Lonely People
By: Ellen Bivens
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
[Editor's Note: Besides serving in our community,
Ellen is very involved in our Special Needs Ministry at the church.]
Whoever refreshes others, will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
Serving the Community Thanksgiving Dinner “to almost 500 people” was an incredible blessing. There was a combination of lonely, rich, poor, homeless, sad, happy, and hungry people. Some sat quietly alone, possibly reflecting on happier past Thanksgiving dinners. Others sat in groups of family or friends, some happily chatting, and others quietly reflecting.
There was time before serving to go around the room and visit with the guests. A woman, sitting alone, spoke about her husband. He suffered a heart attack recently and was transferred to St. Louis. Her Thanksgiving dinner would be that night with us. I listened (difficult for me to do, but I’m working on it) and we prayed for his healing.
A lady shared stories about her family and her brother’s recent death. She told me how much the chance to share her story meant to her, (a gift so easy to give.) I asked a man sitting alone if this would be his Thanksgiving Dinner He answered softly: “Yes, I live alone. I have a chicken breast, carrots, and few other things to cook for Thanksgiving but nothing like this! Then he smiled, pointing to the plateful of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, roll and piece of pie sitting before him.
We talked about the churches they did and did not attend. One tried to put into words what her tiny country church meant to her. Another said she did not go to church, but “I have Jesus” and she pulled out a small silver cross from under her jacket. I answered: “Yes! You have Jesus in your heart!” She laughed and nodded in agreement. Another shared her dislike for contemporary service. “It’s like going to a concert with loud music and a huge screen!” A reminder, of though we all love the same Lord, we like to worship differently. It made me wonder how many in the community do not realize FUMC has a beautiful traditional service.
A thin man dressed in layers of clothes came in late and stood by the front door. I welcomed him and invited him to come in and sit down. He said he could not stay and eat inside; his dog was waiting outside the door for him. I got him a plate, drink, and pie (wish I had gotten his dog a plate of scraps too!)
My only regret was my inability to eat with some of those eating alone. To give them a chance to talk and feel like a part of something bigger. But maybe the blessing of eating there with so many met some of those needs. I heard the gentleman who lived alone say he would be back next Tuesday for the next community dinner!
God’s Blessings
Prayer For Those Who Are Lonely
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You today to lift up those that are lonely and who feel deserted or left alone by those they love, and pray that in Your grace and mercy You would draw near to all who are broken-hearted or crushed in spirit, and deliver them from the difficulties and troubles that they are facing today.
Draw very close to them Lord. Enfold them in Your loving arms, quiet their hearts and bring into their lives that perfect peace and gracious comfort that only comes from You, for You have promised to place those that are lonely in families and You have promised the widow that, “your Maker is your husband.”
Lord, for all whose hearts are aching and alone, I pray that You would draw close to them and make Yourself known in a very special way. In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.
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