Let’s Help

Our son and his family moved into a new house this past weekend. It’s a bit of a fixer-upper, so for the last three days, I have been hauling old carpeting, removing staples from the floors, scrubbing woodwork, and popping Ibuprofen!

Moving is not fun. No matter how conscientious we are about periodically purging what we don’t use or wear anymore, the stuff just keeps coming. It’s times like this when I am reminded of my own abundance and I’m reminded of those who are in need.

Below is a message from Mary Jo Nott, Firstfruit’s Outreach Coordinator. Please take the time to read it and prayerfully discern how you might join us in our efforts to recognize and more personally reach out to those who really need us right now.

Joan

During this time of Lent, I hope you have felt the effects of the long-time practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, including becoming more connected to your God and your neighbor. I’m asking you to consider some new ways to be involved in outreach with the Firstfruits Community. There are two opportunities we want to share with you, that we could really use your help with.

We have been making lunches, serving meals, and providing gifts and service hours to events at the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary for years. This year, the spring toy giveaway is scheduled for May 16. Do you have an unused, rideable bike in your garage? This is the single most desired donation requested for the children of that neighborhood. Please let me know and I will arrange pickup and delivery.

More recently, we have begun outreach to the single parent families who live at Trinity Woods and are enrolled in classes at Mount Mary University. We would like to organize a monthly collection of basic supplies to distribute to these moms and their children under the ages of 11. We’re looking for household items such as toilet paper, Kleenex, baggies, garbage bags, body wash, and cleaning supplies such as clothes detergent, dish washing soap, toilet bowl cleaner, etc. These are easy things to purchase when you make your weekly grocery run.

If you are interested in helping with either of these new outreach opportunities, please let Mary Jo Nott know at 636-346-6351 to discuss pick up/drop off donation options and/or willingness to meet to brainstorm ways we can become more involved on a face-to-face basis. We are looking for ideas on how to personally connect with these families which might include babysitting, tutoring, giving rides and ultimately mentoring. Please let me know and we can discuss possible future involvement.

We are praying for your willingness to consider connecting with the “stranger in our midst.”

Mary Jo