March 16, 2026 newsletter

 

Good morning everyone! My phone tells me that it's supposed to reach 60 today, but I'm having some serious doubts about that. That's ok though...I have so many things to tell you about today, my files are bursting out even if the flowers aren't exactly there yet.

Last week, along with many of my friends at St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Ayer, I learned about a college behind bars program. The specific program mentioned was through Tufts University, but many other colleges offer classes as well. Anyway, Tufts partners with an organization called Partakers, and volunteers there join teams to become mentors. These are not so much academic mentors as they are friendships and encouragers: people who will get to know an incarcerated person and encourage them on a monthly basis. I think it's an amazing program, and I wanted to share the info with you in case you find it intriguing: https://www.partakers.org/

Ken Burns, on PBS, did a documentary on the program:
https://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/college-behind-bars-video-gallery/college-behind-bars/

Another thing I came across last week was an episode of Gastropod, a podcast I subscribe to, which explored the history and current status of SNAP, aka "food stamps." I thought I knew a lot about the program, but there was plenty of content that I didn't know. Here's the link to that if you'd like to know more about SNAP:
https://gastropod.com/snap-to-it-why-food-stamps-matter-to-all-of-us-and-why-theyre-under-threat/

And finally, yesterday we were privileged to hear from three of the local teens and one of their adult chaperones about their experience with the CityReach program in Boston. This is an ecumenical project that teens can take part in to learn about the challenges of being unhoused and to have first-hand experience in providing food and warm clothing to people in need. They also meet with guides who take them around to areas where people sleep outside all year round. A lot of local teens and teens from all over the State take part in this outreach each year (I believe that the three we heard from had each gone three or four times), and before they go, they collect coats and other warm clothing. I now have it on my calendar that next year, we will send some of our excess socks, hats, and gloves if there are any when the group is ready to go, and we will let you all know in case you want to contribute. While our first commitment is to our local area, we also like to partner with others who are doing the work further afield, especially those who are working in a relational way like we prefer:  
https://commoncathedral.org/cityreach

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One Small Thing
We were so proud to learn that one of our regular teen volunteers has also been involved in CityReach! He was very eloquent in sharing his experiences yesterday. One pair of socks and one sandwich at a time, he and the others reached out to people who have very little joy in their daily lives.
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Before I forget, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, where we are located, will be joining with St Andrew's Episcopal Church for an Community Easter Egg hunt on Saturday March 28 at 10am, at St Andrew's, 7 Faulkner St in Ayer. Everyone is welcome. A flier is attached!

If you can shop for us this week, we are particularly in need of a few things: large bottles of apple juice, baking supplies, shampoo, and conditioner. Please email me if you need our full list or you want our QR code for online donations. We can take drop-offs at the pantry (through the gray door next to the parking lot on Cambridge Street) on Wednesdays from 10 to noon, Fridays from 4 to 5, and Saturdays only from 9 to 10. Please do not leave food at the door outside of these hours. The bin is always available at Ayer Shop n' Save if those times don't suit: Please leave a note in the bag with your name so we know whom to thank! We are located at 21 Washington Street, Suite C, Ayer MA 01432

You are all wonderful people and I love each and every one of you!