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The Feeding of the Five 5,000 because of the Boy that Gave


            Jesus was a name I heard the adults talking and whispering about around town. People couldn’t stop talking about the healing and teaching that Jesus was doing around our community. So, I was excited when my mom told me we were going to follow and see Jesus for ourselves. Packing my things quickly for this adventure, we joined the multitudes to search for this man called Jesus. 

            Once we found him on this mountain, I took advantage of my size as I weaved in and out of the crowd towards the front so I could hear Jesus’ words for myself. He was teaching his close friends but what I overheard was amazing. I had never heard anything like it: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…those who mourn…the meek…those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…the merciful…the pure in heart…the peacemakers.” He promised the Kingdom of Heaven, comfort, being filled, receiving mercy, and seeing God because we are children of God. 

            How could this be? It seemed like my whole world was being turned upside down as Jesus proclaimed this Good News and I wanted to be part of this new world. But how? What could I do, I am just a child!

            I noticed the large crowd start to get restless under the hot sun, hungry for food and thirsting for more. Looking up towards Jesus and his friends, I saw them huddle together. Then his friends came towards the crowd, with me at the front. They were mumbling to each other, “How are we going to feed all these people?” “It seems impossible!” 
            
            Not noticing me, one man almost tripped over me. Now having his attention, I told him that I brought my lunch with me and even though it wasn’t much, I was willing to share. The man looked skeptical and unsure but took the loaves and fish to Jesus. 

            After another huddle session, we were instructed to sit down. Jesus prayed over the food and then his friends started going around to each person, sharing what I offered. We were amazed that there was MORE THAN ENOUGH. 

            It was at that moment that I realized that not only did I get to see God on that mountain, I was part of God’s story as Jesus was working in me and through me to feed the multitudes. I was never the same again.

Project 5000 at Hyde Park Community UMC

Today, we have the opportunity to follow the little boy’s example of sharing what we have so that there is more than enough for all. This year, the youth ministry has taken leadership of this project by preparing the bags and handing out the bags. Please join them by filling one or more bags yourself or donating money for the food ($25/bag) and we can continue the little boy’s legacy by feeding people in Cincinnati. There is also the opportunity to drop off the bags at MEAC (Madisonville Education and Assistance Center) and Rothenberg Preparatory Academy. 

Bags will be collected through Sunday, April 14. Bags can be found at all the entrances of the sanctuary or on the Project 5000 table in the Social Hall (1stfloor). The bags will include a shopping list of items that will feed a family of 4. Please return the filled bags to the Project 5000 table in the Social Hall (1stfloor, right off of the Welcome Center). If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, please make checks payable to HPCUMC with “Project 5000” written in the memo line.

This would be a great way for families (especially with children) to serve together by shopping together and delivering the bags of food. We have the opportunity to continue the legacy of the boy that gave by sharing what we have with our neighbors. 
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