Why Privilege? When we look at the definition of that word, two meanings feel especially relevant to this project: A special opportunity to do something extraordinary and A specific allowance granted to certain people. In the context of our congregation and our bonds as bodies in Christ, we have many privileges—to do extraordinary work in our community and to extend our gifts to others.
What is the Project? The Project is designed to be an ongoing legacy of our congregation to take the privileges we have in our homes and our community and extend those to others. In Luke 12:48 we are called to this action “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.” Within the context of this project, we want you to think about the day-to-day items that are available, the ones you don’t have to consider being on hand. You know that those items will be in your home—whether a quick click online or simply added to your grocery cart.
For our initial project, now through September 30th, we have the PRIVILEGE to collect sanitary products for the women of Community Lodgings. God gave women the privilege of bringing life into this world, but with this gift also comes a monthly requirement, for decades, to have certain products available for their use. These products are items that, in many households. are taken for granted—you know they will be there when needed. For the women and teenagers at Community Lodgings it is a privilege to have these available and many times this is sacrificed for a greater need. We hope that you will join us in the Privilege Project – a special opportunity to do something extraordinary – by shopping the or placing items in our donation shed.
Our specific request: Sanitary napkins ONLY of varying sizes and strength. If you have any questions, please contact Abiding Presence member Jen H who is coordinating the project.
Some of the local non-profits with we partner with include…
Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO)
ECHO is a partnership between various religious congregations in Burke and Springfield to help people in need in our community by assisting those who suffer the effects of long-term poverty as well as people who are experiencing an emergency need. To learn more about ECHO, watch their video.
Ways for people to serve include:
Donating non-perishable food, household goods, clothing, school supplies
Transporting donations from the church to ECHO
Participating in the Thanksgiving Basket ministry
Volunteering at ECHO
Serving on the ECHO Board of Directors
Community Lodgings
For the past 30 years, Community Lodgings has helped homeless and low-income families by providing a variety of affordable and transitional housing options. In addition we offer Youth Education programs and Community Outreach.
Ways for people to serve include:
Donating personal care items (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.), diapers and wipes (open packages accepted), toilet paper, paper towels & sanitary pads
Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke
The Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke is an organization that helps older adults continue to live independently in their own homes. A variety of support services and enrichment programs are provided by older adult volunteers who use the knowledge and skills acquired over their lifetimes to offer assistance to their peers. Programs are conducted at various Faith Communities in the Fairfax-Burke area such as chair yoga on Zoom and churches that host "Lunch 'N Life."
Ways for people to serve include:
Volunteering as a medical driver to take people to medical appointments
Helping in the office
Serving on the Shepherd Center Board of Directors