Dear People of St. Clement’s,
Do you feel what I feel?
Do you feel the tug at your heart from the additional suffering that this COVID-19 pandemic presents?
Do you feel fear for so many who have less than we might have, and who may not even be able to shelter in place properly during this difficult time?
Do you feel helpless in not being able to give back to our communities in the way that we normally would, through food donations and volunteer service, because we ourselves have to stay at home to keep the world safe?
Because of the extraordinary circumstances of our times and the need to shelter at home due to COVID-19, it is not possible to do Outreach in the way we normally would. St. Clement’s is usually so wonderful about stepping up to give back to the world! We work with Dress-a-Girl, we’ve done the Crop Walk, we provide food and serve at the People’s Pantry, we volunteer and cook for the HART program, we encourage Vets through the 4 Paws for Freedom Program, and we never hesitate to help out individuals experiencing hardship. So, after some consideration, your Vestry and Fr. Kenn would like to challenge us all to participate in a fundraising challenge to help meet local, national and global needs.
Do you feel what I feel? That you’d like to do more right now?
We are proposing that St Clement’s raise $1500.00 for Outreach by June 1. This money will be earmarked for donations to three different programs: The People’s Pantry, HART (which provides meals and shelter to the homeless in our community) and Episcopal Relief and Development.
The People’s Pantry and HART are local programs to which St Clement’s has donated food and many volunteer hours in the past. Individuals in need can visit the People’s Pantry monthly, without any means testing, to pick out what they need to feed themselves and their families. The Pantry is continuing its services throughout the pandemic using strict guidelines for infection control. The HART Program shelters the homeless during the cold and rainy winter months, and currently money raised will go directly to their COVID-19 response program to provide funds for move-in assistance and other expenses to permanently house our homeless neighbors.Episcopal Relief and Development addresses issues throughout the nation and the world, including the COVID-19 crisis.
Why give now? To decrease suffering in a world that is experiencing more suffering each day due to COVID-19. To share what we have with those who have less. To increase the health and well-being of all God’s people. And because Jesus asks us to:
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Do you feel what I feel? There is no greater calling than to serve all of God’s people.
You may contribute by writing a check and mailing it to St. Clement’s, specifying the individual program(s) you want to support (People’s Pantry, HART, ER&D). Or you can donate through Outreach on Realm. If you wish to give to Episcopal Relief and Development you can also do so through the donation button here on our Facebook page.
Each week during the fundraiser we will post progress about how much we have raised on Facebook, in our Anchor Newsletter, and on our website.
“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Do you feel what I feel? I feel I have a more cheerful heart knowing I can give something back from the comfort of my own home. Please join us in the giving!
God’s Peace be with you all,
Laura Simkins
