Macon Magazine

February/March 2025 | maconmagazine.com 105 In a city with houses of faith on nearly every corner, Rev. Dr. Erin Robinson Hall's column explores the interconnectedness of Macon's faith communities and the diverse ways Maconites nourish their spiritual health and the wellbeing of those around them, inspired by "On Being" podcast host Krista Tippet's idea that "religion is as cup; spirituality is as water." they are worthy of the meal. Neighbors walk up and take the food they need, trusting the people who donated it. If you are what you eat, then our neighbors who receive sack lunches or meals from the community fridge are connected. They eat the food from our kitchens and our hands, and they receive belonging. We belong to one another when we share a meal. "True hospitality isn't just good manners - it's sacred work. The Talmud tells us that when Abraham had a divine encounter, he asked God to wait while he tended to unexpected guests," said Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar of Temple Beth Israel. "When we share our table with others, the Sages teach, it transforms the simple act of eating into something holy – as if our dining table becomes an altar of connection and blessing." Extending our tables towards those who need a meal connects us. "You don't need to share beliefs to have compassion and help Volunteers stock Centenary Community Fridge. Photo courtesy of Melissa Rodriguez- McClain. those who are hungry. Weekend lunch is a great example," said Nidia Svare, Eucharist minister and lay reader at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. St. Paul's participates with Christ Church Episcopal to off er weekend meals to people in need. Meeting the needs of hunger is o en the fi rst response when helping neighbors. Svare says, "When people come to the church to seek assistance, for any issue, our Priest Father Hinson starts the conversation by asking if they have eaten, and off ering a sack lunch to those who want one." Svare says the scripture Matthew 25:35 (For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me in) inspires the work she does with Loaves and Fishes Ministry. At Loaves and Fishes Ministry, breakfast is available on Tuesday mornings. Sack lunches, donated by local faith communities, are also given to the neighbors who line up outside. Loaves and Fishes also off ers weekday a ernoon meals. Svare says, "I believe that sometimes people just need a little help or opportunity to change their lives." Lewis "Loy" Young knows the impact that a little help can make. At Loy's Farmer's Market, customers will o en fi nd his generous spirit sharing extra vegetables and fruits to people in need. He gives fresh produce regularly to Loaves and Fishes, and to anyone who is hungry. Loy says he strategically works in neighborhoods that are "below the poverty line to ensure they know that we won't leave them behind." For fi ve years, he has extended his table to off er a Community Give Back each December. "Generosity is the sweat of the Lord's brow. It doesn't take a lot to be generous." Generous giving is a practice of faith. "Growing up in rural Georgia, I know what it's like to open the refrigerator door and look at empty shelves," Loy says. His experiences have shaped his faith today. "I use my platform as my church." He has indeed made an altar of connection. This year's Community Give Back served over 600 families. A generous table is one that considers their neighbors, and then makes a plate for them. May we trust enough to both share and receive a plate. "Generous giving is a practice of faith."

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