News2Use
February 2021
Follow Jesus, Love Others, Share Hope
"Work for Justice" by Pastor Rob
scales of justice
     Justice is a Biblical value, one of the highest Biblical values. Leviticus 24:22, Deuteronomy 15:29, Isaiah 58:6-7, Amos 5:21-24, and Amos 8:4-6 are just a handful of the hundreds of Old Testament verses commanding that the people of God maintain justice and take care of the poor and vulnerable. Taking care of the most vulnerable members of the community is always tied to maintaining justice. 
When the wealthy bask in their affluence while indifferently ignoring the poor, they act unjustly and fall under God’s condemnation. It’s not enough to avoid dishonesty and graft. We aren’t righteous because we avoid wrong behavior. We are right in God’s eyes when we care about what God cares about. The New Testament is even more adamant about God’s call to his people to take care of the poor and advocate for victims of injustice.
Food Distribution for February
February 6th & 20th
Our Food Pantry will be open February 6th & 20th - at our usual time from 11am to 12pm.

CONSIDER:
  • Volunteering one or more Saturdays a month for the food distributions. Bagging begins at 9am and distribution prep begins at 10:30am. Sign up HERE and scroll down to select Chapel Hill Pantry events.
  • Donating groceries - we are collecting dry and canned goods, food items, fresh produce, bread and meat (see most needed items here. Drop off at the collection box outside the church entryway
Food Ministry Praises
EXCITING NEWS - The Pantry received a grant from the new Wegman's grocery store in Chapel Hill. Adding this grant to other donations (Thank You to all who contributed), we have purchased a pre-owned commercial freezer and refrigerator enabling us to store more frozen and refrigerated food on site. The need for the pantry continues to be evident as we served 87 households at the last distribution on January 30th.
 
Heard from one of our clients: Hillside Church- You never cease to amaze me! You really outdid yourselves. These groceries are beautiful! The dried plums are one of my favorite things. Thanks to all and God Bless you!
 
Pastor Rob reports a phone conversation with a food delivery client on February 2. She told him how deeply grateful she is for the groceries she receives twice a month. She was very complimentary of how our congregation cares for the community. Her testimony is one of many that confirm the way God is working through our church in this ministry.
Helping Hand Report
Helping Hand
Your faithfulness in contributing money to the Helping Hand Fund has enabled our church to assist members of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community with emergency financial assistance year after year. In 2020, we gave out a total of $6,703 of assistance; 65% for rent, 32% for utilities, and 3% for other needs.

Bob Eatman has been a Helping Hand volunteer for two years and his highlight of 2020 is “...meeting many people who we have given hope and help in their current lives. Many have asked for prayer for their situations and families. It's what we as a church do.“

Phil Partin has served since 2009. He sees a common thread in the people: “they have been struck with medical issues, because of COVID-19 have lost jobs, are hurting in their souls. ...these folks desire prayer, no one turns that down. ... It is a beautiful thing to be able to share with someone in this point in their lives. Though we seldom are able to remove their difficulties completely, it is a privilege to see God move this dear child of His from fear to hope.”

We thank Bob Eatman and Phil Partin for serving in this ministry - meeting with clients, assessing their needs, praying with them and sharing hope.
December Numbers
tithes & offerings
Your tithes and offerings can be dropped off, mailed, or given electronically. Use the button below or go to our website.