December 5, 2025
Dear Church,
Thank you for your generosity and participation in our November food drive! We initiated this food drive in light of SNAP freezes, changes, and cuts that are on the horizon, and that our neighbors and community members are already experiencing.
This past Sunday, we packed 68 emergency bridging food bags – these are bags that can be handed out while someone waits for an appointment for more robust support and resources. We collected over 1100 lbs of food, packed the bridge bags in less than a half-hour – many hands made light work – and all of it was delivered this week!
27 bridge bags were shared with The CORE Drop-In Center that’s housed on Grace’s second floor, plus other food donations that work particularly well for their clients. 12 bridge bags were delivered to The Open Door Pantry, and 20 to Shepherd of the Valley, along with the remaining food donations and a monetary donation of $610 that was also collected in November. At Grace, we kept 12 of the bridge bags, so that when folks reach out for gas and grocery support, we can provide some food alongside a gift card.
In this season of Advent, when we are asking, what do you fear? We are also insisting on hope – including tangible hope lived out in care for our neighbors and community. As the busyness of the month continues to swell, may you be love in the world, and continue to live with a spirit of abundant generosity.
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.