Community Connections=Ways You Can Help!
Brad and Amber are now doing Community Connections the first Saturday of each month; check back each month for ideas on how you can love and serve your neighbor or check out previous ideas below:
August 8, 2020 Community Connections |
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Community Connections for August 8, 2020
1. CHUM operates a furnished six-unit family shelter in the Steve O’Neal Apartments, it is fully occupied at all times by families with children who are experiencing homelessness in Duluth. They are raising money for the purchase of a commercial washer and dryer for use in the Family Shelter in the Steve O'Neil Apartments.To donate to the GoFundMe visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/commercial-washerdryer-for-chum
2. Also regarding CHUM, the backpack goal of 1400 backpacks was met! Thanks to all who contributed; they will be distributed the last week of August.
3. Encourage everyone you know to complete the census which is now closing on September 30 instead of October 31; Compete your 2020 Census at: https://2020census.gov/en.html
4. If you’d like to make 20 sandwiches to drop off at church for the twice a month Sandwich ministry of St. Paul’s that helps feed those in need, please contact Tom Hamilton at tomhamilton@stpaulsduluth.org
5. Finally, I wanted to announce that this is my final hosting of Community Connections. For those just tuning in the first time, or might not know, my husband Bill who is the Rector here at St. Paul’s has been called to become the next Rector of St. Michael and All Angels on Sanibel Island, Florida. We will be departing St. Paul’s on August 30 to begin this exciting next chapter in our lives. It’s been a joy and privilege to serve as the Christian Formation Director for the past 14 years and as the host of Community Connections since March. Beginning next Saturday, parishioners Amber Sadowski and Brad Brunfelt will be taking on the responsibilities of Community Connections. I wish you all the best and continue to reach out and love your neighbor.
Community Connections for August 8, 2020
1. CHUM operates a furnished six-unit family shelter in the Steve O’Neal Apartments, it is fully occupied at all times by families with children who are experiencing homelessness in Duluth. They are raising money for the purchase of a commercial washer and dryer for use in the Family Shelter in the Steve O'Neil Apartments.To donate to the GoFundMe visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/commercial-washerdryer-for-chum
2. Also regarding CHUM, the backpack goal of 1400 backpacks was met! Thanks to all who contributed; they will be distributed the last week of August.
3. Encourage everyone you know to complete the census which is now closing on September 30 instead of October 31; Compete your 2020 Census at: https://2020census.gov/en.html
4. If you’d like to make 20 sandwiches to drop off at church for the twice a month Sandwich ministry of St. Paul’s that helps feed those in need, please contact Tom Hamilton at tomhamilton@stpaulsduluth.org
5. Finally, I wanted to announce that this is my final hosting of Community Connections. For those just tuning in the first time, or might not know, my husband Bill who is the Rector here at St. Paul’s has been called to become the next Rector of St. Michael and All Angels on Sanibel Island, Florida. We will be departing St. Paul’s on August 30 to begin this exciting next chapter in our lives. It’s been a joy and privilege to serve as the Christian Formation Director for the past 14 years and as the host of Community Connections since March. Beginning next Saturday, parishioners Amber Sadowski and Brad Brunfelt will be taking on the responsibilities of Community Connections. I wish you all the best and continue to reach out and love your neighbor.
August 1, 2020 Community Connections |
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1. Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center is currently not accepting any used goods donations. But they are still accepting financial donations and you can learn more on our donations page. The following items are things that we are currently in need of: No-contract, pay-by-the-minute phones (we aren’t able to get any 911 phones right now), Lysol/disinfecting spray, Disposable disinfecting wipes, Disposable gloves, Toilet paper, Double/Full flat bed sheets ONLY (these are the only kinds used in the shelter), new pillows, Thermometers (forehead preferred), Storage containers (tubs), Laundry bags for residents in shelter, Laundry Pods and Mops. Please contact Brittany Robb Executive Director, (218) 730-2478 or (218) 730-2477, brobb@safehavenshelter.org to arrange drop off.
2. The garage at church is full with donated items for a future rummage sale that will be a long way off, but Goodwill and Savers are now accepting donations; so if you have items that you no longer need, consider donating them to those organizations.
3. Help give every child in Duluth a successful start to the school year! CHUM School Backpack Drive! Click here to make a donation. to purchase a backpack online by August 9th so that Educational Products, Inc. can ship it to CHUM in time for the distributions on August 25 & 27. Due to the Coronavirus, they are not able to accept any supplies, and instead are asking the public to go online and purchase backpacks and supplies on our website, or make a donation to cover the cost of supplies for a child in need. Or, make a financial donation, and they will order the backpacks in your name. For more information, contact Scott Van Daele, CHUM Distributive Services Director. (218) 727-2391 svandaele@chumduluth.org.
4. And here is a simple way to love your neighbor that everyone can do; a Lawn Chair Chat! Fr. Bill has been doing these with our elders and those who are in need of a little conversation and human contact from a safe distance. Think of someone you know in your neighborhood that could use a little conversation and set up a time to bring over your lawn chair and sit a safe distance away and spend a few minutes with them; it will make a world of difference to them!
2. The garage at church is full with donated items for a future rummage sale that will be a long way off, but Goodwill and Savers are now accepting donations; so if you have items that you no longer need, consider donating them to those organizations.
3. Help give every child in Duluth a successful start to the school year! CHUM School Backpack Drive! Click here to make a donation. to purchase a backpack online by August 9th so that Educational Products, Inc. can ship it to CHUM in time for the distributions on August 25 & 27. Due to the Coronavirus, they are not able to accept any supplies, and instead are asking the public to go online and purchase backpacks and supplies on our website, or make a donation to cover the cost of supplies for a child in need. Or, make a financial donation, and they will order the backpacks in your name. For more information, contact Scott Van Daele, CHUM Distributive Services Director. (218) 727-2391 svandaele@chumduluth.org.
4. And here is a simple way to love your neighbor that everyone can do; a Lawn Chair Chat! Fr. Bill has been doing these with our elders and those who are in need of a little conversation and human contact from a safe distance. Think of someone you know in your neighborhood that could use a little conversation and set up a time to bring over your lawn chair and sit a safe distance away and spend a few minutes with them; it will make a world of difference to them!
July 25, 2020 Community Connections |
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1. Life House needs us to help them Stock their Shelves! They are out or very low of the following items: Adult Toothbrushes; Full Size Toothpaste; Men's and Women's Socks. Drop off at the Life House Youth Center, 102 W 1st St, between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm during the week.
2. From Morgana Kolenda, parishioner and Development Director at Northwoods Children’s Services could use the following items. We always need recreational equipment- fishing poles, tackle, camp equipment, life jackets, sports balls are some ideas. Some of the kids get to go camping, and they all get to go fishing up at our cabin. We go through sunscreen and bug spray like crazy too. Also we like to give out small prizes as incentives for participating, so things like stickers, pens, baseball cards, fun size candy, small toys. Items can be dropped off during business hours weekdays at 714 W College St
3. With the MN Governor’s new order going into effect today requiring the wearing of masks in public places; the need for masks is rising. If you sew please consider donating masks to area non-profits in need. Know that we have several masks available from the parish office; you can call Rita to set up pick up or delivery.
And two repeats from last week:
4. Volunteer at the isolation motel at the Downtown Duluth Inn on 2nd Avenue West (formerly the Best Western). The individuals are in the motel for their safety and protection from COVID not because they have had it. Currently they have sixteen individuals staying at the motel that are in the vulnerable population (either health or age) and they are in need of some weekday and weekend meal delivery help. The meals are picked up at the CHUM Drop-In and then they have a staging room at the motel where there are drinks and other snacks on a cart that they use to go door to door delivering meals. It is not just delivering a meal but also an opportunity to chat with the individuals staying there, making sure they are doing alright and seeing if there is anything else they need. If you are interested in serving, they are hoping some volunteers could fill time slots consistently, and some could serve on a more flexible schedule! If you are interested in serving and learning more please contact Ben Margeson at bmargeson@chumduluth.org or 605-690-7619.
5. Our friends and neighbors at Loaves and Fishes are coordinating a donation drive for the annual event called Community Connect. The current plan is to host a scaled-down event in the parking lot of the Damiano Center on September 17th. Despite many unknowns, they do know that this year they would really like to put an emphasis on winter and camping gear distribution, especially as many drop-in shelter spaces now have limited hours and space. Collecting donations is also much more complicated this year as the Domiano has temporarily stopped accepting donations.. They are now looking to the Duluth community to help them collect winter gear and toiletries. Loaves & Fishes is looking for donations of new/slightly used tents, tarps, sleeping bags, boots, coats, hats, mittens, & scarves. They are also collecting socks, tooth brushes, toothpaste chapstick, nail clippers, soap, deodorant, and hand warmers. Donations can be accepted at Dorothy Day House (1712 Jefferson Street) Monday to Saturday from 11:00-1:00 or from 5:00-7:00, call (218)724-2054 and a volunteer will meet you at your car. All donations are needed by September 7th at the latest. Monetary donations for Community Connect can be made out to Damiano with Community Connect in the memo.
July 18, 2020 Community Connections
Ways We Can Help Our Neighbors This Week
1. Volunteer at the isolation motel at the Downtown Duluth Inn on 2nd Avenue West (formerly the Best Western). The individuals are in the motel for their safety and protection from COVID not because they have had it. Currently they have sixteen individuals staying at the motel that are in the vulnerable population (either health or age) and they are in need of some weekday and weekend meal delivery help. The meals are picked up at the CHUM Drop-In and then they have a staging room at the motel where there are drinks and other snacks on a cart that they use to go door to door delivering meals. It is not just delivering a meal but also an opportunity to chat with the individuals staying there, making sure they are doing alright and seeing if there is anything else they need. If you are interested in serving, they are hoping some volunteers could fill time slots consistently, and some could serve on a more flexible schedule! If you are interested in serving and learning more please contact Ben Margeson at bmargeson@chumduluth.org or 605-690-7619.
