Council Corner: August 2024
As you learned last month, Council is not meeting so I have no news to report from that front. However, I’ve decided to use my space to lift up a new opportunity soon to be offered by our Outreach ministry in partnership with the Samaritan Center.
The Samaritan Center, whose motto is, a place where no one goes hungry, is located 215 N. State Street in Syracuse…the former St John the Evangelist church. It’s an interfaith effort of community members committed to serving the hungry and those in need in order to promote their welfare, dignity and self-sufficiency. Volunteers have been serving hot meals 7 days a week since 1981, no questions asked; breakfast and dinner during the week and a midday meal on the weekends. Meals are not the only thing they provide…there is case management support to help guests improve their life situation. They have a Basic Needs closet with hygiene supplies, paper products and seasonal needs. They also provide My Place Boxes. What’s that you ask?
The My Place Box program aims to help guests secure new or gently used basic household goods. Many people who dine at the Samaritan Center are in periods of transition and uncertainty. These simple, everyday necessities will support guests as they build a place of their own. My Place boxes will help provide a sense of comfort, stability and the opportunity for guests to move towards self-sufficiency.
Our Outreach Ministry has decided to try and fill 2 My Place Boxes to donate to this great cause at the Samaritan Center. Beginning August 4th, look for the colorful houses that will tell you what is needed to fill our My Place Boxes. You’ll have the opportunity to choose a house (or two) and provide those items to help someone with a new start. Remember they DO NOT have to be new, but gently used is appreciated. Perhaps a way to clear out some unused items already in your home.
This opportunity can lead us to discussions as a community of faith; in Bible Study and in our faith formation classes as well as conversations in our homes about poverty in our community and reflect about people who have had different life experiences than ourselves.
St. Mark’s is such a generous community I know we’ll get this done! Thanks for all you do for those in need.
Denise Ballou
Council President/Outreach Committee