Friends, I wanted to update you on some needs that the shelter has recently listed in their newsletter.  The items are very basic and easy to add to your grocery list. My husband and I have three boys, and they LOVE going to Austin Street, however, now that school has started, we must be creative in how we keep them aware and involved.  So, we add a couple of these items to our weekly grocery list, and each boy goes and finds their item.  It's really simple and they love it!  Here is the Wish List : 

Lysol Spray, Bleach, Hand Sanitizer, Laundry detergent, Toilette paper, Plastic forks, spoons, and knives, Plastic plates and cups, Cough Drops, Throat Lozenges, Kleenex, Cold Medications, Band-Aids, Socks, Disposable razors, Toothpaste, Blankets, Hats, Umbrellas

Also, gift cards from stores that sell everyday supplies like Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's, etc. are welcomed.

Here are some other ways you could help out:

• Help make the 100 sack lunches; we prepare them after the 11am service on the Sunday prior to the Tuesday we serve. Email me if your interested.
• Go to the shelter with myself and help serve.
• Organize a hot lunch with your family, friends, office, home group, or Sunday School class and go serve.
• GIVE! Your monetary gifts are used to purchase the food and items needed to provide the meals to the shelter. Either use the kiosk in the foyer, or mark your giving envelopes appropriately.
• Most importantly, you can pray!

We serve at the shelter on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month. Please contact me with any questions @ mcdearmon5@hotmail.com.

Cornelius, a man who seemed to be ordinary, got the attention of the Lord. How? Pay attention to the words used in Acts 10:4 "...The angel of the Lord answered, 'Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God." Cornelius' prayers and gifts to the poor, placed him right in the middle of a divine moment in which the Lord used him to reveal a powerful truth to Peter that helped carry the gospel to all people, regardless of race and background. The Lord notices the small things, that others don't, and it pleases Him.  I encourage you to continue to pray and give to the poor.  Ask the Lord to place in you the compassion that Jesus had (and still has) in his heart toward those less fortunate.  

Upcoming dates to PREPARE:

September 12th & 26th

October 10th & 24th

November 7th & 21st

Upcoming dates to SERVE:

September 14th & 28th

October 12th & 26th

November 9th & 23rd

Check out the Austin Street website www.austinstreet.org to learn more.

Look forward to serving with you,

Sherri McDearmon