2. Our friends and neighbors at Loaves and Fishes are coordinating a donation drive for the annual event called Community Connect. This event, which often draws 300+ people, is typically hosted at the Damiano Center and is a one day event for low income folks to access a number of different services at one place at one time. Some of the services available include: housing advocacy, DV services, haircuts, foot care, flu shots, insurance navigators, warrant resolutions, voter registration, assistance with birth certificates/id, a warm meal, toiletries/winter gear give away, etc. Obviously, in light of COVID-19, this year's Community Connect event will look very different. The current plan is to host a scaled-down event in the parking lot of the Damiano Center on September 17th. Despite many unknowns, they do know that this year they would really like to put an emphasis on winter and camping gear distribution, especially as many drop-in shelter spaces now have limited hours and space.
Collecting donations is also much more complicated this year as the Domiano has temporarily stopped accepting donations.. They are now looking to the Duluth community to help them collect winter gear and toiletries. Loaves & Fishes is looking for donations of new/slightly used tents, tarps, sleeping bags, boots, coats, hats, mittens, & scarves. They are also collecting socks, tooth brushes, toothpaste chapstick, nail clippers, soap, deodorant, and hand warmers. Donations can be accepted at Dorothy Day House (1712 Jefferson Street) Monday to Saturday from 11:00-1:00 or from 5:00-7:00, call (218)724-2054 and a volunteer will meet you at your car. All donations are needed by September 7th at the latest. Monetary donations for Community Connect can be made out to Damiano with Community Connect in the memo.
3. The annual backpack donation drive for kids in need will still be happening but in a different format. Visit:https://tinyurl.com/chumbackpacks to purchase a backpack online by August 9th so that Educational Products, Inc. can ship it to CHUM in time for the distributions on August 25 & 27. Due to the Coronavirus, they are not able to accept any supplies, and instead are asking the public to go online and purchase backpacks and supplies on our website, or make a donation to cover the cost of supplies for a child in need.
4. Do you ever find yourself struggling to find "the right" thing to say to make your child or loved one feel better about something? Take a peek at this great video by Brene Brown explaining that it's not saying "the right thing", but rather the connection between us that makes things feel better.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw Dr Brené Brown reminds us that we can only create a genuine empathetic connection if we are brave enough to really get in touch with our own fragility.
1. Volunteer at the isolation motel at the Downtown Duluth Inn on 2nd Avenue West (formerly the Best Western). The individuals are in the motel for their safety and protection from COVID not because they have had it. Currently they have sixteen individuals staying at the motel that are in the vulnerable population (either health or age) and they are in need of some weekday and weekend meal delivery help. The meals are picked up at the CHUM Drop-In and then they have a staging room at the motel where there are drinks and other snacks on a cart that they use to go door to door delivering meals. It is not just delivering a meal but also an opportunity to chat with the individuals staying there, making sure they are doing alright and seeing if there is anything else they need. If you are interested in serving, they are hoping some volunteers could fill time slots consistently, and some could serve on a more flexible schedule! If you are interested in serving and learning more please contact Ben Margeson at bmargeson@chumduluth.org or 605-690-7619.
2. Our friends and neighbors at Loaves and Fishes are coordinating a donation drive for the annual event called Community Connect. This event, which often draws 300+ people, is typically hosted at the Damiano Center and is a one day event for low income folks to access a number of different services at one place at one time. Some of the services available include: housing advocacy, DV services, haircuts, foot care, flu shots, insurance navigators, warrant resolutions, voter registration, assistance with birth certificates/id, a warm meal, toiletries/winter gear give away, etc. Obviously, in light of COVID-19, this year's Community Connect event will look very different. The current plan is to host a scaled-down event in the parking lot of the Damiano Center on September 17th. Despite many unknowns, they do know that this year they would really like to put an emphasis on winter and camping gear distribution, especially as many drop-in shelter spaces now have limited hours and space.
Collecting donations is also much more complicated this year as the Domiano has temporarily stopped accepting donations.. They are now looking to the Duluth community to help them collect winter gear and toiletries. Loaves & Fishes is looking for donations of new/slightly used tents, tarps, sleeping bags, boots, coats, hats, mittens, & scarves. They are also collecting socks, tooth brushes, toothpaste chapstick, nail clippers, soap, deodorant, and hand warmers. Donations can be accepted at Dorothy Day House (1712 Jefferson Street) Monday to Saturday from 11:00-1:00 or from 5:00-7:00, call (218)724-2054 and a volunteer will meet you at your car. All donations are needed by September 7th at the latest. Monetary donations for Community Connect can be made out to Damiano with Community Connect in the memo.
3. The annual backpack donation drive for kids in need will still be happening but in a different format. Visit:https://tinyurl.com/chumbackpacks to purchase a backpack online by August 9th so that Educational Products, Inc. can ship it to CHUM in time for the distributions on August 25 & 27. Due to the Coronavirus, they are not able to accept any supplies, and instead are asking the public to go online and purchase backpacks and supplies on our website, or make a donation to cover the cost of supplies for a child in need.
4. Do you ever find yourself struggling to find "the right" thing to say to make your child or loved one feel better about something? Take a peek at this great video by Brene Brown explaining that it's not saying "the right thing", but rather the connection between us that makes things feel better.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw Dr Brené Brown reminds us that we can only create a genuine empathetic connection if we are brave enough to really get in touch with our own fragility.
July 4, 2020 Community Connections |
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Ways to Show Love to our Neighbors this Week:
Laundry Love Kits for Life House
Description: $10.00, 2 Detergent pods, and a dryer sheet will allow youth to wash & dry two loads of laundry at most laundry mats. Donate a kit or any of the items separately.
*Normally we provide laundry services to our youth, but have had to suspend this service due to Covid-19. Contact Amber.Sadowski@life-house.org to arrange drop off or pick up of donations
Give Blood- Memorial Blood Center MBC strongly urges individuals who feel healthy and well to make an appointment to give blood, platelets, and plasma. As a safety precaution, and to manage donor flow, donation appointments are now required. Mbc.org Loaves and Fishes- https://duluthcatholicwork.wixsite.com/loavesandfishes/donate Our friends one block away have Ongoing needs that you can view on their website but in particular are low on Coffee and Laundry detergent (HE or powder, large containers preferred). It can be dropped off at the front door of 1712 Jefferson Street, please call first Dorothy Day House (218) 724 2054 so they know you are coming. Camps and retreats change lives. 436 children & youth from 32 faith communities are participating in ECMN programs each year. 1 in 5 of these children & youth needed scholarships to participate. An anonymous donor gave $160,000 as part of an endowed fund to honor Bishop Brian Prior and his passion for camps and retreats. If we can double that endowed fund, we can make sure that every kid who needs a scholarship to participate in programs, gets one. If every Episcopalian in MN gave $7 the funds would be raised. Find out more and donate online today: https://ecmnyouth.org/
Laundry Love Kits for Life House
Description: $10.00, 2 Detergent pods, and a dryer sheet will allow youth to wash & dry two loads of laundry at most laundry mats. Donate a kit or any of the items separately.
*Normally we provide laundry services to our youth, but have had to suspend this service due to Covid-19. Contact Amber.Sadowski@life-house.org to arrange drop off or pick up of donations
Give Blood- Memorial Blood Center MBC strongly urges individuals who feel healthy and well to make an appointment to give blood, platelets, and plasma. As a safety precaution, and to manage donor flow, donation appointments are now required. Mbc.org Loaves and Fishes- https://duluthcatholicwork.wixsite.com/loavesandfishes/donate Our friends one block away have Ongoing needs that you can view on their website but in particular are low on Coffee and Laundry detergent (HE or powder, large containers preferred). It can be dropped off at the front door of 1712 Jefferson Street, please call first Dorothy Day House (218) 724 2054 so they know you are coming. Camps and retreats change lives. 436 children & youth from 32 faith communities are participating in ECMN programs each year. 1 in 5 of these children & youth needed scholarships to participate. An anonymous donor gave $160,000 as part of an endowed fund to honor Bishop Brian Prior and his passion for camps and retreats. If we can double that endowed fund, we can make sure that every kid who needs a scholarship to participate in programs, gets one. If every Episcopalian in MN gave $7 the funds would be raised. Find out more and donate online today: https://ecmnyouth.org/
June 27, 2020 Community Connections |
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5 Ways to Show Love to our Neighbors this Week:
1. This weekend would have been the annual CHUM Rhubarb Festival; the biggest fundraiser of the year for this great organization that provides housing, food, and other services to those in need in our community. You can support CHUM by sending them a contribution via chumduluth.org, purchase a Rhubarb Festival item they are selling and you can even still compete in the virtual biggest leaf and longest stalk of rhubarb. You can send them to mlyons@chumduluth.org.
2. Safe Haven Domestic Abuse Center in Duluth is in need of cell phones which are a vital link for all of us but imagine how crucial they are for survivors.Do you have an old cell phone that you’re not using? Don’t throw it away – donate it to Safe Haven! Your old cell phone can be used to call 911 in an emergency. In addition, as part of their recycling program, old cell phones can generate income to further assist the individuals and families they serve. Executive Director Brittany Robb at brobb@safehavenshelter.org or (218)730-2478.
3.Provide Items for Youth and Families at the Center for Changing Lives, located just two block from the church. Donate items at our Center for Changing Lives in Duluth to support both our residential and community-based program participants. See a full list of needs below. Activities for Youth in Quarantine:
· Magazines (Ebony, Essence, Family Circle, Sports Illustrated
· Color by number books for adults
· Color pencils
· Playing cards
· Giant adult coloring pads
· Spare laptop
· Books/magazines
· Art supplies
· Movies (DVD)
· DVD Players
· Tablets
Grocery Needs
· Lunch meat
· Milk
· Cereal
· Cheese
· Bread
· Eggs
· Bagels
· Cream cheese
· Pizza rolls or Hot Pockets
· Fruit and veggies
· Ramen noodle
· Food that your teenager would want to eat
· Gift cards for Super One Foods
Because they have instituted no contact delivery procedures, please contact them before you visit to learn about the process and let them know you will be coming.
