Ask the Pastor

February 5, 2026

Dear Pastor,

What is the “Bread and Roses” concert this Friday at our church?

Music Lover

Dear Music Lover,

The phrase “bread and roses” originated in an early twentieth-century speech by American women’s suffrage activist Helen Todd. Between January and March 1912, there was a textile strike often referred to as the “Bread and Roses strike.” The “bread” refers to fair wages and dignified working conditions, while the “roses” suggests a love of art, love, and beauty. I am reminded of Jesus, quoting Deuteronomy, “We do not live by bread alone.”

I learned of the song and its history from Dawn Landes, a singer-songwriter and friend of Chapel in the Pines. Dawn recorded a version of “Bread and Roses” on her album The Liberated Woman’s Songbook.

Meanwhile, I also found out about a grant available from the Salem Presbytery for “transformational ministry.” The committee awards funds to churches looking to engage their membership and the larger community with creative ideas. I wrote a grant to pay musicians to perform so that Chapel in the Pines could accept donations to support the CORA food pantry. The songs represent the roses, while the donations symbolize the bread. I am delighted that Dawn Landes is our first performer!

I’m also thrilled to partner with CORA. Last year, this organization helped with over 100,000 requests for food assistance. I’m grateful for the story of a young mother who visited for the first time and wrote afterward, “I just wanted to let you know what a huge weight you have lifted from my Mama heart and shoulders. Y’all truly saved me at one of my lowest moments.” This is one of the countless stories about the amazing work of CORA, which provides help and dignity, or bread and roses.

So, I hope you will join us this Friday at 7 P.M. for Dawn’s performance. And please mark your calendars for the upcoming shows on April 24 and September 18.

(We) are touched with all the radiance that a sudden sun discloses,

For the people hear us singing, “Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses.”

Read Andrew’s Go Ask Dad essay “Youd and Scary Love”  HERE