All-Church Mission Project: “A Cup of Cold Water”
“…whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” ~ Matthew 10.42
This summer you’re invited to join in a congregation-wide, intergenerational service project. We’ll be working together to gather important safety items and pack them in a reusable water bottle to be given to those who come to Rosie’s Place and Common Cathedral during the summer months. Both of these organizations are struggling to serve Boston’s homeless population in the midst of the pandemic. You can help by creating or donating such things as:
- Masks or bandanas
- Travel-size (2 oz.) hand sanitizer (over 60% alcohol)
- Travel-size packages of disinfectant wipes
- Small hotel-size wrapped bars of soap
- Granola bars
- Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards in small amounts
- Encouraging notes
We hope to assemble and deliver 100 filled water bottles in time for the heat of July and August. There’s something for each one of us to do! We’ll be looking for volunteers to roll up their sleeves and sew, fill small bottles of hand sanitizer, write notes of encouragement, pack the water bottles, deliver them to Boston, or make a financial contribution to help with costs.
If you’re interested in any of these pieces of the project, contact Karen Nell at choresis@comcast.net. Watch for more information about this project.
Our Special Offering: Canasta Solidaria
During the month of June, the Board of Wider Mission invites you to make a special donation to support the Canasta Solidaria (Solidarity Basket) project of Metrowest Workers Center. Every two weeks, they distribute food and gift cards to over 250 families in Framingham and Milford. You can contribute through PayPal on our website or with a check to the church. Please be sure to note “MWC” in the notes or memo. You can also contribute directly through www.mwc-casa.org. If you would like to help prepare and distribute food, contact Heather Gonzalez at heatherbgonzo@gmail.com or Liz Garrigan-Byerly at liz@msc-casa.org.
Seeds of Grace Grant Application Available
As part of the merger of Edwards and Grace Churches, we created a Seeds of Grace Mission Fund, which provides grants to local organizations whose work supports the values of our congregation. We especially encourage organizations that have connections with our congregation, or which provide opportunities for volunteer engagement. If you have a connection with a local non-profit, the Board of Wider Mission encourages you to invite them to apply. The form is available on our website.
Edwards Action Alerts: Socially Distanced Ways to Take Action
Edwards Church has a rapid response email group called Edwards Church Action Alerts. Join this group if you want to post or receive messages about opportunities to stand up against injustice and for a more equitable, inclusive, and environmentally sound world that are timely in nature. If the event is a month out, the church bulletin or newsletter should be your tool. If it’s this week and word needs to get out, this group is your tool! Even now with the ability to meet in groups very limited, there are still things you can do to speak up for justice—whether online, by pen, by phone, or even in a car parade (like this recent action near MCI Framingham). To join the group send an email to Mary Memmott at memmottm@gmail.com and she will add you to the list. The email for the group is edwards-action-alerts@googlegroups.com.