Contact:
Dawn Shykes
Dawn.Shykes@lssmn.org
4. In the continuing call to action to combat racism in our communities, I encourage you to watch the special documentary that was produced for the 100th Commemoration of the Clayton Jackson McGhie lynchings premieried last week. You can watch it on https://dansancreatives.org/icantbreathe It is an intergenerational program that features the voices of youth and adults in our community and explores the impact of the 1920 lynchings, recent conflicts, and the systemic racism that is a part of our society. You can then find more ways to learn, act and pray to combat racism on our page devoted to that https://www.stpaulsfaithformation.org/anti-racism-resources.html
5.Spread the Way of Love in your neighborhood We are having a chalk art show online; draw images and words that portray our church’s theme- Called to the Way of Love... how do you show love? Then take a picture of it and send to me via email by July 15. Prizes awarded to the most creative, most colorful, most inspiring art!
1. This weekend would have been the annual CHUM Rhubarb Festival; the biggest fundraiser of the year for this great organization that provides housing, food, and other services to those in need in our community. You can support CHUM by sending them a contribution via chumduluth.org, purchase a Rhubarb Festival item they are selling and you can even still compete in the virtual biggest leaf and longest stalk of rhubarb. You can send them to mlyons@chumduluth.org.
2. Safe Haven Domestic Abuse Center in Duluth is in need of cell phones which are a vital link for all of us but imagine how crucial they are for survivors.Do you have an old cell phone that you’re not using? Don’t throw it away – donate it to Safe Haven! Your old cell phone can be used to call 911 in an emergency. In addition, as part of their recycling program, old cell phones can generate income to further assist the individuals and families they serve. Executive Director Brittany Robb at brobb@safehavenshelter.org or (218)730-2478.
3.Provide Items for Youth and Families at the Center for Changing Lives, located just two block from the church. Donate items at our Center for Changing Lives in Duluth to support both our residential and community-based program participants. See a full list of needs below. Activities for Youth in Quarantine:
· Magazines (Ebony, Essence, Family Circle, Sports Illustrated
· Color by number books for adults
· Color pencils
· Playing cards
· Giant adult coloring pads
· Spare laptop
· Books/magazines
· Art supplies
· Movies (DVD)
· DVD Players
· Tablets
Grocery Needs
· Lunch meat
· Milk
· Cereal
· Cheese
· Bread
· Eggs
· Bagels
· Cream cheese
· Pizza rolls or Hot Pockets
· Fruit and veggies
· Ramen noodle
· Food that your teenager would want to eat
· Gift cards for Super One Foods
Because they have instituted no contact delivery procedures, please contact them before you visit to learn about the process and let them know you will be coming.
Contact:
Dawn Shykes
Dawn.Shykes@lssmn.org
4. In the continuing call to action to combat racism in our communities, I encourage you to watch the special documentary that was produced for the 100th Commemoration of the Clayton Jackson McGhie lynchings premieried last week. You can watch it on https://dansancreatives.org/icantbreathe It is an intergenerational program that features the voices of youth and adults in our community and explores the impact of the 1920 lynchings, recent conflicts, and the systemic racism that is a part of our society. You can then find more ways to learn, act and pray to combat racism on our page devoted to that https://www.stpaulsfaithformation.org/anti-racism-resources.html
5.Spread the Way of Love in your neighborhood We are having a chalk art show online; draw images and words that portray our church’s theme- Called to the Way of Love... how do you show love? Then take a picture of it and send to me via email by July 15. Prizes awarded to the most creative, most colorful, most inspiring art!
June 20, 2020 Community Connections |
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Ways to Show Love to our Neighbors this Week:
CHUM Duluth’s FaceBook page includes a daily briefing with real time updates on their needs; you can find it at facebook.com/chumduluth
Each day they begin with this prayer: Pray for those who have been affected by the turbulent times that we find ourselves in, pray that those who are suffering will be healed, those are angry will find resolution, those who are hopeless will once again find the light and those who right now are filled with hate will once again find a way to love. And they always have a daily quote; Thursday’s was from Cornell West- None of us alone can save the nation or the world, but each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to.
Here is how you can make a positive difference this week:
1.The Governor has now issued new guidelines for outdoor and window visits for those in long term care facilities and is encouraging their immediate implementation. The isolation COVID-19 brought has serious repricussions for the mental health of those living along and in care facilities and we can ease that by scheduling a visit safely either outdoors or through a window. Here are the guidelines for how to go about that. Window Visits Outdoor Visits
2.Furniture for Steve O’Neil Apartments- coaches, love seats, dining room tables and chairs, dressers, two baby dresser- low boy, and cookware sets in new or gently used condition are needed for individual apartments and fortified rocking chairs for the lobby- Contact Amy if you have donations. If you not, perhaps someone in your neighborhood is looking to donate some furniture, so keep your eye out in your neighborhood. aswensen@chumduluth.org or 218-740-2512
3.The CHUM Shelter is in need of new socks and underwear (boxers or briefs) for men and women and bras for women. The next time you place an order at Target, Walmart or JcPenney, please consider adding a package of undergarments to your cart for the Shelter. If you would like to donate to the CHUM Shelter or Outreach, please call 218-720-6521 to schedule a drop off.
4. CHUM is also on the frontlines of making sure every person in Minnesota has a roof over their head, and they ask for our help in supporting the MN Homeless Coalition’s call to action called Homes for All. Housing instability threatens individuals, families, and students. More than 1 in 4 households in Minnesota are housing cost-burdened, an increase of more than 70% since 2000. The number of Minnesotans experiencing homelessness has increased 10% in the past three years and the unsheltered homeless rate has increased by 62%. Minnesota will thrive when everyone has a place to call home. The legislative proposal strengthens Minnesota’s Housing Continuum, in every corner of the state.More information can be found: on the MN Coalition, Homes for All Legislative Actions and To sign up for Homes for All:
5. Finally, I have a simple Father’s Day Gift idea for those last minute shoppers, or really for anyone to support our local neighbors who own restautrants. COVID-19 is having a profound impact on Northland restaurants – with many facing unforeseen challenges and tough decisions on how to safely maintain business operations, support staff, and keep their doors open to the public. Together, we can do something about it. Strong Northland is a collective effort by the Greater Downtown Council, the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Duluth along with many supportive partners, to provide an economic stimulus to our area through the purchase of pre-paid restaurant vouchers. Support local restaurants by purchasing a voucher today.
Make sure you are staying safe and well as you care for others. Continue to look at the updated guidelines and news updates at https://staysafe.mn.gov/
CHUM Duluth’s FaceBook page includes a daily briefing with real time updates on their needs; you can find it at facebook.com/chumduluth
Each day they begin with this prayer: Pray for those who have been affected by the turbulent times that we find ourselves in, pray that those who are suffering will be healed, those are angry will find resolution, those who are hopeless will once again find the light and those who right now are filled with hate will once again find a way to love. And they always have a daily quote; Thursday’s was from Cornell West- None of us alone can save the nation or the world, but each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to.
Here is how you can make a positive difference this week:
1.The Governor has now issued new guidelines for outdoor and window visits for those in long term care facilities and is encouraging their immediate implementation. The isolation COVID-19 brought has serious repricussions for the mental health of those living along and in care facilities and we can ease that by scheduling a visit safely either outdoors or through a window. Here are the guidelines for how to go about that. Window Visits Outdoor Visits
2.Furniture for Steve O’Neil Apartments- coaches, love seats, dining room tables and chairs, dressers, two baby dresser- low boy, and cookware sets in new or gently used condition are needed for individual apartments and fortified rocking chairs for the lobby- Contact Amy if you have donations. If you not, perhaps someone in your neighborhood is looking to donate some furniture, so keep your eye out in your neighborhood. aswensen@chumduluth.org or 218-740-2512
3.The CHUM Shelter is in need of new socks and underwear (boxers or briefs) for men and women and bras for women. The next time you place an order at Target, Walmart or JcPenney, please consider adding a package of undergarments to your cart for the Shelter. If you would like to donate to the CHUM Shelter or Outreach, please call 218-720-6521 to schedule a drop off.
4. CHUM is also on the frontlines of making sure every person in Minnesota has a roof over their head, and they ask for our help in supporting the MN Homeless Coalition’s call to action called Homes for All. Housing instability threatens individuals, families, and students. More than 1 in 4 households in Minnesota are housing cost-burdened, an increase of more than 70% since 2000. The number of Minnesotans experiencing homelessness has increased 10% in the past three years and the unsheltered homeless rate has increased by 62%. Minnesota will thrive when everyone has a place to call home. The legislative proposal strengthens Minnesota’s Housing Continuum, in every corner of the state.More information can be found: on the MN Coalition, Homes for All Legislative Actions and To sign up for Homes for All:
5. Finally, I have a simple Father’s Day Gift idea for those last minute shoppers, or really for anyone to support our local neighbors who own restautrants. COVID-19 is having a profound impact on Northland restaurants – with many facing unforeseen challenges and tough decisions on how to safely maintain business operations, support staff, and keep their doors open to the public. Together, we can do something about it. Strong Northland is a collective effort by the Greater Downtown Council, the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Duluth along with many supportive partners, to provide an economic stimulus to our area through the purchase of pre-paid restaurant vouchers. Support local restaurants by purchasing a voucher today.
Make sure you are staying safe and well as you care for others. Continue to look at the updated guidelines and news updates at https://staysafe.mn.gov/
June 13, 2020 Community Connections |
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1. Our Sandwich ministry is going strong. If you would like to be a part of this important ministry that provides sandwiches you make in your home and then drop off at church, please contact tomhamilton@stpaulsduluth.org. Each household makes 20 sandwiches, meat, or cheese and then brings to the back entrance of church on the morning of the first or third Thursday of the month. We also need one household to do the assembly and packing process and do a contactless drop off.
2.Loaves and Fishes- https://duluthcatholicwork.wixsite.com/loavesandfishes/donate Our friends one block away have Ongoing needs that you can view on their website but in particular are low on Coffee and Laundry detergent (HE or powder, large containers preferred). It can be dropped off at the front door of 1712 Jefferson Street, please call first Dorothy Day House (218) 724 2054 so they know you are coming. Also if there are handy men and women to do painting, drywall, minor electrical and plumbing and carpentry, they have the house set up so there are times when there are only a handful of guests who can be isolated or asked to make other plans so if you are getting stir crazy at home, they can find a safe way to keep you busy.
