Greetings Friends of the Outdoor Church:
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, whatever their living circumstances may be. 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, and we have restarted our Thursday evening worship at the city shelter on Albany Street, as was our custom before the pandemic.
Often, as we offer sandwiches, donuts, and coffee on the street and at our worship services, we witness beautiful moments, which 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 and 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, which 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.
Ty speaking at the Outdoor Church’s Sunday morning worship service
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 the God’s love, we provide encouragement, compassion, comfort, and care. The food that we offer brings us into relationship by breaking through the barriers of isolation and separation. The divisions that separate softens. 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.
Thank you for partnering with us to birth God’s Word in our midst, especially during this Holy Season. We cannot continue without you – without your presence with us as volunteers, your homemade sandwiches and cookies, your financial support, and your prayers. You can make a secure, online donation from our donation page.
With Hope and Peace,