Crisis & Compassion Deacon, Meg Parks

Throughout the Pandemic, there have been a number of people at First Free who have taken it upon themselves to beautifully and sacrificially take care of those that are less mobile, experiencing health challenges – or even going through life changes – by bringing meals, driving folks to doctor appointments, writing letters / emails, making phone calls, etc.  There is also a Crisis & Compassion Team, whose task is to distribute funds as needed from the Crisis & Compassion Fund, as well as care for those in need.  Over the last few months, it has become apparent that someone was needed to bring organization to how we care for each other, so that it’s not just in an ad-hoc manner – but that we’re better able to understand who might need assistance (and for how long), and then attempt to meet those needs as best as we can, reliably and consistently.  Mostly, we didn’t want there to be gaps, where people that may have needed help weren’t able to receive it.

A vision for compassion at First Free is two-fold:  The early Christian church mentioned in Acts and the parable Jesus told about the shepherd who leaves the flock to find the one who was lost.  In Acts 4:32-35, we’re given a beautiful picture of ‘those who believed that were of one heart and soul. . .there was not a needy person among them’.  And, the parable in Luke 15:3-7 & Matthew 18:12-14, while really having spiritual connotations, could also have a tangible and physical expression in that the shepherd didn’t want that any of His sheep would be outside of His care.  What an attractive thing and an expression of unity if we at First Free are all well-cared for enough by each other that we can be like trees with deep roots planted by a river, providing shade and nourishment to our neighbors – “Shalom”, indeed!  Of course, our physical and emotional well-being is only a part of who we are, but it is an important part – and we rely on God the Father, our Great Physician, to bring the healing of Jesus Christ as well as the nurturing of the Holy Spirit to our lives, in whatever way He sees fit, as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. . .

So:  we were excited when Meg accepted the position of the Crisis & Compassion Deacon – she’s been gifted with great administrative skills, a prayerful heart seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a desire to be involved directly in taking care of people.  Please reach out to her at the new email address compassion@firstfree.com if you need help, or know of someone that might.  Please also be in prayer for her as she attempts to bring some kind of structure to these disparate groups, persons and ministry teams – and also that she would be blessed with great discernment as she takes on the role of being the “eyes and ears” of compassion at First Free.