3.Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 E 31st Street, is coordinating many of the donations to help those in the Lake Street neighborhood in Minneapolis and is open to receive donations from 9am-5pm and distribute food and supplies from 9am-6pmeach day, weather permitting. They consistently have a need for diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, cooking oil, laundry detergent, dish soap, body soap, hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, maxi pads, and bottled water. They need volunteers, but please check the Facebook page pinned post to keep up to date. Their Facebook page with current information: https://www.facebook.com/htlcmpls/
4. Please join in for the following Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial 100th Commemoration events:
Saturday, June 13 from 5-9 p.m. online- “Just Mercy” Facebook watch party followed by a public discussion on critical issues affecting justice in the community. “Just Mercy” addresses inequality, injustice and the systemic breakdown of the criminal justice system. Warner Brothers Studio has made the film free to watch through June. It’s available for free at YouTube, iTunes, Amazon Prime Video and Google Play. Following the showing, a panel discussion will be held on the CJM Facebook page.
Sunday, June 14 at 5 p.m. online - Virtual gathering at Park Hill Cemetery Join a virtual gathering at the grave sites of Clayton, Jackson and McGhie to pay respects and join in a prayer.
Monday, June 15 from 5-7 p.m. online - Documentary “I Can’t Breathe: A CJM memorial” Join the virtual 2020 annual Day of Remembrance to honor the victims of the 1920 Duluth lynchings. This day comes 100 years after a mob of 10,000 community members lined the streets to participate in the lynching of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie.Discussion panel following documentary from 7:10-9 p.m online
5.CHUM Duluth is still in need of more volunteers to pack food boxes. They pack them twice a week and Chum staff said this service is really important and even more now. Since the health pandemic started, CHUM has made the pre-packed food boxes to hand out those in need in the community and it has been a big success during the financial challenges many have been facing. In each box they pack about 50 pounds of food that has produce, meat, dairy and more. "Volunteers are needed Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The food boxes are distributed outside the food shelf Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. To volunteer, call the CHUM food shelf at 218-727-2391. To donate to CHUM for the food shelf truck, you can mail checks to: CHUM Food Shelf - 120 North 1st Ave. West, Duluth, MN 55802.
2.Loaves and Fishes- https://duluthcatholicwork.wixsite.com/loavesandfishes/donate Our friends one block away have Ongoing needs that you can view on their website but in particular are low on Coffee and Laundry detergent (HE or powder, large containers preferred). It can be dropped off at the front door of 1712 Jefferson Street, please call first Dorothy Day House (218) 724 2054 so they know you are coming. Also if there are handy men and women to do painting, drywall, minor electrical and plumbing and carpentry, they have the house set up so there are times when there are only a handful of guests who can be isolated or asked to make other plans so if you are getting stir crazy at home, they can find a safe way to keep you busy.
3.Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 E 31st Street, is coordinating many of the donations to help those in the Lake Street neighborhood in Minneapolis and is open to receive donations from 9am-5pm and distribute food and supplies from 9am-6pmeach day, weather permitting. They consistently have a need for diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, cooking oil, laundry detergent, dish soap, body soap, hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, maxi pads, and bottled water. They need volunteers, but please check the Facebook page pinned post to keep up to date. Their Facebook page with current information: https://www.facebook.com/htlcmpls/
4. Please join in for the following Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial 100th Commemoration events:
Saturday, June 13 from 5-9 p.m. online- “Just Mercy” Facebook watch party followed by a public discussion on critical issues affecting justice in the community. “Just Mercy” addresses inequality, injustice and the systemic breakdown of the criminal justice system. Warner Brothers Studio has made the film free to watch through June. It’s available for free at YouTube, iTunes, Amazon Prime Video and Google Play. Following the showing, a panel discussion will be held on the CJM Facebook page.
Sunday, June 14 at 5 p.m. online - Virtual gathering at Park Hill Cemetery Join a virtual gathering at the grave sites of Clayton, Jackson and McGhie to pay respects and join in a prayer.
Monday, June 15 from 5-7 p.m. online - Documentary “I Can’t Breathe: A CJM memorial” Join the virtual 2020 annual Day of Remembrance to honor the victims of the 1920 Duluth lynchings. This day comes 100 years after a mob of 10,000 community members lined the streets to participate in the lynching of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie.Discussion panel following documentary from 7:10-9 p.m online
5.CHUM Duluth is still in need of more volunteers to pack food boxes. They pack them twice a week and Chum staff said this service is really important and even more now. Since the health pandemic started, CHUM has made the pre-packed food boxes to hand out those in need in the community and it has been a big success during the financial challenges many have been facing. In each box they pack about 50 pounds of food that has produce, meat, dairy and more. "Volunteers are needed Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The food boxes are distributed outside the food shelf Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. To volunteer, call the CHUM food shelf at 218-727-2391. To donate to CHUM for the food shelf truck, you can mail checks to: CHUM Food Shelf - 120 North 1st Ave. West, Duluth, MN 55802.
June 6, 2020 Community Connections
On a local note for Duluth: Thanks to all who have been making sandwiches twice a month for our Sandwich Ministry at the Steve O’Neil Apartments.
CHUM Duluth needs help moving and packing boxes at the Food Shelf contact https://www.chumduluth.org/volunteers.htm (218) 720-6521.
In light of the national outcry in responses to recent murders of innocent people of color; today's Community Connections will focus on the call for racial justice. To those of you who are white; it is time for us to do our work. Now is the time we look in the mirror and ask ourselves how we dismantle the systems of injustice that we have benefited from for the past 400 years. It is not our black and brown fellow humans responsibility to do the work or to tell us how to do it. It is time to get uncomfortable. It is time to learn what racism is and how we participate in it every day. It’s not enough to be a good person. It’s never been enough. We need to do better through learning, acting and praying.
We have created a new section of our website, www.stpaulsduluth.org/anti-racism-resources to give you ideas on ways to Learn, Act and Pray for racial reconciliation and furthering anti-racism efforts. Highlighted below are a few examples but please check out the entire webpage.
LEARN
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 E 31st Street, in Minneapolis is open to receive donations from 9am-5pm and distribute food and supplies from 9am-6pmeach day, weather permitting.
They consistently have a need for diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, cooking oil, laundry detergent, dish soap, body soap, hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, maxi pads, and bottled water. We consistently need volunteers, but please check the Facebook page pinned post to keep up to date.Their Facebook page with current information: https://www.facebook.com/htlcmpls/
THE ONE FUND exists to support the work of local African American churches and ministries whose communities, due to historic inequities, are disproportionately impacted by the recent crises in our Twin Cities. These inequities, caused by systemic injustice, have been clearly exposed again by the effects of Covid 19 and the trauma surrounding the horrific death of George Floyd.
You can donate at https://www.bethechurchmn.com/onefund/
Other places to donate and other actions can be found at www.stpaulsduluth.org/anti-racism-resources
CHUM Duluth needs help moving and packing boxes at the Food Shelf contact https://www.chumduluth.org/volunteers.htm (218) 720-6521.
In light of the national outcry in responses to recent murders of innocent people of color; today's Community Connections will focus on the call for racial justice. To those of you who are white; it is time for us to do our work. Now is the time we look in the mirror and ask ourselves how we dismantle the systems of injustice that we have benefited from for the past 400 years. It is not our black and brown fellow humans responsibility to do the work or to tell us how to do it. It is time to get uncomfortable. It is time to learn what racism is and how we participate in it every day. It’s not enough to be a good person. It’s never been enough. We need to do better through learning, acting and praying.
We have created a new section of our website, www.stpaulsduluth.org/anti-racism-resources to give you ideas on ways to Learn, Act and Pray for racial reconciliation and furthering anti-racism efforts. Highlighted below are a few examples but please check out the entire webpage.
LEARN
- 75 Things White People Can Do For Racial Justice- This article on actions we can take for racial justice is specific to white people because of the innate privilege in society, but there are pieces for all to take action.
- The Assumptions of White Privilege and What We Can Do About It An article just published that uses recent events to highlight white privilege and what we can do about it.
- What Not To Say To Your Black Colleagues Right Now
- Minneapolis' Long History of Policing Black and White Communities Differently - PBS News Hour, Solveig was a production assistant on this piece
- Just Mercy the Movie by Bryan Stevenson is now free on various platforms; Itunes, Amazon Prime as well as the book
- A parishioner shared with me that she is doing this with her adult daughters, it’s called the 21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge- for 21 days, do one action to further your understanding of power, privilege, supremacy, oppression and equity. https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/21daychallenge Plan includes suggestions for readings, podcasts, videos, observations, and ways to form and deepen community connections.
- A Conversation; The Duluth Lynchings 100 Years Later, Monday, June 8 2pm
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 E 31st Street, in Minneapolis is open to receive donations from 9am-5pm and distribute food and supplies from 9am-6pmeach day, weather permitting.
They consistently have a need for diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, cooking oil, laundry detergent, dish soap, body soap, hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, maxi pads, and bottled water. We consistently need volunteers, but please check the Facebook page pinned post to keep up to date.Their Facebook page with current information: https://www.facebook.com/htlcmpls/
THE ONE FUND exists to support the work of local African American churches and ministries whose communities, due to historic inequities, are disproportionately impacted by the recent crises in our Twin Cities. These inequities, caused by systemic injustice, have been clearly exposed again by the effects of Covid 19 and the trauma surrounding the horrific death of George Floyd.
You can donate at https://www.bethechurchmn.com/onefund/
Other places to donate and other actions can be found at www.stpaulsduluth.org/anti-racism-resources
May 30, 2020 Community Connections:
1. The Killing of George Floyd:
Like many of you, my heart aches about the killing of George Floyd that amplifies the racial injustices that continue to exist.
Our Bishop and Bishop Elect had a conversation with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, who shared the following:
"This crisis reflects deep sores and deep wounds that have been here all along. In the midst of COVID-19 and the pressure cooker of a society in turmoil, a man was brutally killed. The basic human right to life was taken away. His basic human dignity was stripped by someone charged to protect our common humanity. And perhaps the deeper pain of this is the fact that it’s not an isolated incident. The pain of this is that it's a deep part of our life. It’s not just our history. It is American society today.We are not, however, slaves to our fate . . . unless we choose to do nothing."
