Support CSK--The Great Give is Today!

Dear Friends in Christ,

When the risen Christ appears to his disciples, one of the things he does is eat a meal with them. In that meal they know that he is real--and that he is there with them.

In the meal we receive each week at the altar of Christ Church we know anew that Christ is present with us.

And just across the memorial garden in the Parish House, six days a week, another holy and sacred meal is happening--one where Christ's love shows up among God's holy people, the fellowship that is The Community Soup Kitchen.

For over forty years Christ Church Parish has partnered with The Community Soup Kitchen to stand in witness against the forces of evil that cause homelessness and hunger--to stand with the hungry and poor of New Haven--and to stand for Christ's all-encompassing love.

Some days that looks like a quiet conversation, or a booming laugh across the dining room. It might look like a referral for medical care or a new coat or pair of trousers. It always comes with a hot meal here in the Parish Hall--and an offer of a tray to take away.

With your faithful help--financial and volunteer--CSK served over 70,000 meals last year. This year we're on track to do even more. Here are some of the new intiatives that CSK is engaged in:

• Wednesday lunches during summertime to fill in for our friends at Saint Thomas More Catholic Center while their students are on break
• Medical care and referrals through Cornell Scott Hill Health
• Clothing offerings through Midnight Run
• Support for elementary school students in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's CHIPP program
• A new partnership with The VILLEGE in Newhallville serving approximately 150 meals daily
• To-go bag lunches with a hot breakfast each Tuesday at Saint Martin de Porres in Newhallville
• Coming this summer, a weekly shower ministry in conjunction with the City of New Haven's task force on homeless outreach

You can read more about these and other programs of CSK that you are supporting as well as more about its history at csknewhaven.org.

But today in particular I'm asking if you'll consider a financial contribution to help support the mission and ministry CSK shares in this place. If you've given already, thank you! If you've not yet, today is a great day to join those hundreds of donors who have already given over $100,000 as part of this special two-day challenge. Check out givegreater.org and search for "CSK" to make your gift.

Thank you to those of you who volunteer with CSK. Thank you to those who serve on its board. Thank you to those who tell its story and invite others into this community of joyful abundance. And thank you to those who eat--and to those who give.

Yours in the abundance of the Risen Christ,