One of the things I have been thinking about this Spring, is how can the church be more than just reactive, but proactive in the face of the current pandemic.
We want to be ready and available as best we can to help and serve as issues arise, but sometimes if we are watchful, we can anticipate needs, and be ready to fill in the gaps when the time arrives.
The pandemic hit hard in the middle of March. We are now two months into a shelter in place order in Illinois, which has kept many business shut down, and resulted in many, many people laid off.
Even as things begin to reopen, the financial impact for many will be long lasting.
Our idea for a way to bless our communities this summer is this:
Grace Valley Gardens
Plant- The Outreach team would like to invite and encourage all of our families to that are able to garden this summer with the intention of giving away the excess in our communities.
Grow together— work together as needed to help tend and grow the gardens. Social distancing is pretty easy in a garden. Being together outside is best.
Give- Have a mobile veggie cart that we move from place to place, offering free produce to our communities. This gives Grace Valley an opportunity to serve in several different communities each week. We can meet many residents and neighbors, we can hear their stories, and potentially share the gospel with them.
This will of course require lots of participation. If you would like to help, please fill out this form so that we can work together to make this happen.
The Outreach Team
PS if you have friends, family or neighbors that would like to participate, we'd love to have them join us as well. Feel free to forward this to them.