Helping Our Neighbors In Need

Every day, we encounter people who are quietly carrying heavy burdens. Some are struggling to keep the lights on, others are unsure where their next meal will come from, and many are simply overwhelmed by life’s unexpected challenges. As a church family and as a community, we are called to step in with compassion, generosity, and love.

At Wesley, one of the ways we respond is through our Good Samaritan Fund. Each week, we receive at least four requests for help—rent, utilities, emergency needs, and more. Lately, those requests have increased dramatically. This fund allows us to step in during moments of crisis, offering relief and hope in practical ways. Every gift to the Good Samaritan Fund goes directly to someone in need, right here in our community.

But financial giving is only one piece of the puzzle. There are so many ways each of us can make a difference:

Volunteer Your Time:

• Help stock shelves and distribute food at the Good Food Pantry, which provides groceries to local families.
• Support Loaves & Fishes, which helps individuals and families by providing food vouchers for those in need.
• Serve with Samaritan Well, which provides transitional housing and support services.
• Assist at Genesis Garden, which offers emergency shelter for individuals and families.
• Join efforts at the Salvation Army, which provides a wide range of support programs in our community.

Donate Goods:
Clothing, household items, or non-perishable food can meet practical needs. Even simple things—like toiletries, socks, or gently used jackets—can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Support Local Missions Through Events:
This week, our Rummage Sale is a fun and easy way to contribute. Open Friday from 8am–5pm and Saturday from 8am–noon, every purchase supports local missions. Something as small as buying a few books, dishes, or clothes helps fuel life-changing work.

Offer Personal Acts of Kindness:
Sometimes the most powerful help isn’t financial at all. Check in on a neighbor. Offer to cook a meal, babysit for a tired parent, or share extra garden produce. Be a listening ear to someone who is hurting. Simple gestures remind people that they are not alone.

Advocate and Connect:
If you know someone in need, help them connect with local resources. Sometimes people don’t know where to turn, and your guidance could be the bridge to the help they need. For a more complete list of resources, view the Social Services Guide, put together by the Interagency Council, which includes detailed information about many local services and how to access them.

Pray and Encourage:
Not every burden can be lifted with money or service, but prayer is always powerful. Pray for our neighbors who are struggling, for the organizations meeting needs, and for hearts to remain open and generous. A kind word, a handwritten note, or a simple “I’m praying for you” can bring light to someone’s dark day.

The truth is, none of us can do everything—but all of us can do something. Together, those “somethings” add up to a community where no one has to walk alone.

As we look around and see increasing need, may we also see increasing opportunities to live out Christ’s call to love our neighbors. Whether through a donation, an hour of service, or a kind word, your efforts matter. Together, we can help carry one another’s burdens and shine God’s love into the lives of those who need it most.