Pastor John’s
Office hours: Sunday, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. -12 p.m.
---
Pastor John’s e-mail: jwgilmore@mchsi.com
From Pastor John
Summer is nearly upon us. School will soon be out for the summer. Baseball, vacations, picnics, and celebrations for Green Days are around the corner. July 4th fireworks with farmer’s market and sweet corn, and ice cream are special times and cherished memories.
This is in stark contrast to our Polk County neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet, and particularly those who are unemployed, or underemployed and are experiencing family crisis and insecurity.
Summer is a season for many who have children out of school and do not have access to school based meals and snacks. It is when utility companies can suspend service for nonpayment, and seniors and young children are at increased risk, where for 32% of families food will not last the entire month and 62% will cut or skip meals.
Last summer with generous support from our caring community and many other congregations, the Des Moines Area Religious Council assisted more than 12,000 low-income families by providing food, utility, child care, and other emergency assistance. Consistently we send persons who come to us and are in need to Compassion in Action, and the DMARC Emergency Food Pantry. The need is great!
Thanks to the youth for helping to plant our DMARC fresh produce garden for this summer. And a special thanks for the many that gift their time to tend it. But more can be done. Please remember the third Sunday of each month when we receive our Food Pantry Offering. Know that your ongoing contributions are vital, and timely. Working together we offer hope, and help to low-income families at this time of urgent need.
In Christ,
Pastor John
