As you probably know, the passage of the large budget bill (known to Republicans as "The One Big Beautiful Bill") in July 2025 resulted in significant cuts to the food program known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). It is estimated that five million Americans have lost food benefits in the past 15 months. Possibly because of these cuts, the Food Box on the sidewalk in front of Grace Church has recently seen increased use. The box is often full on Sunday, when parishioners make contributions, but is often empty by the end of the week. If you come to church on a day other than Sunday, please bring an item of food for the box.

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:40)

Tags: Food, Faith in action

Friends,
What a fabulous celebration of the feast of All Saints on Sunday! All Saints celebrates the Saints who have gone before us -- those whose lives show us what it looks like to practice the way of Jesus in their time, so that we can creative and courageous in ours. From a fabulous litany and procession representing many saints, to music by our Parish and Youth choirs, to a celebration of our Pledge Campaign for 2026, the day was full of defiant joy. If you missed it, catch the video here.

My sermon shared about the Rev. Pauli Murray, an American icon and one of the saints we look to on the Episcopal calendar of saints. The way of Jesus that we see in Pauli Murray’s life is a way of creative, resilient, nonviolent work for justice. I hope you'll take a moment to learn more about Murray's life!

As you exercise the right to vote today, I encourage you also to bring non-perishable food to Grace for us to share. You can find more information about that below.

With love,
Susan+

Food Box Update
With SNAP benefits ending in November, now is a wonderful time to keep our Food Box full! We’re inviting everyone to take part in a November Food Box Drive to help stock our outdoor pantry. Throughout the month, we’ll collect non-perishable, winter-safe food items to create a reserve for the colder months ahead.

We’re mindful and grateful that Grace is already deeply engaged in feeding ministries with the Minnehaha Food Shelf, First Nations Kitchen, and Casa Maria. Making sure our Food Box is fully stocked is another great way to show our support for the neighborhood and our ability to lead with compassion in the face of this new crisis.

Suggested items include:
Boxed meals (mac and cheese, pasta, rice packets)
Granola bars and snack packs
Peanut butter and jelly (in plastic jars)
Cereal, oatmeal, or instant soup packets
Dried fruit and nuts
**Please note that canned goods are not winter safe as they can crack when frozen.

Even a few extra items each week can make a meaningful difference for neighbors facing food insecurity this winter. Let’s come together to keep our Food Box full and our hearts open.
Donations can be dropped off in the hallway by the Commons during the month of November.

Tags: saints, Pauli Murray, Food