God Moment

bazaar Anytime the Women of St. Mark’s have a Fall Sale we take a few minutes before the sale begins to pray for kindness and helpfulness toward all, especially those in need. At our check-out tables we place a sign stating that all profits from this sale will be given to charities, both locally and globally. We thank folks for their support as we answer Christ’s call to serve those in need.

Although folks appreciate our work and may even give a little extra to our cause, most years nothing jumps out as a God moment. That was not the case this year. It took until our sale had ended for this encounter to occur.

We were sorting and packing the leftovers for various causes. A couple walked into Fellowship Hall hoping to shop. We explained our sale was over but encouraged them to take a look around for anything they might want as we continued to pack. They turned to leave and Vicar Carol Johnson assured them it was okay to shop. She took a moment to speak with them. It was then that the woman stated she had just been released from prison after being incarcerated for eighteen months. She had nothing and was feeling overwhelmed. I do not know the remainder of the conversation, but the woman found several items she could use. Although the items were offered at no cost, she gave a small donation. Vicar Carol encouraged her to find a church. Before she left, she hugged several volunteers and thanked us for not judging her. We thought we knew what God wanted of us. But it took a last-minute shopper to show us the most important lesson: Be welcoming and do not judge.