Amidst the winter rain and sleet
we’re tracking down recipes
pre-heating our ovens
clattering bowls to the counter
game-planning pan sizes
blending up flours
whipping air into eggs
melting butter or oils
folding in berries and nuts.
Now into the hearths
our baked goods go
rising until golden
full of promise and care.
Meanwhile across town
in the communal kitchen
a bevy of actions as chefs twirl
and swirl around one another:
Washing, chopping, stirring
cracking eggs in basins
browning sausage
on the industrial range
crafting vegan casseroles
at the counter;
Assembling massive fruit salads
and green leaf lettuce mixes
and emulsifying vinaigrette
and cleaning flatware.
You see, this Sunday we’re
Rising to this Moment
we’re gathering souls,
celebrating community
motivating generosity,
Making room for joy.
We each pitch in, in kind
and in cash, summoning
investments in our faith
through volunteerism
donations and care.
In the name of stewardship
we’re rolling up sleeves
and opening hearts
to make a better tomorrow.
A kinder future
for this place for our children
for our pets for our neighbors
for those we will never encounter
for ourselves for our elders.
In times of darkness and disruption
who are we to sit idle?
finding the energy for empathy
kindles hope and commitment
to never give up, to keep on working
towards the world we all deserve:
a planet full of purpose and wellbeing.
