Jump directly to the Content
Jump directly to the Content

Sermon Illustrations

Home > Sermon Illustrations

Failed Reception Becomes Party for the Homeless

When Katie Hosking decided to break up with her fiancé, it was only 12 days before the wedding. Along with her parents, Katie had reserved a country club for the reception. With 150 invited guests, the cost was $6,200. Club policy required 60 days notice for any cancellation, meaning the Hoskings were required to pay the full amount.

The family decided to have a party anyway. In place of wedding guests, Katie and her parents invited the residents of the Interfaith Family Shelter to a country club banquet. More than 50 close family friends joined 40 homeless people, and together they danced and feasted on baron of beef, salmon, shrimp cocktail, fettuccine, and fruit. Strawberry shortcake replaced wedding cake. Afterwards they packed up the leftover food and sent it back to the shelter. It was enough to feed the homeless for several more days.

When it was over, the almost-bride, Katie, said, "We had so much fun!"

Related Sermon Illustrations

Needy Woman Gives to Others

Gary Waddingham, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Billings, Montana, tells this story:

Several years ago, when I was ministering in a small rural community, we had extra ...
[Read More]

"Hat Lady" Meets Overwhelming Need

There are 21,800 patients per year who receive chemotherapy treatments in Louisville, Kentucky, and most lose their hair. When Lynette LeGette discovered this, it brought her to tears. ...

[Read More]