“Feed My Sheep”

At our Gala, joy was in the air. The Kentucky Derby theme was a blast as we gathered together with our outreach partners to celebrate and support our work together. We cheered each other’s generosity, ate well, and danced to tunes led by our resident disc jockey, Deacon “D.J.” Jacob. My favorite was us all dancing to “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge!

St. Bart’s Gala always falls on the Saturday of the third Sunday of Easter. How perfect it was that our Year C Gospel reading was John 21, in which the resurrected Jesus cooks breakfast for the disciples along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. After breakfast, he asks Peter a pointed question, three times: Do you love me? When Peter naturally answers affirmatively each time, Jesus answers the last with the directive to “feed my sheep.”

Our evening resulted in our financial goal being met, which means that we can continue to fund our partners. This means that through your giving, the sheep will continue to be fed, but I also feel that we were fed too. We were fed with fellowship and common purpose as we live into God’s dream for our church. This evening nourished us in a way that will energize us for the year ahead. (If you haven’t attended one yet, I urge you to come in 2026!)

This special night would not have happened without the tremendous leadership and efforts of Anne Hand, along with her team of Terry McCune, newcomer Jen Cowen, Bobbie Davis, and Deacon Jacob. Bravo! We thank you for helping us to follow Jesus as we feed the community and each other.

Mother Nina+