5-31-17

Hello friends and fellow UBFM'rs!

Spring has sprung, sprouted, and summer is upon us. I hope you have enjoyed this spring time as much as I have. Despite all of the rain, flooding, and even power outages, the spring time is my favorite time of the year. Witnessing the rain and warmer weather give birth to God's creation is a remarkable spectacle. It is just a reminder that God loves to renew the creation regularly. God loves the creation because it is like a work of art. You are part of God's work of art and God takes delight in you!

God also takes delight in all of our friends and neighbors that we can come in contact with. Our friends on the street that we commonly interact with are also part of God's work of art. Much of the time they need to be reminded of it. One of the reasons I love UBFM is because it enables us to remind people that they are part of God's beautiful creation. A lot of our neighbors need that reminder. When I see the work that UBFM does on Wednesday night and Saturday morning I give thanks to God for the people that freely show compassion to their neighbor. That is a very distinct and apparent reflection of God in the world.

The food and supplies we deliver on Wednesday night and Saturday morning do very little to resolve any physical poverty problems in the world. I have been criticized in the past because this ministry "enables" people and it does not seek to create a solution to anyone's problem. This is true, it does not create a solution; I am aware of this. However, with UBFM I am not trying to create a solution; I am trying to create a reflection. I want to create a reflection of how God would respond to people on the street, people affected by addiction, mental illness, poverty, homelessness, and oppression. Not only do those we serve witness this reflection, but all people can see small acts of God through shared love. When sharing acts of love like this, you are like a bright light, like a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matt. 5:14).

During this season of God's renewal I invite you to come and be part of this divine reflection. Join us as we visit our neighbors and remind them that love and compassion for each other do exist in this world.

There are two ways to volunteer: We need help in the kitchen and delivering. If you are planning on volunteering please sign up on Give Pulse.

The kitchen volunteers help to prepare the food (burritos) that we distribute.
Sign up here for Wednesday evening:
Kitchen Volunteer

The delivery crew splits up into groups and rides various routes to deliver the food and other supplies to our neighbors. A leader will be assigned to each group. This volunteer position requires: functional bicycle, helmet, backpack, and lights for front and rear of the bike.
Sign up here for Wednesday evening:
Delivery

Sign up here for Saturday morning:
Kitchen

Sign up here for Saturday morning:
Delivery

If you have additional questions about UBFM or volunteering email lyle.udell@gmail.com.

Peace