A Time of Thanksgiving: Have you ever fed a teen-age boy? If so you know how much it takes to fill up that empty space between their head and feet! Imagine doing so having lost one of your jobs, and cutting back on food purchases. Or imagine a single mother, struggling to manage a job, on-line school, childcare, and feeding a family. Budgets are tight and when hours at work are cut, it is even harder to manage. These are not people who are lazy or avoid work, but those who work in the areas hardest hit by cut backs–store clerks, restaurant workers, and the hospitality industry. These families pull together and share with each other as much as they can, but sometimes, they need hope and help, and it comes in the form of food for a week.

These are a few of the stories Staci McBride, director of the Smithfield-Quail Hollow-South Meck. Food Bank shared with us recently. This food pantry feeds 100+ families a week, many of whom have tears in their eyes when they pick up their groceries. Tears of joy, sorrow, embarrassment, tears that mean their babies will not go hungry and the rent can be paid, medicine and other necessities purchased.

Each Thursday families pull up to get groceries, filled with gratitude and thanks that others generously share from their abundance. This program has provided over 2500 weeks of food since beginning in mid-March; they plan to continue providing aid through the second school semester and winter months. Living Saviour has already helped with funds used to purchase food in the beginning of the pandemic, and now we are doing an urgent food drive to provide help again. This time tangible signs of God’s love, signs that people of faith do care and love their neighbor, especially in times of trouble. Remember, because Jesus loves us, we love our neighbor. That means you might take a look at the list and collect food and other essentials. As we finish November and the 30 Days of Gratitude, perhaps you have a little extra to spare and can help fill the needs of our neighbors.

A document which outlines a list of food and other essentials that we can collect to support our neighbors is on the back. You can do a little or as much as you are able. There will be large covered bins outside the church where you can drop off your donations. Or, if you prefer, you can call the church office (704-542-3626) or Cathy Lyall (704-577-0367) to arrange for someone to pick up the donations from your front porch. Please plan on making these donations any time during the month of December, but no later than December 31.

In thanksgiving, Your Congregational Council

A Time of Thanksgiving

EACH DAY ADD AN ITEM TO A BOX.

Bring to Living Saviour by December 31. Barrels are provided outside the church.

Or if you would prefer, call Cathy Lyall (704) 577-0367 or the church office, and someone will pick up your donations.

Day 1 Box of Cereal

Day 2 Box of oatmeal or grits

Day 3 Box of protein or breakfast bars

Day 4 Can or 4 individual servings of fruit

Day 5 Jar of peanut butter

Day 6 Jar of jelly

Day 7 Can of soup