As the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, we will choose to do something, and commit again to the work of racial reconciliation and justice. Our leadership is asking all Minnesota Episcopalians to join, as a start, in taking the following actions:
While there are no easy answers to everything unfolding around us, as followers of Jesus, we always have a clear question: what does love look like?
We pray that we might walk the way of love, witness to the way of love, and join with the Holy Spirit in turning the nightmare our world can be into the dream that God longs to bring about.
2. Assembly of Face Shields: Ecolibrium3 is calling for volunteers to assemble Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a community collaboration that supports our local people, frontline workers, health systems, businesses, and nonprofits. Working with Lincoln Park manufacturer Frost River, Ecolibrium3 will use the proceeds from PPE sales to provide masks to community members, make donations to other local nonprofits, and invest in community resilience.
Register your business, organization, or nonprofit to volunteer below!
During each 4-hour volunteer session, 30 to 35 volunteers will assemble 6,000 face shields for use by frontline workers needing added protection from the coronavirus. Volunteers will be provided with safety and assembly training, a T-shirt and masks, and prizes purchased from our local businesses.
In true pay-it-forward style, each volunteer session will allow us to distribute 500 masks to community members and organizations and raise $1,000 for your selected nonprofit partner. For more information go to https://www.ecolibrium3.org/pay-it-forward-ppe/
Every 4-hour volunteer session will produce:
The need for safe and supportive homes for children in transition continues to grow. In 2018, about 6,700 Minnesotan children entered foster care. The number of children in Minnesota foster care on an average day rose 14% from 2016 to 2018, with estimated 10,050 children in out-of-home placement daily. We currently have a great need for families able and willing to provide short-term respite care, foster sibling groups, school-aged children, older youth, and who are supportive and affirming of LGBTQ youth. Contact: https://www.lssmn.org/services/families/foster-care
Like many of you, my heart aches about the killing of George Floyd that amplifies the racial injustices that continue to exist.
Our Bishop and Bishop Elect had a conversation with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, who shared the following:
"This crisis reflects deep sores and deep wounds that have been here all along. In the midst of COVID-19 and the pressure cooker of a society in turmoil, a man was brutally killed. The basic human right to life was taken away. His basic human dignity was stripped by someone charged to protect our common humanity. And perhaps the deeper pain of this is the fact that it’s not an isolated incident. The pain of this is that it's a deep part of our life. It’s not just our history. It is American society today.We are not, however, slaves to our fate . . . unless we choose to do nothing."
As the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, we will choose to do something, and commit again to the work of racial reconciliation and justice. Our leadership is asking all Minnesota Episcopalians to join, as a start, in taking the following actions:
- Call elected officials to demand justice.
- If you can, donate to organizations working on the front line of these issues: COPAL or NAACP Minneapolis.
- Donate to the family of George Floyd.
- If you are a white person, we invite you to find ways to amplify the voices of those who are not being heard. We invite you to continue to learn, to engage in dialogue and to move beyond your comfort zone to understand your privilege. ECMN has curated many resources over the years that you can find here.
- Donate to the Lake Street Council.
While there are no easy answers to everything unfolding around us, as followers of Jesus, we always have a clear question: what does love look like?
We pray that we might walk the way of love, witness to the way of love, and join with the Holy Spirit in turning the nightmare our world can be into the dream that God longs to bring about.
2. Assembly of Face Shields: Ecolibrium3 is calling for volunteers to assemble Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a community collaboration that supports our local people, frontline workers, health systems, businesses, and nonprofits. Working with Lincoln Park manufacturer Frost River, Ecolibrium3 will use the proceeds from PPE sales to provide masks to community members, make donations to other local nonprofits, and invest in community resilience.
Register your business, organization, or nonprofit to volunteer below!
During each 4-hour volunteer session, 30 to 35 volunteers will assemble 6,000 face shields for use by frontline workers needing added protection from the coronavirus. Volunteers will be provided with safety and assembly training, a T-shirt and masks, and prizes purchased from our local businesses.
In true pay-it-forward style, each volunteer session will allow us to distribute 500 masks to community members and organizations and raise $1,000 for your selected nonprofit partner. For more information go to https://www.ecolibrium3.org/pay-it-forward-ppe/
Every 4-hour volunteer session will produce:
- 6,000 face-shields for frontline workers
- 500 donated masks for community members
- $1,000 nonprofit donation
- $1,000+ invested in small businesses
The need for safe and supportive homes for children in transition continues to grow. In 2018, about 6,700 Minnesotan children entered foster care. The number of children in Minnesota foster care on an average day rose 14% from 2016 to 2018, with estimated 10,050 children in out-of-home placement daily. We currently have a great need for families able and willing to provide short-term respite care, foster sibling groups, school-aged children, older youth, and who are supportive and affirming of LGBTQ youth. Contact: https://www.lssmn.org/services/families/foster-care
May 23, 2020 Community Connections
Native American populations are facing a disproportionate brunt of the COVID-19 epidemic with higher infection and mortality rates than the overall U.S. population. Historical inequities in public funding, in areas like healthcare and infrastructure, have also contributed to health disparities that put Indigenous peoples and other minorities at higher-risk in the COVID-19 crisis. Many homes lack indoor plumbing making hand washing impossible, and lack basic food and health care supplies. Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable at this time due to an insufficiency in medical supplies and facilities, lower food and water security in comparison to the general population, and an overabundance of pre-existing health conditions.
Rev. Brad Hauff; The Episcopal Church’s Missioner for Indigenous Ministries has suggested we contribute to a virtual benefit concert/telethon on June 11th at 4 pm Central Time. It’s called Indigi-Aid and it will feature Indigenous artists from all over TEC. The purpose of Indigi-Aid is to raise funds to assist Indigenous communities throughout the Episcopal Church in their struggles from the effects of the covid pandemic. It will be live-streamed on social media and you will be able to make donations directly. All money raised will go to Indigenous communities. The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan is the fiscal agent for donations and all funds raised will go directly to the affected Indigenous communities. There are pages for Indigi-Aid on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and a website indigo-aid.org Brad recommends making a donation to this cause through Indigi-Aid starting now through June 11th. http://indigi-aid.org/
You can also assist Episcopal Congregations on the White Earth Reservation and in Bemidji by sending a financial contribution by check to the addresses below:
The Rev. Jackie Bernacchi, is serving on the White Earth Reservation and is greatly appreciative of any financial donations that could be sent. They do not have a website or ability to accept credit cards, but checks can be mailed to her at:
The Rev. Jacki Bernachhi,
P.O. Box 8, Naytahwuah, Mn...56566
The Rev. Matthew Cobb, is priest in charge at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Bemidji, and If it is specifically for homelessness and hunger on Red Lake and Leech Lake, it should be made out to First Nation's Kitchen North and sent to St. Peter's, PO Box 222, Cass Lake, MN 56633
Rev. Brad Hauff; The Episcopal Church’s Missioner for Indigenous Ministries has suggested we contribute to a virtual benefit concert/telethon on June 11th at 4 pm Central Time. It’s called Indigi-Aid and it will feature Indigenous artists from all over TEC. The purpose of Indigi-Aid is to raise funds to assist Indigenous communities throughout the Episcopal Church in their struggles from the effects of the covid pandemic. It will be live-streamed on social media and you will be able to make donations directly. All money raised will go to Indigenous communities. The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan is the fiscal agent for donations and all funds raised will go directly to the affected Indigenous communities. There are pages for Indigi-Aid on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and a website indigo-aid.org Brad recommends making a donation to this cause through Indigi-Aid starting now through June 11th. http://indigi-aid.org/
You can also assist Episcopal Congregations on the White Earth Reservation and in Bemidji by sending a financial contribution by check to the addresses below:
The Rev. Jackie Bernacchi, is serving on the White Earth Reservation and is greatly appreciative of any financial donations that could be sent. They do not have a website or ability to accept credit cards, but checks can be mailed to her at:
The Rev. Jacki Bernachhi,
P.O. Box 8, Naytahwuah, Mn...56566
The Rev. Matthew Cobb, is priest in charge at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Bemidji, and If it is specifically for homelessness and hunger on Red Lake and Leech Lake, it should be made out to First Nation's Kitchen North and sent to St. Peter's, PO Box 222, Cass Lake, MN 56633
May 16, 2020 Community Connections:
1. Northwoods Children's Services provides holistic and professional care, education, and treatment for children with severe emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities. They are the oldest and largest organization of it's kind in Minnesota committed to building positive change in children's lives. Morgana Kolenda, a parishioner and Director of Resource Development for Northwoods shares that they could use summer kids stuff! Yard games, knee and elbow pads, bike helmets, kids bikes which definitely could be used ones. Donations can be dropped off at either location; during normal business time. 714 w college st or 4000 w 9th st. They will be having to limit the field trips the kids take so could really use outdoor games and supplies to keep them busy. They are also in need of masks; as they have new kids all the time. northwoodchildren.org
2. Take Heart With Take Out- Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light has brought together members of several local congregations to provide take out food for CHUM and Steve O'Neil by purchasing take out meals from local restaurants; a win win! You can donate towards this worthy effort here: https://mnipl.nationbuilder.com/duluth_covid_response
So far they have provided lunch for Life House, done AICHO grocery drops, Steve O'Neil breakfast bag drops and Dinner for Loaves and Fishes on a rotating weekly basis since April 27l
3. First Witness Resource Center Silent Auction open until Sunday! Please join in supporting First Witness by attending our first ever Spring Splash Virtual Fundraising Event. With COVID -19, our annual in-person fundraiser had to be cancelled. Our agency relies on the support of our community to provide our critical services to families. We have remained open during the COVID-19, as we know that child abuse continues to occur during the crisis. The Silent Auction for First Witness is open until Sunday! Check it out and support a great cause. https://app.bidcoz.com/firstwitness/fwsplash2020/auction/list#
First Witness serves children who have experienced the trauma of child physical abuse, child sexual abuse or have been witness to domestic abuse. They provide legally defensible child friendly forensic interviews, providing a place where children can share their most traumatic moments with one of their professional forensic interviewers. They provide advocacy for each non-offending caregiver, walking with them through the process so that they can receive the support they need during a time of crisis. Through their Prevention Program and National Training Center, they share with others how communities can prevent and response to child abuse.
