The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus …  Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. – Luke 1:30-31, 38

Mary’s “Yes” changed history!  Your “Yes” has made you a partner with us in the ongoing birthing of God’s Word in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  It is the Word of love, compassion, and justice that comes alive as we companion and support unhoused, unsheltered, marginally housed people or whomever we encounter on the street. In our relationships, we affirm the dignity of every person, regardless of their living circumstances. We gather for worship at the Porter Square MBTA station every Sunday morning and offer street outreach every Sunday afternoon, and we have done so for eighteen years!  Additionally, we continue to provide street outreach on Saturdays and Thursdays, as well as a Thursday evening worship and a Tuesday evening bible study at the city shelter on Albany Street.

Often, as we offer sandwiches, donuts, and coffee on the street and at our worship services, we witness beautiful moments that show us again and again how our church has made someone’s life better. Sometimes, it is as simple as a well-made, tasty cookie; other times, it comes from a hearty sandwich, a homemade muffin, a cup of coffee, or a simple gesture. A regular attendee at our Sunday service regularly says, “This sandwich is delicious. And thank you for the cup of coffee.” This always brings a smile to our faces. It is a nice story, but it has a profound meaning as well. It is a living image that reminds us that we are all human beings in this world together. Our different circumstances are not important, as we share in one community together.

When Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word,” she willingly accepted the role of bearing God’s incarnation into this world. Through Mary and her son, Jesus – and through all of us – God’s love, mercy, righteousness, holiness, and compassion are born every day. As we walk the streets sharing God’s love, we provide encouragement, compassion, comfort, and care. The food that we offer brings us into a relationship by breaking through the barriers of isolation and separation. The divisions that separate soften. We become aware that we are one and that we all belong. This leads to a happier and healthier community for all of us as part of God’s Kingdom.