The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes charity as "generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering" and "aid given to those in need." Charity is often a response to a need that is not met due to unjust systems. And while Journey to Justice (J2J) grapples with how to change unjust systems, we also grapple with how best to engage in charity work. Often, charitable or service opportunities involve well-meaning people who swoop in from another community, give a few hours of their time, then head home and feel good about what they just did without getting to know the community or why what they did was needed. J2J yearns for a different model — a way to be in partnership with an organization and in relationship with its people, a way to act with dignity and respect for all (our Baptismal Covenant has a few things to say about this!), a way to partner with, not do for, others.
For about 15 years, Epiphany has served breakfast and lunch at St. Luke’s-San Lucas Episcopal Church’s Community Dining program one Saturday per month. In recent years, our participation there has been challenging, more “doing for” than “partnering with.” We came in, made our regular meal, dealt with challenges as best we could, cleaned up, and left. There was little time to form any real connections.
This fall, we were thrilled to hear that Father Edgar wanted to hire a chef/kitchen manager to coordinate the meal prep and the partner church volunteers. With some seed funding from our J2J budget, Chef David was hired, and he is fantastic! He plans culturally familiar menus, oversees the cooking, troubleshoots, and exudes joy. Because he speaks Spanish, we are able to interact more fully with the guests and better meet their needs. Under his direction, we are able to show up, fit into his plan, and do what is asked of us. With less stress, we have time to get to know David, the dining guests, and members of the St. Luke’s community. This new role has enabled us to be in partnership with St. Luke’s in ways that are (I hope) mutually beneficial.
It was a joy for me to arrive at St. Luke’s on the Saturday before Christmas and be greeted by the wonderful aroma of roasting Jamaican jerk chicken and the sound of laughter coming from the kitchen. If you would like to join the joy, we will be at St. Luke’s this Saturday! Click here to sign up, or contact Anne Whitson for more information.
Betsy Walsh
J2J Co-leader