4. Food Truck for CHUM: With the increased donations and increased need to find and pick up more food, both perishable and nonperishable, the Food Shelf is asking you to help us purchase a truck to handle the increased need, while making life for Food Shelf staff easier and more efficient. We are looking to raise $15,000 before the end of June to offset the purchase price of a truck. Donations can be made online at www.chumduluth.org or by sending a check to the Food Shelf at:
120 North 1st Ave. West, Duluth, MN 55802.
5. Send a virtual hug to someone! You can draw a hug, take a video or picture of outstretched arms and send it to someone who could use it!
2. Take Heart With Take Out- Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light has brought together members of several local congregations to provide take out food for CHUM and Steve O'Neil by purchasing take out meals from local restaurants; a win win! You can donate towards this worthy effort here: https://mnipl.nationbuilder.com/duluth_covid_response
So far they have provided lunch for Life House, done AICHO grocery drops, Steve O'Neil breakfast bag drops and Dinner for Loaves and Fishes on a rotating weekly basis since April 27l
3. First Witness Resource Center Silent Auction open until Sunday! Please join in supporting First Witness by attending our first ever Spring Splash Virtual Fundraising Event. With COVID -19, our annual in-person fundraiser had to be cancelled. Our agency relies on the support of our community to provide our critical services to families. We have remained open during the COVID-19, as we know that child abuse continues to occur during the crisis. The Silent Auction for First Witness is open until Sunday! Check it out and support a great cause. https://app.bidcoz.com/firstwitness/fwsplash2020/auction/list#
First Witness serves children who have experienced the trauma of child physical abuse, child sexual abuse or have been witness to domestic abuse. They provide legally defensible child friendly forensic interviews, providing a place where children can share their most traumatic moments with one of their professional forensic interviewers. They provide advocacy for each non-offending caregiver, walking with them through the process so that they can receive the support they need during a time of crisis. Through their Prevention Program and National Training Center, they share with others how communities can prevent and response to child abuse.
4. Food Truck for CHUM: With the increased donations and increased need to find and pick up more food, both perishable and nonperishable, the Food Shelf is asking you to help us purchase a truck to handle the increased need, while making life for Food Shelf staff easier and more efficient. We are looking to raise $15,000 before the end of June to offset the purchase price of a truck. Donations can be made online at www.chumduluth.org or by sending a check to the Food Shelf at:
120 North 1st Ave. West, Duluth, MN 55802.
5. Send a virtual hug to someone! You can draw a hug, take a video or picture of outstretched arms and send it to someone who could use it!
May 9 Community Connections:
- Life House; which serves at risk youth in our community, has several young people who are struggling to get enough to eat. Please consider donating non perishable food items; you can drop them off Monday-Friday 10am-4pm at Life House, located at 102 W !st Street, or donate online at lifehouseduluth.org Let's make sure noone goes hungry in our community!
- We now have two crews making sandwiches in their homes the first and third Thursday of each month for the families at Steve O'Neil Apartments. If you'd like to make 20 simple sandwiches in your home and then drop them off in the morning to the Greysolon Entrance of Church on the first or third Thursday of the month, we could use a few more for the 3rd Thursday crew especially. Please contact Tom Hamilton, our site coordinator, if you would like to be on a team.
- We could use a few tech savvy people to help troubleshoot trying to download our worship services onto ipads and tablets so they can be viewed offline by our elders without internet access. If you can help out, please contact Sue.
- Our 10 high school graduates; Ashley, Ike, Angelina, Jack, Hannah, Sydney, Nick, Atle, Michael and Luisa, will be honored at our worship service on May 10, but they have experienced many disappointments and cancellations of their final year of high school. Perhaps you could send them a card in the mail to give them your support and encouragement. Their mailing addresses are in the parish directory.
Here are ways you can stay connected to our community and love your neighbor:
Update May 2, 2020:
4. Loaves and Fishes- https://duluthcatholicwork.wixsite.com/loavesandfishes/donate Our friends one block away have Ongoing needs that you can view on their website but in particular are low on Coffee and Laundry detergent (HE or powder, large containers preferred). It can be dropped off at the front door of 1712 Jefferson Street, please call first Dorothy Day House (218) 724 2054 so they know you are coming. Also if there are handy men and women to do painting, drywall, minor electrical and plumbing and carpentry, they have the house set up so there are times when there are only a handful of guests who can be isolated or asked to make other plans so if you are getting stir crazy at home, they can find a safe way to keep you busy!
5. Write a note to someone- a relative, friend, coworker you haven’t seen in person, an elderly person or a child, any age loves receiving mail!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Update April 25:
CHUM – churches are making bag lunches on the days that Damiano doesn’t serve. Right now Tuesdays and Thursdays are open and we are looking to see if we have a team of 7-8 people who would make 20 sandwiches: Peanut butter and jam, or turkey, or ham ,or cheese. NO Condiment Added. Wrapped separately and mark with type, placed in a paper bag. They would be delivered to church entryway and then need a coordinator to pick them all up and drop them at the door of CHUM, you are met by a staff person… If interested, please contact the office to add your name.
Tablets and ipad in working order with chargers are needed by St. Luke's for patients. Drop off at Building A security desk or St. Luke's Foundation. We also might be accepting them as we are researching the possibility of loading the Sunday service and other videos onto them and dropping them off to our elders who don't have internet access to watch and then we would pick them up again. More coming soon.
The Superior Hiking Trail is always looking for volunteers to adopt a section of trail and it looks like they are still doing the Bagley nature area reroute and Spirit Mountain reroute. Go to www.superiorhiking.org for more details
Hartley Nature Center is closed but accepting donations to support their payroll and operational expenses. If you have ever walked, ran or skied, there, or a child attended a camp or adult education program, you know the valuable asset it is. Hartleynature.org
Earth week continues, please pick up trash around your neighborhood this weekend!
April 18, 2020 Update:
NEW ADDITION: St. Luke's Hospital is looking for tablets and chargers they can use to connect patients (especially older patients who don't own smart phones) with their family members. Their IT staff will clean them and personnel will help patients be able to see and hear their family members; what a blessing for them and their families. Look for tablets/old ipads around your house and consider donating them; please make sure they are functional and have a charger. You can drop off to the security desk of the "A" building or St. Luke's Foundation office of the Northland Building Suite 102 M-F 8:30-4:30pm. Thank you!
1. We have gotten word from Safe Haven Domestic Abuse Center through a parishioner involved there that Because they have new residents coming in daily, they are in need of a continuous supply of fabric masks mostly adult but some child sizes. . Pillows are still our top need at the present moment, they have enough pillow cases but could use more pillows. You could order the online and have it sent directly to the following address. Other things that we will need on an ongoing basis (in order of current need as supplies begin to be used up):-toilet paper, -disinfectant spray (Lysol), -disposable cleaning wipes, -empty spray bottles (for mixing bleach/water solution), -bleach, -hand sanitizer, -baby wipes
So How to donate these items!
2. Fabric Masks are still needed by so many organizations, Both St. Luke’s, Essentia and all clinics are now requiring them for all staff and patients and have put out the call for as many as people can sew! So please keep sewing!! We have a supply right now of adult and some child size masks; just fill out the request form at www.stpaulsduluth.org If you have any fabric, ¼ elastic, or bias tape that you could donate, please also contact me, suevanoss@stpaulsduluth.org or text me and we can get it to our sewers
3. The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day is coming up next Wednesday, April 22 and From now through the 26th, we are asking our fellow citizens to choose a time for participating in Duluth's version of the Great Global Clean-Up. Choose either your neighborhood or one of the favorite sites you cherish in and around Duluth for a physically distant and responsible walk and trash pick-up.
4.Contact Amber Sadowski, parishioner and Development Director of Life House to arrange for pick up of donations; amber.sadowski@life-house.org They could use more “Dinner in a Bag” Kits - these are like the ones we have prepared for them on our Wednesday Service Project nights Description: Include a simple recipe paired with non-perishable food items. Including pop-top cans or a can opener is helpful. Place in a labeled bag (paper, plastic or reusable is fine).
Examples: Chicken Alfredo Ingredients: 1 lb. Pasta, 1 Jar Alfredo, 1 Can Chicken, 1 Can Peaches, 1 Can Green Beans Directions: Cook noodles according to package instructions. Mix with canned chicken and alfredo sauce. Serve with side of canned green beans & canned peaches.
Breakfast for Supper Ingredients: 1 box just add water pancake mix, 1 syrup, 1 Jar Peanut Butter, 1 can fruit Directions: Make pancakes according to directions on box. Serve with syrup and peanut butter for added protein. Fruit on the side.
5.Heart Rocks- I shared the Easter Story told in rocks by Patti Rokus with the kids online last Wednesday, and the final page has many heart rocks on it and asked “how do you share the Love of Jesus” I asked the kids if any of them collected heart rocks and all but one excidedly said YES and ran to get them to show them to me! So we are starting a Heart Rock HUNT. On your walks outside, look for heart rocks; share pictures of them and ones you have already with us for an upcoming part of an online service. Email the pictures to me at suevanoss@stpaulsduluth.org and also, why not bring some joy to others by painting rocks you have, any shape, with images and inspiring words and leave around where you walk!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Update April 11, 2020
3. Safe Haven Domestic Abuse Center is still providing advocacy, shelter and safety planning. Our crisis line will remain staffed 24/7: 218-728-6481 While their programs and volunteer opportunities are suspended, they do still need monetary donations. Go to safehavenshelter. org
4. Prayers are needed for many in our community. Here are a couple creative ways,Do you have a friend, family member or loved one who's fighting on the front lines of this pandemic? Struggling with how to support our doctors, nurses, delivery drivers and grocery clerks? Washington National Cathedral launched Prayers for Our Heroes, where you can create a customized prayer for the people in your life who are sacrificing for the greater good. Enter their name and their profession and you will receive a customized prayer that you can share with them and pray yourself.
https://prayers.cathedral.org/heroes/
Our daughter came up with the idea of a prayer jar outside your home. Take a mason jar or other container and label it Prayer Jar – leave some slips of paper and a pencil and a sign to have people write down who they would like prayers send for as they walk by.; then collect them each day and pray for those people.
