Each Sunday those who enter All Souls may notice a basket resting near the front door accompanied by a wooden sign on a tripod which reads: HUMAN NEEDS. This basket represents an opportunity for all worshippers to make a small contribution, on a regular basis, to assist someone in need.
Some years ago the Outreach Commission at All Souls established this system and published a calendar of organizations to receive these gifts. Over the years as our outreach became centered in several distinct programs and the actual commission ceased to exist, Loving Food Resources became the only ministry taking advantage of the basket. No longer!
An active group of All Souls’ members currently help at Children First, a program on the Emma Resource Center in West Asheville. Beginning this month, the contributions on alternating Sundays will be directed to Children First while LFR will continue to collect on the other Sundays. Both organizations need food and personal care items to put on their shelves for needy clients. Regardless of when you bring your offerings, you are helping to meet needs in locations that are focused on feeding and caring for others, which is, after all, the calling for all Christians.
Check with Loretta Andrews for more information about Children First, or Mike Stevenson about Loving Food Resources. The Connection will feature stories from both organizations in the future.