We will collect new, unwrapped toys for children from 1 to 12 years old for the People In Need Toy drive in Delaware. Please stop and pick up a reminder tag from the table in the Gathering Space, and be sure to return all gifts by NOVEMBER 29. You can place your items on or beneath the table in the gathering space, or in the baskets in the Sanctuary. Thank you for making a child's Christmas warmer and happier!
This project to help our "furry friends" will begin Oct. 11 and end on Nov. 1. The following is a list of suggested items needed by the shelter at this time, but anything you would like to donate would be greatly appreciated! Many of the items can be found at Petsmart. You can leave your donations in the Gathering Space.
Iams kitten food (Iams only please)
Cat Pate (No seafood)
Cat toys
Clumping kitty litter
Small and medium Martingale collars with Buckles
Leashes - HEAVY - 4 foot
Pooper Scoopers with rake
ASLC is preparing a meal for Common Ground Free Store in Delaware on Tuesday, September 29. Please go to the Signup Genius link to learn more details.
GOD'S WORK, OUR HANDS HELP THOSE WHO HUNGER
A recent editorial headlined "Too Many Children Are Hungry Amid the Pandemic." Upwards of 14 million US children, nearly one in five, suffer hunger each day. School food programs struggle to alleviate this but the challenge is great. Christians respond using the many gifts God gives us- our hands, our resources, our voices.
We have just observed Labor Day, recognizing the importance of these spiritual gifts used for the good of our whole community. In this coming week, on September 17, many will observe "Citizenship Day," the day our Constitution was finally adopted, reminding us of the gift of our voice advocating for those in need. Our national leaders want to know what we think should be done to help our neighbors near and far. We can volunteer when possible to extend our hands to do God's work for the good of our community and nation. God has blessed us with the abundance of our lives to reach out to help hungry people.
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit poor people, low-wage workers, and those with the least resources, hardest. Victims of hurricanes and forest fires need help to recover. Children and the elderly are always the most vulnerable. Jesus makes clear it is God's work to reach out with love, using "our hands," the gifts of the Spirit, to help.
You can help by donating to the ELCA Hunger Appeal and the ELCA Disaster Relief Fund. Put an additional check in your offering envelope, mail a contribution to the church, or bring an offering to worship. Our special appeal will continue through October 4, but you can give your gifts anytime during the year.
God bless your hearts and hands in God's works of service.
