SULTANAS OF SOUP

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 115

For Lutherans, gathering together for Lent is basically the Holy Grail of community. Nothing says "Lutheran + Lent" better than soup suppers. I mean, Just Jason here, I gotta bring the snark: what kind of person doesn’t wanna gather around food and fellowship? If you don’t, then I gotta ask—are you one of those weirdos who just hides in the basement? You’re not an alien, are ya? (You know I’m only kidding… right?)

Tonight, I gotta brag on the women of our congregation. They know how to rock a soup supper. In fact, they’ve got it down to a science. Actually, for them, it’s more than a science; it’s an art form. See, they’re not just making soup for supper—they’re cranking out sammiches, bars, drinks, and all that good stuff to go with it. And they do it all in community, with a smile, and with military-like precision.

Tonight, we wrapped up our last Wednesday in Lent (this weekend begins Holy Week with Palm Sunday). As usual, the ladies brought it and made us all proud. As they’ve done over the last month—and for over 15 years now—they fed 50, 60, 70 people (I don’t know, it’s a lot!) every single week.

And shhh… don’t tell the priests, but even some of those who come for supper and service are Roman Catholic. I promise I won’t name names; I don’t wanna get them in trouble! Seriously though, I don't think they show up because of me, or my preaching, or the service itself. My guess is they join us to be in fellowship with other Christians over soup and sammiches. AND I THINK THAT’S GREAT! We’re ONE church, after all, no matter our denominational preference and practice. It’s pretty cool they stick around for the service, too. 😊

All of this is possible because of the Sultanas of Soup. (Sultana is the feminine rendering of "Sultan," anywho...) The women of our church have such hearts for service. Out of them all, two do much of the heavy lifting. Every Wednesday, they arrive at the church early in the morning to start prepping and cooking. Then, throughout the late morning and early afternoon, they’re back to stir and check on things. Around 3:00 PM, the crew grows, and together they make sandwiches, cut bars, prep the coffee, set tables, and... well, they’re a bunch of Marvelous Marthas is what they are.

Okay, now for a bit of theology and a disclaimer. Martha had a tremendous heart and love for our Lord, and she really knew how to serve—despite that one time she got her undies in a bunch. (Martha sometimes gets a bad rap in the Bible, don't ya know. Jesus kinda told her to "sit and spell" like her sister Mary.)

Anyway, just like Martha—in a totally awesome way—our ladies are just as go-go-go as she was. Like Martha, they’re doers, workers, and servants of the Most High Lord. I won’t brag about myself, but I will brag about them and the ways they serve our congregation, and in doing so, serve the Lord.

Today, I think it’s fitting to thank the Lord our God for New Hope’s Sultanas of Soup. They are the Marvelous Marthas of Comfrey who know how to bring the fun to food and fellowship, and who’ve made our Lenten Soup Suppers what they are.

What say you: Who do you have to be thankful for today?