The pantry doesn't get a lot of attention this time of year. Normally, the big push for pantry donations happens in November as we prepare to give out Thanksgiving dinners. It is true that we give out more food in November and December than we do in any 4 month period during the rest of the year! However, the pantry is the ministry spotlight for the month of April because we don't want you to forget about it. So, for this post I have pulled up some pictures from Thanksgiving 2011 and will be inserting some facts about the pantry.

In November 2011 you the members of the Mesa church of Christ:

• Donated $1916.00 in cash and hundreds of individual food items
• Distributed 108 full Thanksgiving meals including a turkey
• Distributed 20 additional bags without a turkey
• Each meal cost us $13.08 (full retail value is $40)
• Cooked and served a hot breakfast for over 200 people
• Donated hundreds of clothing items and toys

Every other month our pantry distributes around 40 bags of food along with clothes and other necessities. One of the little known facts about the pantry is that we are here to help members of our own congregation first. We tend to focus on the community service portion of the pantry but we also take care of the body of Christ who may be in need first. That means that not only are we making a difference in the lives of the people in our community, but we are also taking care of each other.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

Have you ever realized you were so wrapped up in your own little corner of the world that you lost track of the big picture?  I had that moment last week. 

You all know that we’re going through Financial Peace University, learning how to use cash only and readjusting to living on a budget.  Full disclosure: the concept of “running out” of grocery money is a little disconcerting.  The month is just past half way over – should I have spent half of the grocery money?  What if we have a grocery related emergency (running out of Strawberry Whole Fruit popsicles) and the budgeted money is gone?  Seriously though…what happens if the budgeted grocery money runs out?  If I can get a good deal combining sales/coupons on something I don’t need this week, should I get it anyway because it is a good deal?  If the grocery budget is running low is it best to pick up regular old milk/eggs (instead of the organic/hormone/cage free varieties) or just wait for next month?

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So, this summer we will be having lots of activities and what better way to start it off then with a service project? We will be helping one widow from the church each month this summer. We will be doing everything from yard work to organizing paperwork so there will be a little something for everyone. Please don't let these service opportunities pass you by.

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

For June we will be helping out our beloved sister Kaye Pierce. We will be meeting at her house from 8:00 am to 10:00 am on June 4th. Her address is: 6022 E. Albany St. Mesa, AZ 85205. There is a map below that will show you how to get there from the church building. If you have any questions please call Diana.