MEALS WITH MEANING IN THE HOT SUMMER DAYS!

One of my favorite moments in our congregational life is on Thanksgiving morning when we're about to open the gates for our Thanksgiving meal for the community. Nearly 100 volunteers help with preparing and serving this meal. For the past several years, we've actually had to turn away volunteers because so many generous people wanted to help. As we open the gates, there is such excitement and palpable joy as we share this meal and celebrate together as a community.

But now it's nearly August. And it's hot. And everyday guests and families in need still gather for food and for the Christ-like welcome and love that defines our Meals with Meaning ministry. This is the non-glamourous time of the year. But the need for daily bread and daily love never ends.

Meals with Meaning is currently serving 2,000 guests a month, a 50% increase so far over last year's numbers. We have over 220 regular volunteers, nearly 100 of which are St. Gregory's members and over 120 community volunteers. Meals with Meaning, led and inspired by St. Gregory's, has become a center for community service to the most vulnerable among us in Boca Raton. What a difference we are making. Praise God for the gift and holy privilege of meeting Christ in the lives of the people we serve.

As we enter these "Dog Days" of August in South Florida, please pray for our guests and daily volunteers who are leading this ministry. I also ask you to consider making a special financial gift to Meals with Ministry. Think of it as a "Thanksgiving in August" gift! Gifts can be made by going online on our St. Gregory's app or website. Checks made out to St. Gregory's can also be given and designated for Meals with Meaning.

Blessings in Christ,

Andrew