May 29th, 2026 | Rev. Rachel Williams

Beloved Friends,

        I know I sang the praises of our missions team in the midweek reflection this week, and I will continue to do it now. They did a wonderful job coordinating the hygiene kit assembly at our Memorial at Memorial gathering this past Sunday! I love the collective work of the assembly line. As we are one body with many parts, so, too, do we work together to make light work of what could otherwise be a tedious endeavor. Each washcloth, bar of soap, toothbrush, and every other essential item found their way into 204 hygiene kits and 48 feminine hygiene kits.

As you hold a bag in your hand you might not think it’s much but consider what one of those kits might mean to someone who has lost all of their belongings because of a catastrophic storm or fire. Sometimes the basic comfort of cleaning up, or feeling clean, can be the seed of hope a person needs to make it to the next hard thing, or the next hour, or the next day. If this is something you would like to continue contributing to, please connect with Lucinda to find out more details.

        There are so many ways that you can continue to make a big impact with small giving here on the island as well. The next time you’re at your local grocery store (word on the street is Publix on island is opening in July!), check out what "buy one get one" options there might be that are shelf stable. Pick up some canned goods or hygiene products to fill our little pantry outside of the Partin Center. And if you feel so led to clean out your attics, your garages, your closets or your bookshelves remember that Barnabas, the Humane Society, and Micah’s Place all have second-hand stores that will take you gently used home goods and clothing.

We put our love into action every single day when we give of ourselves - of our time, talents, gifts, and services. I’m proud to serve alongside of each and every one of you. Keep showing up!

With Grace and Peace,

Pastor Rachel