In elementary school in the early 1960s, Valentine's Day meant a welcomed break from studies for a classroom party. The celebration centered on frosted cupcakes with sprinkles and paper cups of ice cream with tabbed lids. Remember the wooden paddle spoons?
We drank red punch and giggled at the sentiments on the pastel-colored, heart-shaped candies. For a week or so, classmates had been depositing valentines through slotted tops of a valentine card box. The box was opened and the valentines distributed on our desks while we ate our treats. Many children hoped that they would have enough small, white envelopes on their desk to testify that they were well liked. My classmates and I knew that valentines could be a very public measure of acceptance or rejection. Fortunately, many loving mothers guided their children to prepare a valentine for every child. In elementary school, the giving and receiving of valentines was rather indiscriminate. But, need for love was great.
My valentine card list has become more selective through the years and the names have changed. My grandmothers are not with me any more, but I have a few valentines that we exchanged as keepsakes. I still enjoy getting a valentine signed, "Lovingly, Mom." The valentine from my husband always contains a handwritten note that I read over and over. I am like you, I need to be loved.
About four years ago, my relationship with love greatly changed. I was newly married and a new resident of Munster, having moved from sunny Florida. I left all that was familiar and started with all things new. Within six months, I was hired as the executive director of Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) of Greater Hammond. Prior to moving to Munster, I had never heard of Love INC. Now, I was directing the local affiliate and responsible for helping to recharge their ministry.
Love INC is a Christian ministry that networks community churches across denominational lines to help the poor and needy. There are more than 140 Love INC affiliates across the country. Love INC of Greater Hammond works in Hammond, Munster, Highland and Griffith to mobilize the church to transform lives and communities In the name of Christ.
Local churches and church volunteers are guided to go beyond benevolence and to connect with people in need and develop relationships. Lives are transformed. One of our core values is to live out the two great commandments to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
St. Paul Episcopal Church in Munster is a Love INC network church. Several weeks ago, a small committee at the church had an idea to get through the doldrums of winter by hosting a Valentine's Day party at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Including cupcakes, they've planned a luncheon prepared by Chef Jack Mix along with the enchanting music of harpist Heidi Sullivan. There won't be a desktop box of valentines, but we will reminisce with Carolyn Saxton, a national valentine collector and executive director of the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City. She will present a history of valentines and include an exhibit of valentine-related items.
The people at St. Paul know that love is about giving. So, a silent auction of items from local retailers, artists and St. Paul crafters will benefit Love INC. With successful bidding, luncheon guests can give valentines to people who really need them, the poor and needy in our own communities. As executive director, you can imagine my delight when I learned about the luncheon and its intended beneficiary. My own faith grows as I witness God working through churches and volunteers in ways beyond my own imagination. Here is an opportunity to bring a guest, enjoy each other's company and make a difference by loving through giving. I hope that you will accept St. Paul's invitation.
