As I reflect on this year so far, I am filled with gratitude and joy at how God has moved through our church to touch lives beyond our walls. Our mission to “love God, love people, and serve the world” has been lived out in real and powerful ways. From local neighborhoods to global communities, we’ve stepped out in faith and compassion—and what a year it’s been!
Here are just a few highlights of how our church family has been reaching out:
Community Food Drives & Food Support
In January, we assembled 75 blessing bags to be shared with those in need.
In February, we collected 335 pounds of non-perishable food items for families in need for Bethany Food Pantry.
We have an ongoing collection for our Petite Pantry which serves many folks who need a small meal or snack. We also stock feminine hygiene kits as well as personal hygiene kits in the pantry.
In March, Pastor Layne, Michyl-Shannon and Leonard participated in the Austin CROP Walk. CCC collected and donated $400 to help with both local and global food insecurity.
Clothing Donations
We have an ongoing clothing donation bin for gently used clothing and shoes. We sort the donations to be used in our Pastor’s Closet for those who come to our doors seeking clothing and then we pass along other items to various other ministries around Austin such as Fig Leaf Ministries, Casa Marinella, Posada Esperanza, Dress for Success and Better ATX Thrift Store. Together we save hundreds of pounds of clothing from going to the landfill.
In July, we collected men’s boxers to support Central Presbyterian’s Clothing Ministry. We delivered 60 pairs of men’s underwear.
In conjunction with the Women’s Valentine Event, we collected 27 purses for Dress for Success.
Local School Partnerships
This summer we partnered with Pleasant Hill Elementary in South Austin to help redo their teacher’s lounge! They did the hard work of clearing it out and giving it a fresh coat of paint. We purchased some new furniture, artwork, meditation station items, a puzzle table with new puzzles and snacks, lots and lots of snacks!
In July, we hosted our annual School Supply Drive. We collected school supplies and assembled 96 back packs to be distributed to local school children. 30 back packs were delivered to Pleasant Hill Elementary, 30 back packs were delivered to Smith Elementary and 15 back packs were delivered to Interfaith Action of Central Texas.
Global Partnerships
In May, we assembled 50 hygiene kits to be distributed through Church World Services around the country and world following natural disasters.
We collected and sanitized over 300+ medicine bottles to be used through a global medical mission team. This is an ongoing project so bring your label free medicine bottles and we will sanitize them and ship them.
We collected and delivered 11 pairs of eyeglasses to Lion’s Club to be distributed through their Recycle for Sight program. This is an ongoing partnership so feel free to bring your glasses anytime.
But wait, we aren’t done yet. We still have four months and some wonderful opportunities for each of you to plug into over the remainder of the year!
On September 13th, we will host a medicine bottle match up where we will match lids to medicine bottles.
On October 25th, we will host our annual Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat.
In November, we will provide pumpkin pies and sugar to Bethany Food Pantry’s Thanksgiving Dinner Boxes.
And to wrap up the year, we make blessing bags in December to share with those in need and adopt families through a local organization to provide some Christmas cheer.
For those events without specific dates, stay tuned. For the other events, mark your calendars now and plan to be the hands and feet to assist with those opportunities to serve.
Shalom,
Pastor Heidi
