Faith in Action: Serving the Poor and Needy in Our Communities #1835

Faith in Action: Serving the Poor and Needy in Our Communities In city streets where shadows dwell, Where broken hearts and sorrows swell, The church is called to stand and see, The need for love and charity. No longer bound by past routines, But moved by grace in all its means, To feed the hungry, clothe the bare, And show the world that we still care. For faith without a hand to lend, Is empty, cold, and finds its end. But when we serve with hearts ablaze, We bring to life our deepest praise. For Christ has said, "Whatever done, For least of these, as if begun, In love for me, you've surely done, For in the poor, my face is shown." So rise, O church, in streets of pain, Let justice roll like gentle rain, Embrace the weak, lift up the low, In every act, let kindness show. Loose the chains, break every yoke, Share your bread, give hope to folk, Let not your love be mere display, But actions true in light of day. For in this calling, faith is found, Not just in words, but deeds unbound, To serve the poor and needy best, In this, the gospel finds its rest. So let our hearts with fervor burn, To serve, to give, and in return, We'll see a world transformed by grace, A church alive in every place. -Steven G. Lee (June 20, 2024)