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Greetings from The Downtown Church! This is a bi-weekly email with information about events, updates, and other fun things from the leadership of the church.
 
On Wednesday afternoon, I attended a meeting at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library. It was organized by OACAC to address the federal government shutdown and its effect on our friends and neighbors who utilize SNAP benefits.

While the actions and inaction of our elected representatives saddens me and will lead to real pain and distress around the country, I was strengthened and encouraged by the collective care and compassion evident at this meeting. There was a strong desire for collaboration and real solutions in this fraught situation. The leaders addressed the standing-room-only crowd and gave some direction and ways to help.

They are still working on a unified, simplified source for information, but it was amazing to see how the community is rallying to support our neighbors. It stretched across denominational lines, political lines, and economic lines. Perhaps our elected officials could take note.

As a church, we are still trying to figure out the best use of our resources, time, and supplies. In the mean time, we have a box in our coffee area to collect non-perishable items for the Antioch UMC food pantry. (One thing the leaders noted was that this was not the time to start new initiatives, but to partner with established pantries and organizations.) I urge you to find your own ways to support our neighbors experiencing a new reality in November: donate to Ozarks Food Harvest or Crosslines, volunteer at local pantries, or buy a few extra items when you do your grocery shopping.

All of these little actions add up to make a big difference.

In this together,
Brian
This Saturday, from 5-8pm, we will have a Family Bonfire at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. Similar to our Family Fun Night in the summer, this Family Bonfire is for families with kids ages 5-11. There will be hot dogs, s'mores, some campfire songs, and maybe even a story. Let us know if you can make it and RSVP right here. We know it's Halloween the night before, but you also get an extra hour of sleep when you go to bed on November 1, so let's get crazy!
We are in need of a few more people on our Sunday Morning Coffee & Conversation Team! Are you looking for a place to volunteer and serve once or twice a month? This is the perfect spot for you extroverts or coffee lovers or donut lovers or hospitality pros. This team makes sure our coffee pots are stocked, the donuts and bagels are at least presentable, and the people who are mingling are seen and greeted like the wonderful people they are. Email us back and let us know if you want to help!
We are FINALLY getting around to updating our Church Directory! Some of you have added kids to your family. Some of you have switched addresses or phone numbers. Whatever the case may be, we are sure there is something different about you now than four years ago. We can guarantee you probably at least have more wrinkles. So we want to update those emails, birthdays, addresses, and pictures. Won't you help us? Fill out this form and give us the deets!
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