We continue to hear positive things from participants! "I came depleted  and I left revived."  "It was so meaningful spending time talking about things that matter to people I have missed being with this year"

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38-39

Here are photos of the Share Place food store for the Birchwood Food Desert Fighters. This is where your contributions for the August 21 will go to be shared by the neighbors who need some help with food.

Food deserts are neighborhoods where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food due to having a low income or having to travel farther to find healthful food options.

Remember Shopping for the First Day of School? There is a certain excitement and anxiety with the opening of school for everyone. Multiply this if you are a family experiencing homelessness that includes a mom, two middle schoolers, and two high school students

Last week I strongly recommended that churches worshipping inside return to wearing masks and pause congregational singing. The CDC also came out with a recommendation that people wear masks indoors anywhere COVID transmission was "substantial" or "high." A week ago, a little under half of our churches were in counties that did not fall within CDC guidelines. 

The Faith Formation Board is actively planning for fall programming and events. In order for us to provide opportunities for children and youth, we would love to get your input. And our board is partnering with the Mission and Justice Board on the August 21 Pantry Drive from 8-10 am. Collected items will be brought to the Birchwood Neighborhood’s Share Spot the same day.

It seems that everything’s changing right now, doesn’t it? Of course, everything is always changing. It’s just not as evident as it is now, as the pandemic continues, and we all try to figure out how to live in this new setting. Here are a couple of notes from Cydne in the office.