Sandwiched!

Sandwiched!

Audrey Ceballos


The "sandwich generation" is a term used to describe a group of people who are caught between caring for their aging parents, and raising their own children. This can be an overwhelming and stressful situation, as individuals in this group often find themselves trying to balance the needs of both their parents and children, while often working full-time and managing a household.

This cohort of individuals exists today more than ever, because people are living longer, younger adults are finding it harder to gain financial independence, or people are waiting longer to have children. According to Pew Trust Magazine, more than half of Americans in their 40’s are “sandwiched”, with people in their 50’s close behind (Pew Trust Magazine, September 2022). 

When I learned about this phenomenon over a decade ago, I never thought my life would one day fall into this cohort. In the last couple of years, I had been juggling between taking care of my young children and my aging parents. My parents pride themselves on their independence, but when they fall ill or have a medical emergency, they can’t keep up with today's technologically advanced world. I find myself not only assisting in their physical needs, but also assisting with their day-to-day needs. Especially if they find learning the new technological advancements a challenge, such as scanning a document on the iPhone and emailing it, versus hunting down a fax machine…. 

Now I’m just venting, but in all seriousness, no one tells you how hard it can be to take care of your parents and raise children at the same time. If you are a member of the sandwich generation, it's important to remember that you are not alone. Many others are facing similar challenges. Though sometimes difficult, there are ways to overcome these tough moments and find peace and strength in the midst of it all.

One of the most powerful tools for coping with the challenges of the sandwich generation is spending time with God. Scripture can provide comfort, guidance, and inspiration in times of struggle. Here are a few Scriptures that tell us how we can draw on the wisdom of the Word to help navigate this difficult season of life:

Trust in God's Plan

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight". When you feel overwhelmed by the demands of caring for your parents and your children, it can be tempting to try to rely on your own strength and understanding. I know I struggle with this so much, however, it is important to remember that God has a plan for your life, and he will guide you through difficult times if you trust in Him.

Practice Self-Care

Matthew 22:39 says, "Love your neighbor as yourself". This includes loving and caring for yourself. It's important to take care of your own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs so that you can be a better caregiver for your loved ones. This may include taking breaks to rest and recharge, seeking support from friends and family, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and peace. Guilt is not part of God’s Truth. If you feel guilty when you feel like you need self-care, that's the enemy whispering lies. The bottom line is, you can’t take care of others well if you aren’t taking care of yourself well, so tell the devil, “Not Today!”

Lean on Community

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another". Your community can be a source of encouragement, support, and practical help as you navigate the challenges of the sandwich generation. I am part of two community groups at ONE&ALL. Not only is this my time away from the demands of being sandwiched, but it’s my time to be with people God has placed in my path that can give me perspective on life Biblically. I prayed hard about being in more than one group, and God has blessed me so much with the women in both groups. One group is full of women walking the same life as me, and the other group is multi-generational. I tear up thinking about how blessed I am to be part of a group of older and younger women. I took a leap of faith, and went outside of my comfort zone and trusted that God would place me in the group that would offer so much support and growth. If you are not part of a community group, pray to God to open that door and consider joining one.

Find Joy in Small Moments

Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it". Even in the midst of difficult circumstances, there are small moments of joy and beauty to be found. Take time to appreciate the blessings in your life, whether it's a beautiful sunset, a warm hug from your child, or a kind word from a parent. Cultivating a spirit of gratitude can help you find peace and contentment in the midst of challenging times.

Seek God's Guidance

Proverbs 16:9 says, "In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps". When you are faced with tough decisions about caring for your parents and your children, it can be helpful to seek God's guidance. Pray for wisdom and discernment, and trust that God will lead you down the right path. There have been times when sometimes I’ve had to set a boundary with my parents, but the need to appease my parents would conflict with my decision. Seek God, as He is the only one who knows what your heart desires, and He can offer peace if it’s conflicting with the demands.

Being a member of the sandwich generation is not easy, but with faith, love, and perseverance, you can overcome tough moments and find joy and peace in the midst of difficult circumstances. Remember to trust in God's plan, practice self-care, lean on your faith community, find joy in small moments, and seek God's guidance in all things.


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Feeding Our Community: How You Can Make A Difference Through Our Food Pantry Ministry

Published: November 20, 2024

At Berwyn United Methodist Church, our food pantry ministry is more than just a source of nourishment—it’s a lifeline for families facing tough times and a bridge to build stronger connections within our community. Since its inception, this ministry has touched the lives of over 100 unique households. Some rely on us for a single visit, while others find steady support each month. The need is growing. In December 2022, we served 29 households. Today, we welcome an average of 134 individuals monthly—each one representing a story of resilience, hope, and need. With 1-3 new families arriving every month, our ministry has become a vital resource for our community. Thanks to our partnership with the Chester County Food Bank, we also bring fresh produce, eggs, and pantry staples directly to residents at Trinity House in Berwyn. This monthly outreach ensures neighbors can access nutritious food with dignity and care. What Does Volunteering Look Like? This ministry thrives because of the dedication of our volunteers—people just like you who want to make a difference. Here’s a glimpse into the work that goes on behind the scenes and how you can get involved: Volunteer Opportunities 1. Food Distribution Trinity House Outreach: Help unload pallets of food, sort fresh produce, bag items, and set up the distribution space. After the event, volunteers deliver food to residents who couldn’t attend and bring any leftovers back to the church. Church Pantry Days: Arrive early to sort food, decorate the space, assist guests with forms, and help them carry items to their cars. 2. Stocking and Organizing Restock shelves at the pantry, refrigerate perishables, and keep our overflow room organized for the next distribution day. 3. Shopping and Ordering Assist with grocery shopping and placing orders from the Chester County Food Bank to ensure our pantry stays well-stocked. 4. Data and Record-Keeping Support our statistician by helping with forms and reports, which are crucial for tracking our impact and securing resources. 5. Engaging with Guests Help guests complete forms, translate for non-English speakers, or simply listen to their stories. Volunteers often go the extra mile, assisting with tasks like finding housing, navigating government forms, or sharing words of encouragement. 6. Special Events and Meetings Attend quarterly food bank meetings or focus groups to stay informed and help shape the future of this ministry. 7. Building Relationships Learn the names of the people we serve, offer treats to children, and bring warmth to our space through thoughtful, personal touches. Make an Impact Today When you volunteer with our food pantry, you’re doing more than distributing food—you’re creating connections, offering hope, and transforming lives. Whether you have a few hours once a month or want to become a regular part of this mission, there’s a place for you here. Click here to sign up to volunteer and help us continue to feed our neighbors and build a stronger, more compassionate community.

