You're Invited!

Blessing Box  Emergency Food Pantry

Kids are now back in school and have access to healthy lunches through school food programs. Many, however, often forgo lunch on the weekends. To make sure all kids have weekend lunches, for the month of September, please consider adding soup and canned pasta (e.g., spaghettiOs, canned ravioli) to your regular Blessing Box donations. Donations can be placed on the cart under the “Blessing Box Donations” sign in the sanctuary.

Interesting trivia fact…“Chef Boyardee” was founded by Italian immigrant Ettore Boiardi (his likeness is on the can). The product became popular during the Depression and was a staple for WWII Army rations. The name of his product was anglicized so Americans could properly pronounce Boiardi’s name. The History Channel’s The Food that Built America, ran a great documentary “Pasta Party” in Season 3, Episode 12 about Boiardi and his competition with James Kraft’s Mac & Cheese.

The Community Action Council was one of the organizations that participated in our Back To School Rally. They recently contacted the Outreach Committee to see if there might be church members interested in volunteering at the God's Pantry location at Community Action Council's Fayette West neighborhood center (1902 Cambridg09u8e Drive, Lexington). The Outreach Committee is already busy with stocking and shopping for our own Blessing Box but thought others in the congregation might be interested in volunteering. Information is below for those who might be interested in this opportunity.

There are several available pantry shifts open on the God's Pantry website on Monday–Friday between 12:30–2:30 pm (stocking/prepping pantry) and 2:30–5:00 p.m. (neighborhood engagement during open pantry hours—this is where they have the greatest need). Interested volunteers can create an account on the Cervis portal and choose Cambridge (see the link below and click "Register to Volunteer").

https://godspantry.org/getinvolved/volunteer/

Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, ELCA  

For eight horrific months war has raged in Gaza. Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are suffering. In recent days we have seen unspeakable images of violence in Rafah and escalating violence in the West Bank. Like the prophet Isaiah, we lament, "How long, O Lord?" (Isaiah 6:11).
 

At times a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis doesn't seem possible, yet as Christians we believe that it is. The psalmist assures us that God "makes wars cease to the end of the earth" (Psalm 46:9). At times it seems that there is nothing we can do, yet through baptism God calls us to be peacemakers. We live out this calling in many ways, including through prayer, advocacy and accompaniment.

As a church, we continue to:

• Pray for all people who are suffering and grieving, and for this war to end diplomatically in a lasting peace, rooted in justice and human rights for Palestinians and Israelis.  
• Advocate for an immediate, bilateral cease-fire and a halt in U.S. arms transfers to Israel, to prevent further loss of life; the release of all hostages and uncharged prisoners; and unimpeded humanitarian aid for all in need. We will continue to advocate for these priorities with the Biden administration and the U.S. Congress. 
• Walk with all who long for a just peace, including especially our Palestinian siblings in the ELCA, as well as Christian, Muslim and Jewish partners here in the U.S. and in the Holy Land.

As Christ taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). Let us continue to hope and to live our faith.

Lutheran Disaster Response shares God's hope, healing and renewal with people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. When the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need. Learn more.

• Eastern Europe Crisis Response
• Horn of Africa Drought
• Middle East Crisis
• Middle East & Europe Refugee Crisis
• South Sudan Relief
• AMMPARO: Protecting Migrants

Thursday, October 31, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

 Come join us for this year's Halloween social event with the neighborhood. We'll have hot chocolate, hot cider, & s'mores to share with the trick-or-treaters around a good ol' campfire in our front yard. This is a great opportunity to meet our neighbors and to spend some fun time together!

Set up help is need from 5–6 p.m. Please let us know if you can join us a little early by adding your name to the signup sheet posted in the Narthex. Hope you can join us!