My brother Jack likes to say, “The only problem with the Methodists is that they sing all the verses.”  (They do).  Understand that this is the same person who believes that Moses descended from Mt. Sinai carrying the “Ten Suggestions.”

Reverend Linda calls her Friendship Park ministry “Side-By-Side,” a once popular song of several verses.  She and her chorus of volunteers harmonize in service to our poor and homeless guests.  They share morning prayers and spiritual reflection.  They listen compassionately to our guests’ stories and sometimes offer spiritual insight.  They collect and distribute church-donated candles to light the darkness of the night.

Reverend Linda herself occasionally consecrates our guests loving commitment to each other in marriage.  More often, she memorializes them in celebration of their lives when they pass in death.

She also brings music into their lives.  At her invitation, the Sacramento Blues Society routinely plays in the Park on Thanksgiving Day.  Beyond that, she enables our guest to make their own music at a weekly jam session.

I wonder how John Wesley would regard Side-By-Side.  I have partied at Notre Dame football tailgates.  I doubt that is what pioneering founder Father Sorin envisioned when he established a great university dedicated to “Our Mother.”  I have moderated Jesuit High School student dances.  Would St. Ignatius recognize the display as an authentic expression of Ignatian spirituality?

I have also worked side by side with Side-By-Side in Friendship Park for eight years.   I can say with absolute certainty that John Wesley would bless this small band of followers as they consistently manifest the highest values of Methodism in performing simple acts of loving kindness.

You see, Jack, it is in the service of others that Methodists “sing all the verses.”  However, it’s not a “problem” at all.  It truth, it is the greatest of blessings.

By Jim Peth
Co-Director of Friendship Park at
Loaves & Fishes
Where Side-By-Side ministry is based