Friday Findings

As the holidays roll around we need to make sure that we are being mindful of our family, friends and neighbors that might be experiencing difficulty in making ends meet. Below is a way that we can all contribute to causes that help our community. I am a  part of the Samaritan Community that is organizing these efforts and would love for you to be part of these efforts.

Many times as a family or smaller church we would like to contribute to a cause but don't think our small amounts matter. Well, this is a way to contribute to the whole. As a smaller church I can collect one particular item, say cranberry sauce, we collect 200 cans. We put a label on that says The Open Heart Church of Wichita would like to share with you and bless you during this thanksgiving season. I give them my address and service times. When they go to one of the locations below they receive a basket of goods that has labels on items from 15 different church that show them this was one a community effort and two that you now have options of where to worship. The same goes for a family (minus the address), the Big Heart Family would like for you to know that we are praying for you and your family during this holiday season. Now you have been a blessing  to many families and it did not cost you a lot.

If you have questions you can buzz me or Illa Kirkendoll at the bottom. Be a blessing and live blessed.


SHARING THANKSGIVING BLESSING
With Joy and Thanksgiving… 
Thanksgiving Dinners
Good ideas for Thanksgiving outreach
Congregations, groups, and caring people like to share blessings with neighbors in need. How can we reach those in greatest need – reach more families -- avoid duplicating – and let our neighbors know “we care”?
Let’s support the two best-known Thanksgiving Dinner providers: Depending on donations, Bread of Life will have turkeys for almost 2,000 families and United Methodist Open Door will give turkeys for around 2,400 families.  Let’s give what’s needed to go with the turkeys.
Most needed for family feasts, to supplement other items:
Chicken broth                                                    Marshmallows
Cranberry sauce (jellied or whole)                Dried French onions
Sweet potatoes/yams (canned or fresh)   Cream of mushroom soup
Don’t forget items to roast that turkey: pan, foil, cooking bag.
Checks are especially welcome.               Vegetables are already on hand.
Select one kind of item that your group will collect. How many can you gather in? How about a competition among your groups? Who can build the biggest stack for all to see? Add notes of blessings to give with food. 
Donations of food and funds needed at Bread of Life weekdays, 9 - noon before distribution to families on Nov. 21, at to 1301 E Galena, Wichita, 67216; 316-259-7281(Donna).
Donations of food delivery at United Methodist Open Door, 1611 N. Mosley, 9:00 – 12 noon, 1: 00 – 4:00 p.m. weekdays. Checks to United Methodist Open door, memo: Thanksgiving Donation,” mail: P.O. Box 2756, Wichita, KS 67201-2756; online:umopendoor.org. Turkey donations on Friday, November 20, for U.M. Open Door’s Turkey Drive.  Phone: 316-265-5852.
Partners for Wichita’s “Wichita Food Share” (area food assistance pantries & Kansas Food Bank) offers these ideas to help give Thanksgiving meals where most needed. Together we can make a difference.
For more info: Ila@partnersforwichita.org; 316-263-1389.