Monday, April 6, 2020

Mission Committee responds to COVID-19

Responding to COVID-19: "3 To Do’s" from Your St. Mark Mission Committee


The COVID-19 pandemic has quickly and dramatically changed our regular routines.  Schools
and many businesses are closed.  Sports, recreation, and entertainment venues are silent.  Brick and mortar shopping is only available for essentials and done only if absolutely necessary.  We struggle to put the unending news steam in context.   

What has not changed is the charge we all share as God's people, to care for our sisters and brothers who need our help.  

How can all of us help or what if we need help?

"3 To Do’s":
(1)  Public health officials direct all of us to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by washing our hands correctly, practicing "social distancing," and quarantining if we are sick or have been exposed to the virus. 


(2) St. Mark members are encouraged to contact the church office if you need help with running errands, picking up groceries, or going to the pharmacy.  We are blessed with a number of volunteers who are willing and able to help. smpoffice@discoverstmark.org (e-mail) or voicemail 636-394-2233.

(3) Consider supporting a nonprofit that serves the most vulnerable who are being hit the hardest by the effects of this crisis.  There are many worthy options. Two of St. Mark's core mission partners are food pantries that are considered essential services and at which a number of St. Mark members continue to volunteer. 

 Isaiah 58 is continuing to provide prepacked bags of food and hygiene products and is responding to clients from beyond their regular service area.  Circle of Concern is closed and hopes to reopen April 13th. You may make donations directly on their websites (click on "DONATE" tab) or send a check to St. Mark church office (601 Claymont, Ballwin Mo 63011) and designate Circle of Concern or Isaiah 58 on the memo line.  Financial donations enable these food pantries to make critical food purchases in bulk at advantageous prices.  Please save your in-kind donations until the church building reopens:  canned goods, paper products, toiletries, cleaning supplies.   

Isaiah 58(open)  https://i58ministries.org/april-2020-update/

Circle of Concern (closed, tentatively reopening April 13)  http://www.circleofconcern.org/coc-covid-19-updates/

In prayerful gratitude for your ongoing generosity and support, 

St. Mark Mission Committee

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