SCE,NE Day: Love in a Dish

My mother was often called “the Casserole Queen.” A term of endearment that my family started as a nod to her uncanny ability to turn anything into a casserole. She could combine condensed soup with whatever she found in the depths of the refrigerator and turn it into something tasty—sometimes even delicious.

This was the dining experience of my childhood. Casseroles, conversation, and connection over a meal delight me now as they did then.

While my culinary tastes have evolved with time, my appreciation for her talent and savvy budget moves has only increased. My mom was serving love in a dish. She took what she had and turned it into a blessing.

In November of 2025, SCE,NE Day was launched in our ministry. The heart of this event sits in Scripture, and the idea is part my mother, part me, and a whole lot of Jesus.

Matthew 4:23-25 reads, “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.” (NIV)

I love the scene this Scripture paints, and the picture of love and compassion it portrays. In Matthew’s words, we see the image of our great need for healing and God’s great mercy. We see pain, suffering, and confusion of every disease and sickness – mental, physical, and spiritual. And we see Jesus ministering in those places.  

Within His care, there is no separation of care, no minimization of need, and no misunderstanding of pain. Pain is pain whether from a broken heart, foot, or thought process. In this Scriptural scene, there are multiple types of issues, and Jesus meets every healing need.

When it comes to care and compassion, Jesus is our model.

That is also true when it comes to casseroles.

People get tired, people go unseen, and the pain of loneliness can settle across one’s calendar. Mental illness is isolating and often overlooked. Relational pain is heartbreaking. We can all have a story of brokenness. On just the average bad day, care and compassion are both needed, appreciated, and can be given away in an oven-safe dish. The casserole parade doesn’t always show up for illness that is misunderstood, pain that is hard to discuss, or difficulty that is commonly dismissed, but it should.

From my mother’s table to my passion for helping hurting people, SCE,NE Day was born. Jesus would send them everywhere, and so should we. At Thanksgiving, when casseroles are making their way into the kitchen, let’s make an extra one for someone who needs one.

Big need. Small need. Physical need. Emotional need. Spiritual need. Chronic need. Temporary need. It doesn’t matter, because the message of kindness behind a meal delivered in love fits perfectly. It says, “I see you, and I care.”

November 16th is the official SCE,NE Day, and the instructions are simple:

• Prayerfully read through Matthew 4:23-25.
• Consider the scene of ministry.
• Consider the current scene in your life – your friend group, neighborhood, or work setting. How could a casserole change someone’s day?
• Bake. Take. Show up. Send compassion. Stop letting the excuses keep you from following Jesus.

Jesus may not be requesting our loaves and fishes, but he might be asking for our cans of condensed soup and a bag of breadcrumbs. Imagine the lives that could be changed if we gave them to Him.

Big Love,
Jo

Friend, who do you know that needs a reminder that sometimes love is served in a dish and heated for 30 minutes on 350 degrees?  

Bonus Fact: Send doesn’t mean make-and-bake only. Frozen, store-bought, or delivered from a restaurant all count as sending.  
 
Bonus Points: Include a note with your dish. Words of kindness are always welcomed.  

Bonus Move:  Share your SCE,NE experience in the Big Love Table Thread.  We’d love to see your pictures or discover your favorite casserole recipe.


Start the conversation. What do you need to tell God? What do you need to hear from Him?