October 24, 2025
Dear Church,
Last night the Public Faith Team gathered with fellow congregant and senator Erin Maye Quade to talk about how we can work together to care for our neighbors and advocate for a legislative vision that cares for all people and Creation.
Here are a few highlights, reflections, and next steps that you are invited to participate in!
The situation on the ground is rapidly changing and escalating. We already knew there would be cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, as well as healthcare subsidies rolling out over the next year. However, with the government shutdown, SNAP benefits are stopped starting November 1st. Unfortunately, states will not be able to fully backfill these funding streams, but our county administrators and legislators are working on some short-term stopgaps.
Building relationships and shared power will be essential to support our friends, neighbors, and community members. We are hosting a hybrid event on Monday, November 10th from 6:30-8PM on organizing strategies and skills – more details to come!
We are not without hope. We know that by building power, connecting with our neighbors, and casting a vision for the world we want to see, we can make an impact, and we can be God’s love in the world. If you are able to donate a little extra to a food bank, now is a good time to do that. If you are a cook, and can make a large meal to share with your neighbors, gather folks around a table!
And if you are in need of food assistance and support, there are resources available – Grace hosts a food distribution for lower-income seniors through Second Harvest Heartland (enrollment required) and the Shepherd of the Valley Food Shelf is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They ask you to share your name and household information, but it is not required, and the information is not reported to the government.
As Senator Maye Quade said so beautifully last night: “We are worth doing it together, and government is what we have together to get what we need”. Beloveds, be love in the world in any way that you can. And please reach out to either Pastor Sarah or myself if you are in need of resources.
In Christ,
Pastor Reed
Every Friday, we send an email to the congregation and any others who would like to learn more about the Grace community. The last four Friday emails are posted below.