50s Sock Hop to Benefit the Open Pantry of Greater Lowell

January 28, 2009

For Immediate Release

50s Sock Hop to Benefit the Open Pantry of Greater Lowell

Contact:

Karen Stairs

(978)455-1971

teddycare1959@comcast.net

The owner of A Step Ahead Day Care in Lowell, Karen Stairs was always able to find the help she needed to feed her four children, now adults, when times got tight. As a single mother, she was fortunate to be able to count on the generosity of her family, friends, church, and coworkers. But she knows that many families have not been as fortunate.

As a day care professional, Stairs has seen time-and-again kids whose only daily meal is served in the classroom. Several years ago, after seeing a small boy try to put mashed potatoes in his pocket to take home to his sister, Stairs made it her mission to do whatever she could to help end hunger.

This year, in celebration of her fiftieth birthday, Stairs has decided to give a gift to the Open Pantry of Greater Lowell. On Saturday, February 21st at 7:30 pm she will host a 50s sock hop dance to benefit the food pantry. Held at Christ Church United, UCC, at 180 E. Merrimack Street, Lowell, near Saints Medical Center, the dance will feature 50s music, a silent auction, raffle, refreshments, and bake sale. In attendance as the honorary principal for the evening will be Lowell Mayor, Bud Caulfield. An appearance by Elvis is also expected.

Tickets to the sock hop are $15.50 for adults and $5.50 for children under 12. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items. All proceeds will benefit the Open Pantry of Greater Lowell.

Those unable to attend the dance, but who still wish to contribute, may make monetary or food donations to the Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, 200 Central Street, Lowell, MA 01852, 978-453-6693, www.theopenpantry.org.

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Homelessness is on the rise in Massachusetts

January 25, 2009

Click here to  read the Lowell Sun article related to this Interfaith Forum on Homelessness.

(excerpted from the event invitation)

Homelessness is a real and growing challenge for faith communities in Greater Lowell.  As people of faith, we are called to care for the sick, feed the hungry, and shelter the homeless.  Are we doing enough?  Join us for an informative and inspiring event to learn how you can be a part of the solution.

WHAT: The Greater Lowell Interfaith Forum on Homelessness

Keynote Speakers:  The Reverend Liz Walker and Lt. Governor Timothy P. Murray

WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 2009.  2pm-4pm, Registration begins at 1:30pm.  Networking session with refreshments from 3:30-4pm

WHERE: Christ Church United UCC in Lowell.  180 E. Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852

For more information contact: Brent Rourke at 978-459-0551 ext 219

Brought to you by: Christ Church United UCC in Lowell, the S.H.I.F.T. Coalition, Social Action Ministries of the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, Eliot Presbyterian Church, New England Prison Ministries, One Family Inc., and the Lowell Transitional Living Center

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Winter 2009 Reaching Out Newsletter

January 14, 2009

Winter 2009 Reaching Out Newsletter

Christ Church United UCC in Lowell (WeWelcomeAll.org)

Pastor’s Message

A 50TH BIRTHDAY WISH TO REFLECT A BOLD VISION

One year ago, we began formal meetings to discern a viable path to grow our great church. For seven months, we met to share stories, review our history, and launch a future vision that addresses our current needs of spiritual and numerical growth. Our hope is grounded in our history, and a desire to show God’s love in Jesus Christ.

This winter, the anniversary of our VisionQuest, offers an opportunity to more deeply embed the beliefs we value as well as support of “one of our own”. Long ago, Karen Stairs’ shared a dream that speaks to the essence of our congregational vision. To mark her fiftieth birthday, Karen wants everyone to help re-stock The Open Pantry of Greater Lowell.

The culmination is a “Fifty’s Sock Hop Dance”, February 21. Spurred by her dream, CCU is host to an Interfaith Forum on Homelessness on Sunday, March 1.

Who could’ve guessed that, one year ago, the need for food and shelter would be so great, that so many would be living in fear of not knowing where their next meal would come from. (Neal and Janet Bartlett report they have never seen so many people lining up for so few cans of food.) I hope that each of us will be able to join in these efforts to alleviate the most basic of needs so many are facing this winter. In so doing, I trust we will more fully appreciate how the Word made flesh is truly among us, guiding us as we seek to create a future as a people Loved by God, Loving our Neighbors, and Walking the Way of Justice.

God bless you,

Pastor Peter

**** Read the rest of this entry »

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’50s Sock Hop to benefit Open Pantry of Greater Lowell

January 6, 2009

My name is Karen Stairs. I am a writing you to tell you my story and ask for your help. I have always been an advocate in making sure that children and families are fed. I am a home day care provider, a former Head Start Teacher, and Director of Komar Day Care in downtown Lowell. I was a single mom and raised 4 children and am now the proud Grandmother of 2 and another on the way.

Many years ago when raising my children, I never had to worry about feeding my children. My family, friends, church family, and coworkers would never let us go hungry. However, I saw many families that were hungry. Sometimes the only food the children in my classroom had was supplied by the Head Start program. One day, I saw a little boy put mashed potatoes in his pocket to take home for his little sister to eat. From that day on, I have made it my mission to help end hunger when and where I could. I was so blessed to have family, a faith community, and friends to help me in that effort.

I will be turning 50 years old in February. I did not want to have an “Over the Hill” party (I don’t feel old!), I wanted to give back to my community instead!

My Plan is to have a 50s Sock Hop/School Dance and raise money for The Open Pantry of Greater Lowell. The dance will be held on Saturday, February 21st at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at Christ Church United UCC in Lowell, 180 E. Merrimack Street.

On the night of the dance, we will hold an old fashioned “School Bake Sale”, a silent auction, and a raffle. Elvis may even be there! The mayor of Lowell is the Honorary “Principal” for the evening!

Tickets are $15.50 for adults and $5.50 for children under 12 years of age.  For more information, you can call me at (978) 455-1971, or e-mail me at teddycare1959@comcast.net.

Many Thanks in advance,

Karen L. Stairs

Owner: A Step Ahead Family Day Care in Lowell

Member: Christ Church United UCC in Lowell, WeWelcomeAll.org

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“Welcoming” in the New Year!

January 3, 2009

The Sunbeams will be brining in the New Year by learning about God’s (and CCU’s) extravagant welcome! We will be focusing on the diversity of God’s kingdom by learning about the all the different cultures and languages in our community! 

The Sunbeams need your help! I am looking to make sure that the kids (at least) learn how to say welcome in the languages of our church! So, if your language of origin is not English please teach me (or Steph) how to say/write it! If you don’t make it to church tomorrow, feel free to leave it as a reply on the blog or e-mail me! Also, if you are willing to be involved in teaching this month helping the kids/teens learn about your particular cultural background, please let me know! I am especially interested in including a teacher of African descent (as I already have Laotian, and Hispanic culture covered).

I hope your New Year is filled with extravagant welcome!

In Christ’s Love, Jenn

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