For more information, contact Kay O'Reilly
Email Kay

"I've never had to come to a place like this before. My fiancee is outside; she was too embarrassed to come in." This is what a recent Chapel Pantry guest told me. This man has a job and a house, but his hours keep getting cut and he's struggling to make ends meet. After rent, utilities and gas there is nothing left for food. He told me, "I work hard; I don't want to get food like this, but I don't know what else to do."

This man is why we have the Chapel Pantry. This is where your dollars and food donations go. It is a refuge for those who are struggling in this economy; a place to get some groceries and a warm welcome. A recent USDA study found that 49 million Americans are struggling with hunger; a 36% increase from last year. Our own Pantry numbers reflect that increase. In 2009 the Chapel Pantry had a 40% increase from 2008 in people needing food assistance. We served 7,507 individuals, representing 2,281 families. Thanks to your generous donations of food and funds we have been able to keep up with the need. Fundraisers, such as the recent Souper Bowl Sunday spearheaded by ESC youth which raised $470 for the Pantry, are a big help as well.

To help meet the growing need in our community we are expanding the Chapel Pantry in several ways:
- converting part of the closet across from the Pantry to include a new freezer and refrigerator and extra shelf space for food storage
- opening the Pantry on Fridays beginning on March 5th
- partnering with Nimmo United Methodist Church in their Community Garden Project to raise fresh produce for the Pantry
- initiating a "Plant a Row for the Hungry " project with local gardeners
- expand our relationships with local markets to procure donated produce, dairy and dry goods

Would you like to be a part of this growing and dynamic ministry? You can, and here's how:
- choose a job from the new "Volunteer Opportunities" link on the ESC website
- stop by the church any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday morning after 10 a.m. and lend a hand stocking shelves and breaking down boxes
- fill a "Just Bag It" bag with groceries from the list
- donate money as often as you can; make it a monthly commitment
- plant a row in your garden this spring designated for the Chapel Pantry and bring in the bounty
- involve you neighbors in donating to the Chapel Pantry; it's not just for our church, it's for our community

For more information, contact Lou Ann Laurance
Email Lou Ann

BEACH is a community partnership between citizens and faith, business, non-profit and city organizations who are working together in Bringing an End to All City Homelessness.

The first gathering of representatives, staff and members of faith-based and non-profit organizations from areas adjacent to ESC will take place at ESC on Sept. 9th at 11 a.m. This is the beginning of the effort to establish BEACH as the umbrella organization that will assist agencies in coordinating services and enabling us to do the best we can for our homeless and at-risk citizens. A free light lunch will be served.

To learn more about BEACH Community Partnership visit www.beachcp.org or contact Lou Ann Laurance, 8363lal@gmail.com or 428-8363.

Domestic Mission Trip to Freeman, VA

Click here to see pictures from our 2010 trip

In July, members of ESC traveled to St. Thomas, our companion church in Freeman, Virginia, to help with their summer Vacation Bible School. The theme, When Kids Join Forces With God, allowed the children to identify heroes of the Bible, as well as every day heroes. Oliver Todd led nature walks, Judy McCready, Suzie Rockwell, and Judy Wyche led a cooking class. Mary Lou Crifasi, Addie Kier, and Kalli Darnell worked with the youngest children on art projects. Marybeth Highton and Cleo Goodwyn presented a slide show for the older participants about Biblical heroes. Computer instruction was led by Nancy Best. Debbie Quam led the adults through Praying in Color. Also helping were Martha Von Schmidt, Linda Todd, Iris Jones, and Gilbert Lucas. ESC's Senior Warden Hank Marriott attended the first day and shared ideas with Iris Jones, Senior Warden at St. Thomas. All preparatory work was led by Dan McCready.

Thanks to book donations by ESC members, a library was also set up in the computer room which can be used by children and adults. The computers were donated last year and are used for adult classes.

Linda Todd