Volunteers at Sack Lunch make about fifty sandwiches at a time by spreading bread over a long make-table. Need a hundred sandwiches? Do two rotations. Pretty simple.

This morning’s sandwiches were ham and cheese. My favorite part is the last step when you wrap sandwiches in thin aluminum foil squares. It’s a simple, relaxing task. I thought of a song by Carrie Newcomer in which she reviews tasks from a typical day and how they can become holy. The lyric, “folding sheets like folding hands / to pray as only laundry can,” reminded me of wrapping sandwiches. 

So, as I folded the squares of tin foil, I found myself saying a short prayer for whoever might receive each sandwich.  May the hands that receive this gain strength and sense the love of Christ.

Simply by a whispered prayer, wrapping sandwiches at Sack Lunch became a meaningful time of worship for which I’m thankful.

Later my wife, Becca, assembled sack lunches that we passed along to our guests. As guests expressed thanks for their meals, I thought of the sandwich-wrapping prayer and began to better understand that these men, women, and children were brothers and sisters created in the image of God. In their receiving they were giving me a blessing. One long-time volunteer said, “In serving those in need, both the server and those being served are blessed.” 

You may donate to Sack Lunch at this link, scrolling down to the Sack Lunch category. The need in our community is great. If you or someone you know is in need, stop in for a sack breakfast or lunch at 317 North F Street, Fort Smith, AR. Sack Lunch volunteers come from all walks of life and represent a variety of area churches and organizations.

Here’s a link to Carrie Newcomer’s song that inspired the sandwich-wrapping prayer…

Collect for Sack Lunch: O God, you teach us that Christ might be found in those who hunger and thirst. Help us to see your divinity in all people, especially those in need. Thank you for the blessings we receive in giving and help us be mindful that small acts of service may become acts of worship and thanksgiving.