Connecting Beyond the Walls
WELCOME TO THE DAILY DOSE!
Today’s word of hope comes from our own Nikki Byers, interim minister for missions,
This week I am highlighting the extraordinary work of Love Out Loud, a new partner agency for FBC as of 2019.
First of all, during the COVID-19 crisis, Love Out Loud has been THE AGENCY that is informing the community of the local efforts working to mitigate the crisis as well as coordinating specific ways we can help either as individuals or as a church.
Love Out Loud is the broker for non-profit services in our community. It has an online platform, BASE, that allows organizations to post information about their organizations, their mission, their volunteer needs, etc.; this information is accessible to the community. It is the focus of LOL to find the match between volunteer and organization that will benefit both volunteer and organization. Our own Joani Hughes is a navigator for LOL. She works one-on-one with volunteers to determine that best fit. This is no small feat considering the number of agencies, personalities, desires, schedules, expertise, etc.
Love Out Loud began its work in 2008 with their Christmas in the City as a desire to link arms with other churches in the community to be a presence of Christ in the downtown community. Today they have formed a collective of more than 80 churches, groups and individuals who partner with over 200 community agencies.
The mission and vision of Love Out Loud clearly aligns with that of First on Fifth.
Their vision: Praying that God would transform our city with the love and compassion of Christ by connecting and mobilizing the body of Christ as well as all community members.
Their mission: We connect servant-leaders, volunteers and resources to release the radical love of Jesus in our city.
As leaders in our community are beginning to plan for the reopening of the city, LOL is once again at the forefront of an effort appropriately named, Mask the City. The goal is to ensure that every single person in our community has a mask. You will be hearing further details about how our church can help with this effort. The Deacons and Missions Committee are making plans right now. Let us know of individuals in our congregation who are in need of a mask.
Please don’t forget about the following opportunities coordinated by LOL to volunteer and support our community.
- Grab and Go Meals for children at First Baptist on Highland Avenue each Monday, Thursday and Friday 4:00-5:00.
Here is the direct link to sign up at FBC on Highland to volunteer https://volunteer.loveoutloudws.com/need/detail/?need_id=513506
The health guidelines for volunteering: https://volunteer.loveoutloudws.com/covid/volunteer
The following items can be dropped off at Love Out Loud Tuesday/Thursday 9:00-12 or Monday-Thursday 6:00-7:00 at The Saltbox on 1650 Ivy Avenue or I will be happy to pick them up from you. Contact Nikki Byers at nbyers@firstonfifth.org for details.
- Items for Blessing Bags that are distributed to the families in the community
- Family fun items like a ball, deck of cards, puzzles
- Color pages, crayons, pencils
- Cleaning supplies
- Candy (discounted from Easter and donated) and snacks
- Travel size shampoos, care items, soaps, etc
- Shelf-stable food items which can include
- Canned Vegetables / Tomatoes / Beans
- Pasta Sauce
- Canned Chicken / Tuna
- Pasta Noodles / Mac & Cheese
- Applesauce / Canned Fruit
- Peanut Butter
- Granola Bars
- Cereal / Oatmeal
- Crackers
- Rice