5 Give Blood- Memorial Blood Center MBC strongly urges individuals who feel healthy and well to make an appointment to give blood, platelets, and plasma. As a safety precaution, and to manage donor flow, donation appointments are now required. Mbc.org
As we prepare to celebrate Easter tomorrow and the new life that burst forth from the tomb, butterflies are a wonderful symbol of that new life; and a sign of hope that new life will burst forth out of this troubling time. Place butterflies in your home, and in your windows and on your door. There are several ideas on different types you can make with supplies in your home on our website on the worship page, as well as on the back cover of the Easter bulletin on our worship page that you can color and hang! Let’s adorn our homes and neighborhoods with new life! Happy Easter! God’s blessings to you and yours, Jesus Christ is Risen, alleluia!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Update April 4:
4. Fabric Masks are still needed by St Lukes, area nursing homes and agencies- see here for one of several patterns and details. They can now be dropped off directly to St. Lukes and other patterns, including a simple pleated version can be found online, just google, diy surgical mask.
5. Damiano Center – still serving 3 meals a day, bagged meals outside by their staff. No volunteers are able to help but monetary donations greatly appreciated. www.damianocenter.org/donate
Update March 27
1. Donation Items Needed for Life House, that provides essential services for at risk youth. Contact Amber Sadowski, parishioner and Development Director of Life House to arrange for pick up of donations; amber.sadowski@life-house.org
a. “Dinner in a Bag” Kits - these are like the ones we have prepared for them on our Wednesday Service Project nights
Description: Include a simple recipe paired with non-perishable food items. Including pop-top cans or a can opener is helpful. Place in a labeled bag (paper, plastic or reusable is fine).
Examples:
Chicken Alfredo Ingredients: 1 lb. Pasta, 1 Jar Alfredo, 1 Can Chicken, 1 Can Peaches, 1 Can Green Beans Directions: Cook noodles according to package instructions. Mix with canned chicken and alfredo sauce. Serve with side of canned green beans & canned peaches.
Breakfast for Supper Ingredients: 1 box just add water pancake mix, 1 syrup, 1 Jar Peanut Butter, 1 can fruit Directions: Make pancakes according to directions on box. Serve with syrup and peanut butter for added protein. Fruit on the side.
b. Laundry Love Kits*
Description: $10.00, 2 Detergent pods, and a dryer sheet will allow youth to wash & dry two loads of laundry at most laundry mats. Donate a kit or any of the items separately.
*Normally we provide laundry services to our youth, but have had to suspend this service due to Covid-19.
c. Basic Needs Items
Description/Items Needed: Diapers (including larger sizes), baby wipes, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant (men/women), body wash, lotion, hand sanitizer (small), toothpaste/toothbrushes, baby formula, feminine hygiene products, underwear (men/women), socks (larger sizes).
2. OUTDOOR GEAR: One of the safer places for people to be while homeless in a pandemic is outside in a tent. When the warming center closes April 1 there will be dozens of people needing temporary shelter. Needs:
Tents
Sleeping bags
Tarps
Rain gear
Used is ok, as long as it has all parts and is clean. Chum and Loaves & Fishes will coordinate on distribution, with a priority for people with health conditions and over 50. Donations can be brought to Chum (102 W 2nd St) or Dorothy Day House (1712 Jefferson St).
3. POSTPONED Our neighbors at Loaves and Fishes had their kitchen renovations postponed now so meals are not needed at this time. We will repost the sign up genius when they need more meals. Loaves and Fishes – is in need of cash donations to cover their daily expenses, but do not have an online payment method, you can mail a check made out to In addition, they are looking for in-kind donations of:-Tents, backpacks, tarps and sleeping bags (used is ok but clean), Masks- new or sewn ones, nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer, bleach, laundry detergent, dish detergent. Food is not on their list.
4. CHUM – They are no longer asking for food and cleaning supply donations. They are asking for cash. There’s a donation link on their web site https://www.chumduluth.org/ March Food Share for our CHUM Food Shelf is still going on, please consider donating online.
5. If you sew, our local hospitals are in need of fabric mask covers they can put over the N95 masks so they can be reused. We have posted a simple pattern here and on our FB page. Hannah Johnson Fabrics has a pattern, instructions, how you can get elastic and drop off instructions. Joann Fabrics also has free kits available for curb side pickup. There is a simpler pleated pattern that can be found here that is used for patients, community members at Loaves and Fishes etc to protect workers from being exposed to droplets, sneezes... If you need elastic, let Sue know, she ordered some and can share.
6. The Warming Center at Gloria Dei needs healthy breakfast food and travel sized toiletries, they can be brought to Gloria Dei between 8-9pm or 6-8am. Please knock at the door and a staff member will meet you outside. They also need volunteers to take the blankets used each night and launder them either in your home or at a laundromat.
7. The families at Steve O' Neil Apartments are in need of diapers (any size) and baby wipes. To donate call Amy at 218-940-2093.
8. Remember that grocery stores and Target are reserving their first hour of business for the elderly, those immunocompromised and healthcare workers and emergency responders.
9. it’s important to get outside and get some fresh air during the day. Take a walk around your neighborhood and think of who is in the houses around you; is there an elderly person who could use a few groceries the next time you pick some up? Or someone who could use a phone call to ease their isolation?
10. As we care for our neighbors, remember to take time to care for yourself too. Be sure to check out our Tips for Staying Healthy page. Reach out to us if you need someone to talk to or if there is anything we can do to care for you.
Update May 2, 2020:
- Once again St. Paul’s church family members have stepped up and volunteered to help their neighbors by making sandwiches for guests at the CHUM shelter! Last Saturday we put out the call to see if we could get enough people to help out and we now have two crews assembling to make sandwiches the first and third Thursday of each month; starting next week. We have a full crew set for next week, but can use some more people for the third Thursday, May 21 to make 20 simple sandwiches in your home and then drop them off in the morning to the Greysolon Entrance of Church. We are also looking for one household to be the bag assembly crew (adding oranges, chips and granola bars to the sandwiches) and then dropping them off at the door of CHUM at noon. Please contact Tom Hamilton, our site coordinator, if you would like to be on a team.
- We are putting together a system of loading our online services and other content onto tablets or iPads and then having people drop them off and pick them up from some of our elders who don’t have internet access. The services would be downloaded onto the devices so all they would need to do is follow simple instructions to turn it out and adjust the volume. If you have a tablet or ipad and charger that we could have to use please contact Rita in the office and let her know.
- Twin Ports Community Care is a new organization that began operations 4 weeks ago in response to the community needs emerging from the pandemic. They are providing care and prioritizing assistance to people in the Twin Ports who are lgbtq+, undouments, people of color, the homeless, disabled and sext trafficked victims. If you would like to volunteer or provide financial support go to . https://twinportscommunity.wixsite.com/twinportscomcare/
- Meal preparation, Food/grocery delivery, Running errands/making phone calls
- Emotional support, Delivering medical supplies, Childcare
- Help signing up for public programs (health insurance, unemployment, etc), Friendly check-ins, Conflict resolution
- Access to cloth masks, Hosting displaced individuals
4. Loaves and Fishes- https://duluthcatholicwork.wixsite.com/loavesandfishes/donate Our friends one block away have Ongoing needs that you can view on their website but in particular are low on Coffee and Laundry detergent (HE or powder, large containers preferred). It can be dropped off at the front door of 1712 Jefferson Street, please call first Dorothy Day House (218) 724 2054 so they know you are coming. Also if there are handy men and women to do painting, drywall, minor electrical and plumbing and carpentry, they have the house set up so there are times when there are only a handful of guests who can be isolated or asked to make other plans so if you are getting stir crazy at home, they can find a safe way to keep you busy!
5. Write a note to someone- a relative, friend, coworker you haven’t seen in person, an elderly person or a child, any age loves receiving mail!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Update April 25:
CHUM – churches are making bag lunches on the days that Damiano doesn’t serve. Right now Tuesdays and Thursdays are open and we are looking to see if we have a team of 7-8 people who would make 20 sandwiches: Peanut butter and jam, or turkey, or ham ,or cheese. NO Condiment Added. Wrapped separately and mark with type, placed in a paper bag. They would be delivered to church entryway and then need a coordinator to pick them all up and drop them at the door of CHUM, you are met by a staff person… If interested, please contact the office to add your name.
Tablets and ipad in working order with chargers are needed by St. Luke's for patients. Drop off at Building A security desk or St. Luke's Foundation. We also might be accepting them as we are researching the possibility of loading the Sunday service and other videos onto them and dropping them off to our elders who don't have internet access to watch and then we would pick them up again. More coming soon.
The Superior Hiking Trail is always looking for volunteers to adopt a section of trail and it looks like they are still doing the Bagley nature area reroute and Spirit Mountain reroute. Go to www.superiorhiking.org for more details
Hartley Nature Center is closed but accepting donations to support their payroll and operational expenses. If you have ever walked, ran or skied, there, or a child attended a camp or adult education program, you know the valuable asset it is. Hartleynature.org
Earth week continues, please pick up trash around your neighborhood this weekend!
April 18, 2020 Update:
NEW ADDITION: St. Luke's Hospital is looking for tablets and chargers they can use to connect patients (especially older patients who don't own smart phones) with their family members. Their IT staff will clean them and personnel will help patients be able to see and hear their family members; what a blessing for them and their families. Look for tablets/old ipads around your house and consider donating them; please make sure they are functional and have a charger. You can drop off to the security desk of the "A" building or St. Luke's Foundation office of the Northland Building Suite 102 M-F 8:30-4:30pm. Thank you!
1. We have gotten word from Safe Haven Domestic Abuse Center through a parishioner involved there that Because they have new residents coming in daily, they are in need of a continuous supply of fabric masks mostly adult but some child sizes. . Pillows are still our top need at the present moment, they have enough pillow cases but could use more pillows. You could order the online and have it sent directly to the following address. Other things that we will need on an ongoing basis (in order of current need as supplies begin to be used up):-toilet paper, -disinfectant spray (Lysol), -disposable cleaning wipes, -empty spray bottles (for mixing bleach/water solution), -bleach, -hand sanitizer, -baby wipes
So How to donate these items!