The Purpose Of Worship: Shaping Our Lives Beyond Sunday

Published: September 12, 2024

Why do we gather for worship? In a world where we can connect with God anywhere, anytime, what's the purpose of coming together in a physical space? These are questions that challenge us to reflect on the true meaning and impact of corporate worship in our lives. It's easy to fall into the mindset that God is only present in church, that our spiritual lives are compartmentalized to Sunday mornings. We may give God fleeting thoughts throughout the week, but often fail to recognize His constant presence in every moment. This limited view of worship can lead us to treat it as a duty—something we do for an hour each week before returning to our "real" lives. But what if worship is meant to be so much more? The truth is, we don't come together simply to worship God—though that's certainly part of it. We gather to be shaped by our worship, to be transformed in ways that impact how we live when we leave the building. Our time of corporate worship should change our hearts, broaden our perspectives, and equip us to live differently in the world. Consider how gathering with diverse believers challenges us to expand our view of the global church. When we worship alongside those who may not look like us, believe exactly as we do, or come from our background, we get a glimpse of what the triumphant church in heaven will look like—a multitude from every nation, tribe, and tongue. This experience breaks us out of our tendency to surround ourselves only with those who are similar to us. Our acts of worship also shape us in practical ways: Offering our tithes and gifts teaches us to live generously beyond the walls of the church. Reading Scripture together equips us to encounter God's Word on our own throughout the week. Praying for one another's joys and sorrows reminds us that God is at work in the world and that He hears our prayers. Receiving a benediction and blessing sends us out with strength for the days ahead. The blessing we receive isn't just for our own benefit. Throughout Scripture, we see that God blesses His people so that they can be a blessing to others. From Abraham to the nation of Israel, God's pattern is clear: "I will bless you... so that you will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2). As we leave our time of worship, we should overflow with blessing to everyone we encounter. This leads us to a crucial question: If our lives are no different when we walk out of church than when we walked in, what was the point? If we haven't truly encountered the living God, been challenged by His Word, or been moved to live differently as His disciples, then our time together has missed the mark. As followers of Christ, we believe that our faith journey is incremental. We don't become perfect the moment we decide to follow Jesus. Instead, it's a daily process of growing in our love for God, for His people, and for His creation. Each day, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we strive to demonstrate that love more fully in our words and actions. This is the essence of discipleship—a continual journey of becoming more like Christ. While we believe it's possible to be made perfect in love during our earthly lives, it's not something we can achieve on our own or claim for ourselves. As John Wesley wisely noted, those who believed they had attained perfection in love were often the furthest from it. So why do we gather? We come together to be commissioned, to be reminded of Jesus' call to His disciples: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15). This isn't about forcing our faith on others or cornering unwilling listeners. Rather, it's about being prepared to engage with those who are questioning, searching for meaning, or struggling to find hope. Despite what headlines might suggest, the world isn't dominated by militant atheists or those adamantly opposed to faith. Instead, there are countless individuals who are simply unsure, who have genuine questions about life's purpose and meaning. Our call is to live in such a way that our faith stands out—demonstrating joy, peace, and an unshakable assurance grounded in our relationship with God. Your story of faith doesn't have to be a dramatic before-and-after tale. Perhaps you've grown up in the church, gradually deepening your relationship with Christ over time. That journey is just as powerful and worth sharing. The key is to reflect on how your time in worship impacts the other 167 hours of your week. As our worship experience shapes us, it should naturally overflow into a different kind of worship outside the church walls: Giving thanks to God for His blessings Offering hope to the hopeless Praying for those who are hurting Seeking out those who are lost or questioning Our task isn't to have all the answers or to dictate what others should believe. Instead, we're called to listen, to walk alongside those who are searching, and to share how God has worked in our own lives. This is how we can see transformation and healing in our communities. Ultimately, our weekly gathering serves to recharge us spiritually. When the world beats us down and we feel our spiritual batteries draining, we come together again to pray, sing, hear God's Word, and be blessed and sent out anew. We remind each other of who we are in Christ and find the strength, hope, and courage we need for the week ahead. This is why we gather. This is why we worship. Not just as an end in itself, but as a means of becoming who God has called us to be—His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs His love. As we leave our time of worship, may we go with this commission ringing in our ears: to welcome the unwanted, to love the unloved, and if they won't come to us, to go to them. Let our worship be more than a weekly ritual. Let it be the catalyst that transforms our lives and, through us, brings hope and healing to our world.
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