4/22/20 I Hope & Service

Stories of Hope:

SSUMC donated at total of $2100 to Solidarity Sandy Springs food pantry through our Easter offering!  This gift will continue to help those facing food insecurity during the pandemic.  We are grateful for the generosity of this congregation and the volunteers helping make this pantry possible!

Today is Earth day, and we see plenty of hope in how our environment has benefited from decreased human activity and pollution during this pandemic.  This link shares before and after photos of cities that have seen a drastic decrease in air pollution during pandemic shutdowns: https://www.insider.com/before-after-photos-show-less-air-pollution-during-pandemic-lockdown

Animals have wandered into and sometimes taken over previously bustling cities: https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-show-nature-is-reclaiming-urban-areas-amid-coronavirus-2020-4

United Methodist Communications offers this photo prayer in honor of Earth Day: https://www.umc.org/en/content/gods-gift-of-the-earth-a-photo-prayer

While we long for the days when it is safe for humanity to return to our regular lives, we can delight in the ways that God's creation has been able to thrive recently!  We can all consider ways to continue limiting out impact on nature as we move forward.

If you have stories of hope you'd like to share, please send them to cjohnson@ssumc.org

Ways to Serve:

-The food pantry Jenn Lott began at Samad Mediterranean Grill has added a second location at Under the Cork Tree! Donations of food items can be dropped off from 11am-3pm in a box outside of the restaurant. Financial donations can be made  Volunteers are also needed for hour-long shifts to assist families; you can find out more about volunteer guidelines and sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d44aaab22abf85-feed

-The CAC has collaborated with musicians from Berklee College of music to organiza an online concert to support families in need through the Corona-Aid Relief Fund.  You can donate and find more details here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/coro/mobile

-The CAC is also seeking volunteers to help with their food pantry- you can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080d49aaaa2ca46-cacfood