I wanted to give our church family the wonderful update on the James Island Outreach. Very soon JIO will be moving from the current site at our sister church, Bethany United Methodist. The Outreach will be in the new location on 1872-C Camp Road at St James Church. Construction and preparation work is still ongoing but they are coming close to the end! The new location will make it possible to serve many more people is a more spacious environment. Our community gives thanks to Bethany United Methodist Church for the many years they housed this ministry. Well done. James Island Outreach has been given the designation of a “Wellness Pantry”. This is kind of a big deal. There are thousands of food pantries across the nation but only 23 have received this designation so far. The goal is not just to give them food but to give them choices in healthy food and healthy eating ideas. Another wonderful expansion for the ministry.
So, how can we help now? Four ways I would like to suggest. First, keep buying and bringing the jelly. Whenever you see it on sale, buy, buy, and buy. We have been designated as the jelly church. Of course you could bring any non-perishable food item. Any food that is donated saves money that can be used to meet other needs. Second, do you have any of the reusable, woven grocery tote bags you could donate? This is a bigger need now since the clients will be able to “go shopping” at the food bank and select food items. I just love this creative idea. If you want to hit a homerun, bring your jelly donations in a reusable bag! Third, consider volunteering with your Connection Group. Susan Warren will be delighted to help your Connection Group find a way to get involved with any of the ministries we support: James Island Outreach, Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Lowcountry Pregnancy, Florence Crittenton, etc. Whatever mission we are doing, we can do it better together. BTW, I think they still have some construction and cleanup needs for those with that particular skill set. Fourth, pray for JIO as they search for the new Director. This will be an important decision that can affect the future in a wonderfully positive way. Add them to your prayer list.
See you Sunday, good Lord willing. This Sunday’s teaching will be from 1 John 1:5-2:2. The Joy of knowing you are forgiven. Our memory verse is 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Pastor Tom
