It’s difficult to know how each of us can address the injustices of our world. Wars, famine, and disease loom so large. But, as Phil Fisher pointed out during a recent Patchwork Central worship service, we can help our neighbors and make their lives a little better.
This is something we strive for at Patchwork. We work to see our neighbors, to get to know them, and to listen to them. We work to connect our neighbors with the resources that we understand they need. We work to create a safe community in which all of us can gather. We hope that all of our lives are a little better as a result.
“That’s why I’m proud to be part of Patchwork—because that is our mission,” Phil explained during the Patchwork service. “I don’t come in often during the week, but when I do come in on Wednesday mornings and I see all those people who, themselves, have difficulties in life, and we’re here and are making their lives a little more pleasant by offering coffee, rolls, donuts. And they have the opportunity for fellowship that they may not have in another place. I think that’s been important. It makes my heart glad to know that Patchwork is carrying out this mission. That’s the thing that gets me, because those people need something like that in their lives.”
It’s a similar sentiment to a song that Grandpa Gary sings with the kids in Patchwork’s Arts & Smarts Program. It begins with the familiar, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!” Then Gary’s verses switch to, “Shine all over Patchwork, I’m gonna let it shine!” followed by, “Shine all over Evansville, I’m gonna let it shine!” and ending with “Shine all over the whole wide world, I’m gonna let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!”
Every time they sing it, I love hearing the kids loudly and joyfully proclaiming that they’ll let their lights shine brighter and brighter, beginning with Patchwork and ending with the whole world. Their lights—our lights—grow and grow and grow.
I think it speaks to Phil’s initial question: how do we make a difference in big, global problems? One answer is to shine our lights as brightly as we can right here at Patchwork. To care for our neighbors. To value them, and to see God in them. To build a community with them. To begin here and to let our lights join with others to grow and grow and grow.
Here at Patchwork, we are a varied group of people united in this mission. I invite you to join with us through your financial contributions, your time, and your prayers.
Join us in shining Patchwork’s light for all to see.