"Jesus didn't really ask us to do very much. He talked about such things as a cup of cold water. Sometimes churches get caught up in trying to design a global sprinkler system so that everyone will have a drink. Meanwhile, those near at hand, the ones in the ditch, go unrefreshed. Within these pages we see service to those near at hand. We see celebration and lamentation, joy and sorrow. We meet people, real people-like Buena, a bald, elderly woman, chewing tobacco (yes, in church) who is a saint. And Grace, named well. And Bruce, an alcoholic who gave up his last bit of wine for communion.