When all around us there are people in need, we must do all we can to help. More and more, as programs get cut and resources are squandered, it is up to us to get involved, whether that be helping people directly, volunteering for/contributing to organizations that try to fill the need, protesting the policies that put more and more people into poverty every day, or simply VOTING. I am proud to be a part of a church that is really living out the call to love our neighbors. We feed the homeless one day a week, we house the local free clinic in our building, we will soon begin construction on affordable senior housing on our property, and we are growing a community garden and food forest (along with tending two beehives) to provide food for anyone in need. We have plans to open our building as a community hub where people can come and use the internet, get help with legal issues (e.g. immigration), do homework, find a tutor, get help learning English, or just have a safe, warm place to be. We are an Open and Affirming congregation where all are welcome and can participate in all aspects of church life, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. All means all! We also support and participate in the Poor People’s Campaign which is working against the systemic injustice suffered by the poor and people of color. There are so many ways to get involved and do things for our communities and the individuals in need, but it feels so daunting when you try to do things on your own. Find a group in your community and join forces with them – you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish!