Dear People of Christ Church,
The Waltham Community Day Center is the only day shelter in the entire metro-west area. Its mission is to provide a welcoming place for anyone who is homeless, feeling isolated or alone, but in reality they provide so much more. Through local funding and donations they are able to offer access to internet and phone, health care, legal help, housing referrals, resume and job search assistance, emergency shelter, personal care items along with meals.

Christ Church began our partnership with the Day Center in 2012 and we have served lunch once a month over the last five years. Now the Day Center has a larger need. Their funding has been cut and the staff is doing all they can to stretch what they have to continue to provide the best services to the guests. In the spirit of answering God’s call, we have offered to serve lunch every Thursday instead of monthly and we will begin to ask local businesses to take on one day a month to cover the needs of the Day Center’s mission. In addition to needing food, they are in need of $4 bus passes to transport guests to and from doctor appointments, underwear, undershirts, socks, travel size sunblock, travel size shaving cream, disposable razors and small gift certificates to local consignment shops. If you can help out with any of that, please feel free to drop it by the Day Center yourself (Carolyn will be thrilled to see you), label it for the Day Center and leave it at the church, or give it to me and I’ll bring it each Thursday. I know many of you have busy lives and me asking you to take time out in the middle of a Thursday seems like a large request, so I’m inviting you to pray about it. My belief is that God doesn’t care how you help as long as you do.

There is no question God expects us to help those in need. There are so many scriptures where we are asked to give of ourselves, sometimes we’re even commanded. Some passages focus on the idea that God gives to you so you will give to others, some remind you that you will be rewarded in Heaven for your generosity on Earth, and others say that helping those in need is providing for Jesus himself. Whatever reason you choose, God’s words are clear and constant. Give. Help. Love.

This week I found a particular scripture spoke to me so I wanted to share it with all of you. Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Peace and hugs,
Anna Jones