Friends,  

A great time was had on MLK Day partnering with Rise Against Hunger
packing 30,000 meals to combat extreme hunger!  Thank you to everyone who joined us in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King by making it a day on, not off.  

Mother Teresa once said, "Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love."  There are many ways to do this in February, and I hope you find several opportunities in the highlights below that inspire you to go out and serve and love! 
    
Grace & Peace, 
Renae

Renae Newmiller , Director of Local & Global Engagement
919-832-7535 

Church in the City: Child Po verty
February  3, Chapel/Chapel Annex, 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Join us for our bi-monthly series where we invite local experts to talk about issues facing our city, and as Christians how we can respond. This month we'll be discussing childhood poverty, and will hear from experts from NC Child, the Department of Health and Human Services and Conn Elementary (our partner school).   With nearly half of North Carolina's children living in poor or low-income homes, this is a timely and important topic. Hope to see you there!  

Help Families who are Experienc ing Homelessness 
February 3 - 10 

As part of a network of churches called Family Promise, we welcome families who are temporarily experiencing homelessness, and provide housing and meals on our third floor for a week at a time, four-five times a year.   Each host week takes many hands, and we'd love for you to join us!  We still need help with set up and take down for our February hosting.  Sign-up here.


Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
 
Want to help children get a good night's sleep so they can stay awake and perform better in school? If so, bring a NEW pillow to church.
 
Throughout February, we're partnering with The Green Chair Project's Sweeter Dreams program, which works with Wake County schools to provide beds for children who don't have a bed of their own. We'll be collecting NEW (in original plastic) pillows at the children's Sunday school check-in station on the 3rd floor all month long.  


Make a Difference in a Child's Life
 
Become a Reading Buddy
We partner with Conn Elementary to provide reading buddies for children who need extra help and encouragement. Serving as a reading buddy is a weekly 30 minute commitment during school hours. Interested?   Email Amy .

Mentor 
Spend time with a student at Neighbor to Neighbor working  through an individualized curriculum in math or reading. This requires a one hour per week commitment during the traditional school year. Choose either 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., or 5:45- 6:45 p.m. any day Monday - Thursday.   Learn more.


Serve with Urban Ministries
 
Volunteers make Urban Ministries' services of providing food, healing and shelter possible.   Currently, there is a need for Pharmacists, Medical Interpreters, Food Pantry Assistants and Front Desk Greeters.  Want to get involved?   Get more information here.


Red Rose Benefit
February 23, Kerr Hall, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
 
This fun fundraiser is for our Ruth Sheets adult day care center, which provides a safe place for older adults who need assistance with daily activities, but do not need to be in a nursing home, while their family members work or take a respite.  The event includes dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction (including outings with our pastors).  You can purchase t ickets at the church on Sundays in February or  online here.


Run or Walk to Fight Pediatric Brain Cancer
March 16, 8:00 a.m., Chick-fil-A at Falls Village, 6701 Falls of Neuse Rd.
 
Run, walk or volunteer at Ella's Race in memory of Edenton Street member Ella Newmiller, who passed away from a pediatric brain tumor in 2012. Proceeds from this fun and inspiring event benefit The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and The Cure Starts Now.  



Ongoing Opportunities
 
Looking for ongoing opportunities to serve this year?  Here are a few ways to get involved on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis:

Loads of Love
Tuesdays, 5:30-7:00 p.m., weekly teams provide one free wash & dry to people in need, serve weekly or monthly. Email Dawn 

Reading Buddies
Spend 30 minutes a week reading with a struggling child at Conn Elementary (during the school day).  Email Amy

Tutor with Neighbor to Neighbor
Work one-on-one with a child for an hour once a week.   Learn more.
 
Hurricane Florence Disaster Response
Weekend day trips to help our NC neighbors recover from Hurricane Florence damage.   Email Suzanne
 
Raleigh Rescue Mission 
4th Monday, 6:45-7:45 p.m., spend time with children, giving their moms time to relax, rejoice and rejuvenate during worship   Email Tina.


Family Promise - Helping Families who are Experiencing Homelessness
Quarterly we host families who are temporarily homeless - providing housing and meals for a week at a time.  There are lots of ways to be involved.  Email Ed   to find out how.  2019 dates: 2/3 - 10, 4/7 - 14, 8/11 - 18, 11/3 - 10

Ruth Sheets Center
Spend time with older adults in ESUMC's adult day center.  Choose a weekday, 2:00 - 5:30 p.m.  Email Matt
.
Missional Communities
We have Missional Communities across all of our sites who live life together and serve in our community on a monthly basis.  Email Ashley to connect with one of these amazing groups.