The “Mission of the Month” for October is the Fair Haven Food Pantry, which has been serving our community since 1975.  Each month, they serve over 2,800 families. The pantry is one of the largest private food assistance programs in the greater Houston area.  Their mission is to provide food assistance until other food assistance is available, or until assistance with food is no longer needed. Fair Haven is dependent on the donations of congregations and groups.

This pantry is a “Client Choice” experience, where clients choose for themselves what products they receive. The pantry resembles a small grocery store, with products on shelves and in coolers/freezers. Volunteers walk around with the clients to help them fill a box with wanted items.

During this fall season, please pick up a few extra items each week at the grocery store. When you come to church, place your food in one of the Mission Donation boxes outside of the Church Office.  Church members deliver regularly to the Fair Haven Food Pantry! Consider signing up on their website to volunteer.  Twenty volunteers are needed each day to sort and restock food, and to help serve the clients.

Thank you for your continued dedication to this important ministry! The following foods would be particularly welcomed:

• Peanut Butter
• Cereal, Rice, Noodles, Pasta
• Mac & Cheese
• Spaghetti
• Pasta Sauce
• Grocery Bags
• Vegetable Oil (small to medium size)
• Canned Tuna or Chicken
• Canned Beans
• Baby Cereal or food
• Baking items and Pantry Staples
• Canned Fruits, Vegetables, Soups

October Mission Updates & Opportunities

SBPC Hot Meals on Weekends – The 4^th Saturday of each month we look for individuals to deliver meals to shut-ins.  We have 2 routes, so we usually need a total of 2 pairs of volunteers each month.  Please contact Lu Taylor if you are interested in volunteering to deliver meals one month. There is a great need for volunteers!

Academy Trunk or Treat on October 16th – Be sure to sign up to participate in this fun annual event in the parking lot. Sponsor a decorated car and hand out treats.  The event is from 5:30-6:30pm. Please reach out to Renee Henry if you are interested in providing a decorated car and candy to hand out. We had such a fun time last year! There were lots of families from the Academy as well as the larger community.

 Seafarers Christmas Shoe Box Packing and Wrapping – This annual and fun event will take place in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30am on Sunday, November 29^th. Please bring any donations to the Church Office collection bin by November 22^nd. Watch for a Signup Genius Link in the near future to commit to providing specific donations. Please let Laurie Mitchell know if you are interested in delivering the boxes to the Seafarer’s Center.

Save-the-Date for our July Blood Drive – SBPC will have a Blood Drive on Sunday, November 8^th.  Please contact Joel Alegria at joelalegria1984@yahoo.com if you would like to sign up to donate. Share the gift of life!