09/04/2026
The Outreach Committee met last Sunday afternoon to chart the course of our efforts to support the community for the upcoming year. One of the goals of the committee, and it is one I share, is to bring us into closer relationship with the community. The mission of the church is found not just in making sure people have resources (although that is a wonderful thing), but also in building relationships with the people of the community we are called to serve. I am thankful for those of us who are engaged in that service .
To that end, several parishioners met with the principal of Bel Air Elementary School to see if there are ways in which we can support kids in need. She suggested that we could help in the following ways:
Provide fresh clothing to the school, so that the school can provide clothing to kids dealing with an accident or spill. This work is taking place through the Thrift Shop.
Collect school supplies for kids who cannot afford them, particularly when the school runs short in January and February.
Consider the possibility of paying off kids' lunch debt.
We are also continuing our presence in the community by operating the Thrift Shop, which both provides either low- or no-cost clothing and items to those in need in the community and raises money for the church. The Thrift Shop needs volunteers to help on Friday and Saturday mornings.
The church will take part in a number of drives throughout the year and will continue our relationship with Habitat for Humanity.
I am so thankful for the work of the committee in discerning community needs, for the members who have been a part of the committee for a long time, and for those members who are newly joining the committee.