- You can order online and have them shipped to Safe Haven Shelter, ATTN: Molly Smith, PO Box 3558 Duluth, MN 55803.
- If you purchase the items locally you can drop them off at the Resource Center downtown, 414 W 1st Street, Open Monday-Friday 8-4pm
- Or Call Brittany the director at 730-2478 and she can arrange to meet you at a convenient location
2. Fabric Masks are still needed by so many organizations, Both St. Luke’s, Essentia and all clinics are now requiring them for all staff and patients and have put out the call for as many as people can sew! So please keep sewing!! We have a supply right now of adult and some child size masks; just fill out the request form at www.stpaulsduluth.org If you have any fabric, ¼ elastic, or bias tape that you could donate, please also contact me, suevanoss@stpaulsduluth.org or text me and we can get it to our sewers
3. The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day is coming up next Wednesday, April 22 and From now through the 26th, we are asking our fellow citizens to choose a time for participating in Duluth's version of the Great Global Clean-Up. Choose either your neighborhood or one of the favorite sites you cherish in and around Duluth for a physically distant and responsible walk and trash pick-up.
4.Contact Amber Sadowski, parishioner and Development Director of Life House to arrange for pick up of donations; amber.sadowski@life-house.org They could use more “Dinner in a Bag” Kits - these are like the ones we have prepared for them on our Wednesday Service Project nights Description: Include a simple recipe paired with non-perishable food items. Including pop-top cans or a can opener is helpful. Place in a labeled bag (paper, plastic or reusable is fine).
Examples: Chicken Alfredo Ingredients: 1 lb. Pasta, 1 Jar Alfredo, 1 Can Chicken, 1 Can Peaches, 1 Can Green Beans Directions: Cook noodles according to package instructions. Mix with canned chicken and alfredo sauce. Serve with side of canned green beans & canned peaches.
Breakfast for Supper Ingredients: 1 box just add water pancake mix, 1 syrup, 1 Jar Peanut Butter, 1 can fruit Directions: Make pancakes according to directions on box. Serve with syrup and peanut butter for added protein. Fruit on the side.
5.Heart Rocks- I shared the Easter Story told in rocks by Patti Rokus with the kids online last Wednesday, and the final page has many heart rocks on it and asked “how do you share the Love of Jesus” I asked the kids if any of them collected heart rocks and all but one excidedly said YES and ran to get them to show them to me! So we are starting a Heart Rock HUNT. On your walks outside, look for heart rocks; share pictures of them and ones you have already with us for an upcoming part of an online service. Email the pictures to me at suevanoss@stpaulsduluth.org and also, why not bring some joy to others by painting rocks you have, any shape, with images and inspiring words and leave around where you walk!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Update April 11, 2020
- 1.Our neighbors at Loaves and Fishes continue to shelter the homeless and could use gift cards for groceries at Super One and more socks- cotton or thermal in all adults sizes They can be dropped off at the Dorothy Day house Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm, 1712 Jefferson Street, just one block from church. Monetary donations sent in mail to them at the same address, zip code 55812.
3. Safe Haven Domestic Abuse Center is still providing advocacy, shelter and safety planning. Our crisis line will remain staffed 24/7: 218-728-6481 While their programs and volunteer opportunities are suspended, they do still need monetary donations. Go to safehavenshelter. org
4. Prayers are needed for many in our community. Here are a couple creative ways,Do you have a friend, family member or loved one who's fighting on the front lines of this pandemic? Struggling with how to support our doctors, nurses, delivery drivers and grocery clerks? Washington National Cathedral launched Prayers for Our Heroes, where you can create a customized prayer for the people in your life who are sacrificing for the greater good. Enter their name and their profession and you will receive a customized prayer that you can share with them and pray yourself.
https://prayers.cathedral.org/heroes/
Our daughter came up with the idea of a prayer jar outside your home. Take a mason jar or other container and label it Prayer Jar – leave some slips of paper and a pencil and a sign to have people write down who they would like prayers send for as they walk by.; then collect them each day and pray for those people.
5 Give Blood- Memorial Blood Center MBC strongly urges individuals who feel healthy and well to make an appointment to give blood, platelets, and plasma. As a safety precaution, and to manage donor flow, donation appointments are now required. Mbc.org
As we prepare to celebrate Easter tomorrow and the new life that burst forth from the tomb, butterflies are a wonderful symbol of that new life; and a sign of hope that new life will burst forth out of this troubling time. Place butterflies in your home, and in your windows and on your door. There are several ideas on different types you can make with supplies in your home on our website on the worship page, as well as on the back cover of the Easter bulletin on our worship page that you can color and hang! Let’s adorn our homes and neighborhoods with new life! Happy Easter! God’s blessings to you and yours, Jesus Christ is Risen, alleluia!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Update April 4:
- Chum March FoodShare has been extended until April 30 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the incredible & immense work food shelves have taken on at this time. They are still distributing food in the alley entrance to the food shelf. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated. www.chumduluth.org
- Loaves and Fishes are very grateful for the donations of tents, sleeping bags, hand sanitizer, flashlights/headlamps, tarps and other outside gear since the warming center closed on April 1. They have outfitted 58 people with gear who are sleeping outside. They are good at the moment on all items except they could use a few more tarps and some rain ponchos and winter gloves. They can be dropped off at the Dorothy Day house Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm, 1712 Jefferson Street, just one block from church. Monetary donations sent in mail to them
4. Fabric Masks are still needed by St Lukes, area nursing homes and agencies- see here for one of several patterns and details. They can now be dropped off directly to St. Lukes and other patterns, including a simple pleated version can be found online, just google, diy surgical mask.
5. Damiano Center – still serving 3 meals a day, bagged meals outside by their staff. No volunteers are able to help but monetary donations greatly appreciated. www.damianocenter.org/donate
Update March 27
1. Donation Items Needed for Life House, that provides essential services for at risk youth. Contact Amber Sadowski, parishioner and Development Director of Life House to arrange for pick up of donations; amber.sadowski@life-house.org
a. “Dinner in a Bag” Kits - these are like the ones we have prepared for them on our Wednesday Service Project nights
Description: Include a simple recipe paired with non-perishable food items. Including pop-top cans or a can opener is helpful. Place in a labeled bag (paper, plastic or reusable is fine).
Examples:
Chicken Alfredo Ingredients: 1 lb. Pasta, 1 Jar Alfredo, 1 Can Chicken, 1 Can Peaches, 1 Can Green Beans Directions: Cook noodles according to package instructions. Mix with canned chicken and alfredo sauce. Serve with side of canned green beans & canned peaches.
Breakfast for Supper Ingredients: 1 box just add water pancake mix, 1 syrup, 1 Jar Peanut Butter, 1 can fruit Directions: Make pancakes according to directions on box. Serve with syrup and peanut butter for added protein. Fruit on the side.
b. Laundry Love Kits*
Description: $10.00, 2 Detergent pods, and a dryer sheet will allow youth to wash & dry two loads of laundry at most laundry mats. Donate a kit or any of the items separately.
*Normally we provide laundry services to our youth, but have had to suspend this service due to Covid-19.
c. Basic Needs Items
Description/Items Needed: Diapers (including larger sizes), baby wipes, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant (men/women), body wash, lotion, hand sanitizer (small), toothpaste/toothbrushes, baby formula, feminine hygiene products, underwear (men/women), socks (larger sizes).
2. OUTDOOR GEAR: One of the safer places for people to be while homeless in a pandemic is outside in a tent. When the warming center closes April 1 there will be dozens of people needing temporary shelter. Needs:
Tents
Sleeping bags
Tarps
Rain gear
Used is ok, as long as it has all parts and is clean. Chum and Loaves & Fishes will coordinate on distribution, with a priority for people with health conditions and over 50. Donations can be brought to Chum (102 W 2nd St) or Dorothy Day House (1712 Jefferson St).
3. POSTPONED Our neighbors at Loaves and Fishes had their kitchen renovations postponed now so meals are not needed at this time. We will repost the sign up genius when they need more meals. Loaves and Fishes – is in need of cash donations to cover their daily expenses, but do not have an online payment method, you can mail a check made out to In addition, they are looking for in-kind donations of:-Tents, backpacks, tarps and sleeping bags (used is ok but clean), Masks- new or sewn ones, nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer, bleach, laundry detergent, dish detergent. Food is not on their list.
4. CHUM – They are no longer asking for food and cleaning supply donations. They are asking for cash. There’s a donation link on their web site https://www.chumduluth.org/ March Food Share for our CHUM Food Shelf is still going on, please consider donating online.
5. If you sew, our local hospitals are in need of fabric mask covers they can put over the N95 masks so they can be reused. We have posted a simple pattern here and on our FB page. Hannah Johnson Fabrics has a pattern, instructions, how you can get elastic and drop off instructions. Joann Fabrics also has free kits available for curb side pickup. There is a simpler pleated pattern that can be found here that is used for patients, community members at Loaves and Fishes etc to protect workers from being exposed to droplets, sneezes... If you need elastic, let Sue know, she ordered some and can share.
6. The Warming Center at Gloria Dei needs healthy breakfast food and travel sized toiletries, they can be brought to Gloria Dei between 8-9pm or 6-8am. Please knock at the door and a staff member will meet you outside. They also need volunteers to take the blankets used each night and launder them either in your home or at a laundromat.
7. The families at Steve O' Neil Apartments are in need of diapers (any size) and baby wipes. To donate call Amy at 218-940-2093.
8. Remember that grocery stores and Target are reserving their first hour of business for the elderly, those immunocompromised and healthcare workers and emergency responders.
9. it’s important to get outside and get some fresh air during the day. Take a walk around your neighborhood and think of who is in the houses around you; is there an elderly person who could use a few groceries the next time you pick some up? Or someone who could use a phone call to ease their isolation?
10. As we care for our neighbors, remember to take time to care for yourself too. Be sure to check out our Tips for Staying Healthy page. Reach out to us if you need someone to talk to or if there is anything we can do to care for you.
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