cart to Loaves and Fishes every Saturday and Sunday. He speaks little English, and so he is a man of very few words as he receives his hot meal. He politely asks for groceries with a hand gesture of a grocery bag so that we know he also wants food to take home with him. While he doesn’t interact much with the staff or volunteers, we know he is grateful for the assistance.
Please donate to Loaves and Fishes so we can continue to offer prepared meals and take-home food staples to people every weekend and federal holiday this summer and every week during the year. You will have our goodwill — our appreciation for your support of this vital program of St. Stephen’s.
With glad and grateful hearts,
Claudia Pabo & Ed Grandi
Co-Chairs, Loaves and Fishes Management Board
P.S. Many people, probably including you, will take a vacation this summer. But hunger doesn’t take a vacation. And neither does Loaves and Fishes. Giving to churches typically dips during the summer as their activities take a break. But to meet the community’s constant needs, our program will maintain its schedule and relies on your steady support. Your donation will make this vital program available to people who need it now and in the months to come. Please give now.