I have been given a few cases of brand-new socks. Most are tube-style so fit a variety of foot sizes. They are summer socks so don't take up a lot of room. And are perfect for when kids get wet feet. Wet feet are distracting and unhealthy. 

Tell me how many you'd like, and I'll drop off - in the St. Catharines area. Outside of St. Cats, we'll figure something out. 
Jan Steven, 289-990-4839, [email protected] 

Hi Grace Church Family! I encourage you this week (and every week) to scroll through our Church Directory and note the names of people who are not able to attend regularly. Give them a phone call, send them a card, offer a visit, and pray for them. / jan
 
1 Thessalonians 5:11 — “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
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Bill 28 – the Homelessness Ends with Housing Act – aimed to end homelessness in 10 years but did not pass. You can still let our MPPs know we care:

• Doug Ford – [email protected]
• Hon. Rob Flack – [email protected]
• Hon. Graydon Smith – [email protected]

More affordable and supportive housing helps both people and the community.
 
A petition will be available to sign in the foyer after church. See Jan.

Across the world, Mennonites and Catholics often work side by side in peacebuilding, relief, and dialogue—especially in places affected by conflict or poverty. Shared values of service and compassion unite these efforts.
Examples:
• Colombia: MCC and Catholic groups support peace accords, trauma healing, and reconciliation.
• Africa & Middle East: MCC and Catholic Relief Services coordinate aid in South Sudan, DR Congo, and Syria.
• Philippines: Mennonite Church Canada Witness workers join Catholic partners in Muslim–Christian peacebuilding.
• Europe: Mennonite Mission Network and Catholic parishes informally collaborate in refugee hospitality.
A website that features Mennonites and Catholics working together is www.bridgefolk.net It’s a grassroots movement dedicated to fostering dialogue, friendship, and shared mission between sacramentally-minded Mennonites and peace-minded Roman Catholics.

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful Thanksgiving Service and Coffee Time. Let us stay connected with members of our Grace Family who are unable to come to church. 
 
Are you wondering how someone is doing? You haven’t seen them at church or haven’t talked to them lately? Please phone them. It makes a world of difference! And let us know if there has been a change in their circumstances or if they’d like a friendly visit (Jan) or a pastoral care visit (Darrell.) – Jan
 
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

We’re excited to share that our Resource Centre will soon get a fresh coat of paint, thanks to a generous donation of supplies! Our first volunteer group begins Saturday, October 4, and we’re looking for more helpers that day—or on another weekend, based on availability. All materials will be provided; we just need willing hands. The Resource Centre is a vital hub for clients, offering support with paperwork, medical appointments, and emergency clothing—and its well-used walls are ready for a refresh.
Contact Emily at [email protected] or 905-984-5310 (main office.) Emily will be a guest speaker at our upcoming Compassion Café (Justice Seminar) on Wednesday, October 22, at 1:30 pm.
 
Start Me Up Niagara - "Building a society where all people are included, healthy, and self-sufficient." https://www.startmeupniagara.ca/

Winter is coming. I asked Mary the Manager, “What are the most wanted items the store needs to have donated in the next few months?” Here is her short-list:

• Winter gloves or mittens! Especially large and extra-large men’s.
• Blankets! Blankets! Blankets!
• Warm socks
• Deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

 
You can give to Jan Steven, and she will bring. Better yet, drop by and check out this hidden gem. SVdP Thrift on Queenston truly serves the poorest of the poor in St. Catharines AND has really neat stuff at very good prices.
Address:  67 Queenston St, St. Catharines
Phone: (905) 684-2042
Email: [email protected]

he Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) resource centre is open 5 days a week and provides wrap around services for individuals facing significant life challenges—including poverty, barriers to employment, compromised mental health, substance misuse, precarious housing and food insecurity.  There range of programs includes a Resource Centre, Niagara Mobile Closet, Bike Me Up, Work Action Center, From Our Garden, Toolbox Program Niagara, Income Tax program, medical services, and food program.
 
You can support SMUN by donating needed items.
Clothing & Footwear: New or gently used, seasonally appropriate items, including trackpants and hoodies, are needed year-round.
Personal Hygiene Items: Full-size or travel-size items such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen, and bug spray are requested.
Bicycles: Plus you can use their Bike Me Up Service for repairs and maintenance.
Financial Support: Monetary donations are crucial for the organization's operations and frontline services.
Your Time: There is a volunteer job for everyone! 😊
 
The Grace Justice Group hopes to have a seminar – a Compassion Café – in October to learn more about their services, including the ones that benefit us older folks! For more information call (905) 984-5310 or visit https://www.startmeupniagara.ca/

Niagara Region’s Seniors Community Programs OUTREACH SERVICES – Helping older adults stay safe and independent in their home.
 
Referrals to Community Services may include:
-Fall prevention
-Adult day program
-Respite companion program
-Meal services
-Specialized services such as Alzheimer Society and mental health services
-Transportation services.
 
Register by calling 905-984-2621. A Community Worker will call or visit.
https://www.niagararegion.ca/living/seniors/community-programs.aspx

The Region of Niagara has developed a Consolidated Housing Master Plan. This Plan is a key initiative under Niagara's Affordable Housing Strategy. It guides Niagara Regional Housing in developing new community housing units across the region through 2050.
 
You can read the plan at https://www.niagararegion.ca/housing-homelessness/planning-research/housing-master-plan.aspx
 
The Gospel reading from the Lectionary this week includes Luke 9:58: Jesus says, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." 
 
I expect Jesus is pretty happy with this plan!