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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Lime Springs Methodist Church Advent Lunches have provided a time of reflection on the reason for the season and a time to connect with others in the community.

Jim Shannon, pastor of Lime Springs, led the devotion time on Dec. 11. He spoke on Luke 4:18-19.

“Jesus was talking about the reason he came into this world was to give to sight to the blind, to minister to those in captivity to free them,” Shannon said. “The point I was trying to make is that is why Jesus came for you and for me regardless of our human condition.

Shannon shared that he was always chosen last for teams on the playground as a child. Until one day when Miriam Littleton, who had been made captain of one of the soccer teams, chose him first.

“I don’t think we won, but I was first,” Shannon said. “For once in my life someone had faith in me.”

Shannon compared this to Jesus choosing to come to humanity.

“He came to say … I believe in you. I want you on my team,” Shannon said.

Being on this team also requires something from the person.

“We have to accept that,” Shannon said. “We have to step in line and join that team.”

The talk ended with a challenge to those present to be on the lookout for those who needed to hear this message this week. Shannon said everyone was going to meet people that do not think they are worth much and that is an opportunity to encourage them with this message.

The event closed with lunch and an opportunity for all those present to get to know one another.

“This is only the beginning,” Shannon said. “We hope that it will continue to grow.”

The plan is for the Advent Lunches to be an annual event.