It’s time for Thursday Night Life at the Well Community. The room is readied. On the tables are coloring sheets and crayons. The microphone volume is tested, and the lights are up. First to enter are the Well Community van riders who have come from the Oak Cliff area and beyond. One by one others trickle in, some by foot, others via HandiRides or bus. They sign in and choose tables to gather around.
They differ in age, race and gender. Some shuffle, some bolt, others prance. As varied as their personalities and backgrounds are, all have some significant things in common. Each suffers from a severe mental illness and resulting poverty, and all have come to love each other and worship the God who loves them.
Ramon prefers to sit at a table by himself. It’s obvious that he is still grieving over the recent passing of his mother. He stares at the table as volunteers and staff circle around the area, greeting members with hugs and smiles. From across the room a booming voice shouts, “Ramon!” but Ramon doesn’t respond. Johnny, with the large voice and frame, makes his way over to Ramon and insists that he get up and join others at another table. As Ramon stands, Johnny envelopes him in a firm embrace, gathers up Ramon’s things and walks steadily with him to a group of friends who rearrange seats to make space.
On the steps by the stage, a few of the volunteers from St. Jude Oak Cliff huddle in a prayer circle, asking for God’s blessing on the service, praying for the speaker and all who will hear.
At 5:30 Brittany Laurence, a music leader from St. Jude, comes on stage with her ukulele and with the gusto of a rock star, belts out praise songs. The congregation answers in kind, and the room begins to fill with clapping and swaying. There is true joy here. As Julie Lyons begins her message, a hush returns and focus fixes on Psalm 37. Julie shares ways she has seen wicked people try to “bring down the poor and needy” (verse 14). But she also reminds the group that God will act, will provide, will protect. “Amens” pop up around the room.
Larry Lyons then presents communion. Small plastic containers hold a tiny cracker and a shallow sip of grape juice—sufficient to do this in remembrance of Christ. One by one necks pull back to swallow as members of the Well, members of the Body of Christ, members of the Church, unite in this solemn act of worship.
Before the meal of baked chicken, potatoes and green beans is served by other volunteers from St. Jude, Larry asks for prayer requests. Even those who have sat quietly throughout the service now become animated as they raise their hands expectantly. “Praise God,” says Maria, “I asked last time for prayer for my adult daughter who had gone missing. She called me from another state this week. She’s alright.”
“Amen,” respond her friends.
“Just pray for everything about me,” says Faith, “but especially for my son, who was in an accident.” A collective sigh of concern fills the air. After a dozen or so more requests are voiced, Larry prays. He prays to the God who does act, does provide, does protect, and the people say, “Amen!”
We so appreciate St. Jude’s support of the Well. For over a year, each month they have provided a meal and led the service. Your church or civic group or a group of friends are invited to help out, too. Learn more here, and sign up here.