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By now, I’m sure you have heard about the TikTokker who created a recent social experiment.  At the time when SNAP payments were not received, the woman called a number of churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues impersonating a young mother who needed formula to feed her hungry baby. She even had a recording of a crying child playing as she placed the call. She later shared her data on TikTok. The video has since gone viral.

Let me be clear, I have a mixed emotional response to this.  The results did not put Christian churches in a good light AND I find it difficult to side with someone impersonating another to get data for an experiment.  I mean, was she carrying out a grudge? And, why are Christians who are called to care for others denying a child of food? I don’t think there is a clear path to understanding any of that.

What I do think is missing is the response from those who said, “maybe - let me see what I can do.” As church staff, I am often the first point of contact when calls for assistance come in.  We also have some of the most compassionate and professional volunteers at the Welcome Center during the week who also take some of those calls.

Yes, Broadway has a Pastor’s Fund, but it is called a Pastor’s Fund for a reason.  Neither I nor the volunteers have access to the funds and cannot make decisions regarding how they are given.  What we can do is listen to the stories, offer understanding and compassion, and pass their request on to those who can not only allocate the funds, but know if the funds are available in the first place.

Broadway’s staff and volunteers know first hand the frustration of those who are told to wait until they can speak with the pastor and are offered referrals to another organization. I myself have been told that my response comes from privilege. That stings because there is probably more truth there than I would like to admit.

We have been blessed with the generosity of our congregation to keep the Pastor’s Fund viable.  But, I have said this before, we can only give out what we have on hand. Sometimes, that creates tough situations.

I am not writing this to seek increased giving to the Pastor’s Fund or the church’s General Budget. But, I am writing to raise awareness to the current increase in requests for assistance. I am not writing to point fingers at who created anyone’s situation. I am writing to highlight that there are a lot of faith communities doing good in ways they are called with the gifts of those who serve, even if they can’t say yes to every request.

What I really want to tell you, the people of Broadway, is when help is requested, I see a church that goes above and beyond to help. The initial request may be out of reach for us, but maybe we can get the family to Philip’s Cupboard where there are diapers and sometimes formula on the shelf. There are soaps and wipes and laundry detergent that can help stretch the few dollars in a client’s pocket for formula.  We can connect them to Care and Share where a week’s worth of food helps the budget in the future.  And, with the help of Interfaith Response, if we can help keep someone in their home or the lights on for one month that can result in funds to put formula in a bottle for a baby. Maybe, their first point of contact with the church invited them to our Wednesday evening community meal with an invitation to sit together to chat because what was really needed was a place to be seen and validated. I have even seen some of you who are present at the time of a request, reach in your pockets and pull out your lunch money to help. All of this comes out of community.

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to sit with church members who have a passion for serving and feeding. They are brainstorming and researching ways we can reach out to our neighbors with food served with a side of friendship and hospitality.  They are creating a vision to serve through developing a community and a place that feels like home.  I am excited to see this team grow as they discern our call and plan a vision of what that looks like for our community.  If you would like to be involved or want to know more, please speak with Pastor Brian.

Back to the social experiment.  How would I have answered the woman’s request? I don’t know, but I pray that if I can’t say “yes”, I can listen for the nudge of God’s spirit and look for what I can do.

Peace,
Teresa