“If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded”

I am in awe of St. Anne’s magnificent sanctuary where worship has been conducted for hundreds of years and Rector’s have preached God’s word to thousands of worshippers. Before the offering each week I hear the words, “Walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” and for me that command implies action. How can I show that God’s word is alive and answer Jesus’ call to minister to those in need?

Jesus instructs his disciples in verse 10 of Matthew 42: “If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded”.  In Jesus’ day offering water was a simple act of kindness and hospitality. The members of A Cup of Cold Water ministry serve parishioners in a number of ways. When a parishioner is experiencing a challenging time our Nourishing Lift team will prepare meals to be delivered or our Spiritual Lift team will coordinate transportation to church. Our Lay Eucharistic Visitors will visit and bring communion to parishioners at home, the hospital or a care facility. Our Listening Lift ministry offers a confidential listening presence, Christian love and compassion to parishioners who are experiencing the darkness of personal distress.

It has been a pleasure to co-lead A Cup of Cold Water Ministry and work with our earnest members who live out their promise to love thy neighbor. It is not easy to accept help when it is offered, but I know that when I have that the light of my helpers felt like a reassuring whisper from God to rest awhile and be held in their gentle presence. I believe that my involvement in this ministry has been so rewarding because I work alongside men and women who quietly and joyfully give their time, their encouragement, their ideas and their kindness. Their generosity is contagious and has cultivated a grateful heart.

What does it mean to me to “walk in love”? I believe it means fulfilling God’s command to love by offering hope and a helping hand when there is darkness and by trusting in the light of our Lord to find the way.

Janice Jobson, Co-leader of A Cup of Cold Water