When my mom died a couple of years ago, Reverend James Lyons became a big part of my journey of faith. He’s a pastor at Adelphi Bible Baptist Church and one of the chaplains I leaned on during her last difficult months. Reverend Lyons has this huge smile, a voice that I think God must have, and a way of making you feel better just by being in his presence.
He reminded me that no one is meant to endure tough times alone, and that God’s love doesn’t require us to be infallible or to deny our feelings of despair, anger, or weariness. He suggested I read “Jesus Calling,” and I turned to the January 12 reading—my mom’s birthday. The verse read: “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'” —Exodus 33:14
I didn’t know it then, but God was with me, and somehow that led me to St. Luke’s, where I found not only rest, but restoration. I’m now a seasoned veteran of St. Luke’s and have found a place where I can use my energy to do something even when I’m maybe still a little mad at God. Thank you, Reverend Jessica, for reminding me that you can be mad at God, but never stop talking.
This journey led me to Community Engagement with Peter Stelnyk, who is beyond organized, thoughtful, and simply gets things done. I’ve found a way to channel my energy—fueled by anger, anxiety, or angst about our world—into meaningful work.
This January through April, Community Engagement is focusing on our Basic Needs Cluster. By now, you’ve probably seen our banner and the calendar. This work matters, and we are making a difference.
Our community survey revealed that St. Luke’s is a parish filled with doers who also want to be strategic and understand how we’re maximizing the effectiveness of our giving. This year, we’ll provide metrics on food collected and resources allocated, though so much good work happens quietly throughout our parish. Whether it’s Mary and Meg with Bethesda Help, Amanda with Cornerstone, Clay with Bethesda Cares, Jack with Good Samaritan Ministries, Marta doing the countless things she does, Dana’s quiet work supporting the Azizi family, Patrick focusing on everything from international relief to environmental efforts, or Bill who digs trenches, builds shelving, rewires lighting, and oversees construction—Peter and I are inspired by what our fellow St. Lukers accomplish. I know many others do work we never see, as reflected in the parish’s discretionary donations, which average 3-4X those budgeted.
This season, when we make announcements about our work, we’ll have speakers from the charitable organizations St. Luke’s supports explain the need and impact of our donations. Please join us if something touches your heart. And of course, you can tell us to “back off” if your cup “runneth over!” Please know that there is power, healing, and grace in using your talents to do good. Here’s something Peter found that inspires me.
John 3:18: “Let us love not in word or speech but in action and truth.”
Or, as my dad, a very secular Jew, would say: God doesn’t expect you to fix everything, but do what you can and have fun doing it!
Below is a link showing what Community Engagement has done in 2025! Patrick Crump’s wise counsel has made so much of this possible, and we’re grateful to all the phenomenal St. Lukers who consistently show up and help.
A special shout-out to Rev. Jessica, who supports us all, and Michelle Diblbee, who is helping us navigate through turbulence when we want to do everything!
Peace,
Irene Schindler
And to Peter S—my Community Engagement co-pilot: thank you for all your edits, insights, and, of course, for steering me back when I veer off course (as I’m known to do.)
