Three Ways to Support CVEM | Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you... ~~Psalm 42.1

Dear friends,

Artist James Decker’s delightful logo for this year’s CVEM card touches us on so many levels: it reminds us of our precious blue earth, whose waters sustain our life. It reminds us of our heartfelt connections to one another. And it reminds us of the beauty of the generous spirits who are part of the Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry, sustaining these vital ministries with vital giving.

We’ve never needed our connection to one another more than this year. COVID19 has devastated so much: lives damaged and lost, jobs and housing in jeopardy, health care and food vying for the first bite of a paycheck.

Every one of you receiving this letter knows the hard choices families have made.

We are writing a different appeal letter this year, one that combines three opportunities for you to invest in this community.

∙ Direct Service, the heart of CVEM, continues to provide critical support for families and individuals in this region (including Alabama), connecting them to community resources and providing financial assistance for housing, utilities, and basic household goods, as well as basic healthcare needs, transportation, job and school needs. While best practices during this pandemic have changed how we administer these funds, our caring and outreach are unchanged. In fact, grants from the Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Response Fund of $65,000 allowed us to extend our outreach this year, serving thus far 340 families—helping to prevent homelessness for more than half of them--with $90,000 in assistance, an almost 300% increase over this time last year. Because of the administrative support this ministry receives from participating parishes, every penny you donate to Direct Service goes directly to neighbors in need.

∙ The Thompson-Anderson-Pound Art Program is a 25-year interfaith art camp for children born out of a vision of Beloved Community. Through TAP’s collaborative and creative programming, children, youth, and adults expand their understanding of how valuing diversity fosters a more beautiful and peaceful world. Although TAP programming was affected by the pandemic, creative leaders found ways to reach 118 Tappers and Teens during 2020, safely delivering a TAP keepsake box filled with new and familiar items and activities. TAP honors the memories of Tom Thompson, in whose memory the program began, and Barbara Pound, whose creativity and love shaped it from the beginning. And now we also honor current director Debbie Anderson who has guided TAP toward greater inclusion and celebration of community. Your gift to TAP allows us to plan ahead for a bright future that includes in-person as well as online experiences.

∙ CVEM holiday cards are available for order again this year. Let us send cards on your behalf to honor and remember loved ones or request packets of 10 cards each to send out on your own. Proceeds from these cards support the ministries of CVEM and performs a valuable outreach and education function as well, enlightening as well as blessing the recipients! Simply download THIS form and send back to us ([email protected]) and we'll send cards for you. Or fill out the form below.

You are the life-giving water that sustains all of these ministries. Thank you from all of us, and may you know light and love during this season of the year.

MAKE YOUR DONATION AND CARD ORDERS HERE.