Advocate in Advent!

December 11, 2013

Sisters and Brothers,

Our Saturday afternoon Balboa Park Outreach Walks with Chris Wells, Mary Doak, and Lynne and Bill Fish continue to invite us into compelling conversations with those who live outside.  Won't you consider joining them for these hour-long walks (3:30-4:30) some Saturday soon?  Email me if you're interested.

Advocate and Serve this Advent!

Here are some upcoming opportunities to join the Spirit in ushering God's justice- and peace-filled Kingdom into the world:

Support Taxi Drivers at the MTS Building Thursday Morning
Join our friends at the Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice TODAY, Thursday, Dec 12 at the MTS building (1255 Imperial Ave, 10th floor) to support taxi drivers concerned about their working conditions. MTS will be deciding tomorrow whether to enter into negotiations with the City of San Diego for a long-term contract.  Taxi Workers are asking MTS to allow additional time for a city-approved consultant to explore how the City may resume administration of the taxi industry and oversee working conditions and wages.  Contact Lisa Maldonado to RSVP or if you have any questions: Elizabeth@ICWJ.org or 619-584-5740.  Click here and here for more info on the demanding daily grind of taxi drivers.

 Call your Representative to Save Food Assistance
Leaders in Congress are now finalizing a deal on the farm bill. They could reach an agreement at any time. At this critical moment, Congress needs to hear from you. Please call (800-826-3688) or email today. Tell your members of Congress not to cut SNAP (formerly food stamps) but to take actions that will help end hunger in our country and around the world.  Help with local hunger relief here.

Party with the Homeless on Christmas Day
Connections Housing (1250 Sixth Ave) is hosting a Christmas party on December 25 from 12 noon to 4 pm and invites us to celebrate with them. Here's a chance to get to know someone new who is currently struggling to find a job and a place to live.  Contact Mary Doak for details.

Donate Art Supplies and Support an Art Class for the Homeless
Support an art class for the homeless that takes place every Thursday from 3-4 pm at Connections Housing (1250 Sixth Ave) by donating supplies such as acrylic paint, canvases, and paint brushes, or help out with the class!  Contact Claudia Velasquez for more info.

Help with the Next Count of our Homeless Neighbors
On Jan 24 from 4-7 am volunteers across the county will count the more than ten thousand people who live outside in San Diego, which will provide critical data for those who serve these neighbors. Learn how you can help here  or contact Jessica Osmun with questions. jessica.osmun@rtfhsd.org.

Where and how is Christ's love breaking into your life this Advent season?

In Christ's hope,

Colin
The Rev Colin Mathewson