Once again, when an immediate need arose, our congregation showed up! Last Friday morning, we made an urgent call for non-perishable food and bottled water to help families in the community who lacked the basic essentials after the devastating winter storm. Our congregation responded with compassion and showed what it means to help our neighbors in need.

Our community needs your help. As we continue to recover from the winter weather, there are still families who lack food and water. Today from 3-5 p.m., we are collecting non-perishable food and bottled water on the east side of the church. We've included a list of suggested items below. Please do not bring unsealed water and be mindful of donations that require water for cooking.

As I write this to you, our home is without power or water, and Trip and I are bundled up in coats and gloves, trying our best to keep warm under a pile of my grandmother’s hand-knitted afghans (thank heavens her favorite yarn was wool!). Perhaps some of you are dealing with the same kinds of challenges, so you understand our new appreciation for heat, light, water, and hot meals. Sometimes it’s easy to take simple things for granted, isn’t it?

It is with a grateful heart (and some reluctance) that I have decided to retire from AHUMC Weekday School at the end of this school year. After 35 years of enjoying these precious children, it is with some regret, mixed emotions yet anticipation, that I am choosing to leave this sweet school. I do look forward to enjoying time traveling, volunteering and just “being!”