Helping the Community

Good morning!

A few weeks ago I was able to attend the One Solanco event, which was a presentation for the community sponsored by Solanco Neighborhood Ministries, Solid Rock Youth Ministries, New Hope Counseling, and the Solanco School District. It was a very well-done presentation that served as a good reminder of the challenges that many in our community are facing.

It was inspiring to see how the ministries of our community see themselves as teammates and not competitors. Trust me, that doesn’t happen everywhere! It was mentioned that much of what was presented applied to southern Chester County as well. In fact, both New Hope and Solanco Neighborhood Ministries noted that they serve a number of folks from the Christiana and Oxford areas.

The main thing that was stressed over and over again is that the challenge that many in our community face isn’t simply a lack of money. It’s a complete lack of resources and support systems. Folks don’t have the support systems that they need to deal with health challenges, mental health challenges, food insecurity, transportation challenges, and so on.

This reality really made me think. When I was growing up in Quarryville there was a time when my family didn’t have a whole lot of money. What we did have was lots of family living nearby that we could lean on and a church family to walk alongside us.

I was blessed to have an amazingly strong support system (still do!)…many people do not. And this lack of resources means that people have to make some very difficult decisions.

The clients of Solanco Neighborhood Ministries were recently surveyed and 33% replied that they often have to choose between paying rent and purchasing food. 25% replied that they often have to choose if they are going to eat or go get needed medical care. 55% admitted that they often have to skip meals or skip eating for a day because they don’t have access to food. Either they don’t have money or buy it or they don’t have transportation to go and purchase it. 331 students in the Solanco School District are now in the weekend backpack program because they don’t have enough food at home.

Housing in the area is quickly becoming a crisis issue (if it hasn’t already). The fastest growing age group of homeless in our area are the senior citizens. More than half of the people seeking housing assistance in the area are seniors. The average rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the area now at$1,200. That’s for 1 bedroom! And it is rising quickly, meaning people on fixed incomes are getting “squeezed” like never before.

I am so thankful for the many wonderful ministries in our communities that are seeking to address these challenges in both Lancaster and Chester County while also sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. I am also thankful for the generosity of the folks of the Bridge that allows us to partner with these ministries. Please continue to pray for our partner ministries and for God to show us how we can more intentionally partner with them!

Here’s what’s happening:

1. TONIGHT – Youth Group meets at the church at 6:30 pm.

2. SATURDAY – The youth are gathering at the church at 10 am to make whoopie pies for the Car Show. See Jesssica Reyburn for details.

3. SUNDAY – Cruise for Christ Car Show. Please plan to carpool, as parking will be limited. When you arrive let the folks parking cars know if you are not planning to stay for the car show after the service so that we can make sure you don’t get parked in. Lunch is provided and we will have some activities for the kids.

4. June 25 – Youth Group meets at the church at 6:30 pm.

5. June 28 – Youth Fellowship Meal after the worship service.

6. We are on our annual summer break for Sunday School. There is a signup sheet in the lobby to provide a snack before the service during July and August.

7. There is a signup sheet in the lobby for VBS. This is an “all hands on deck” ministry event. Please consider volunteering.

This Sunday we are studying Genesis 48, which is about Jacob adopting his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh. We'll be discovering how we can be a blessing to the next generation in our lives. We’ll also see how this adoption foreshadows God adopting those who trust in Jesus as His sons and daughters!