Parishioners of All Saints' collaborated with the City Meal Site and gathered several bags of clothing to distribute to those in need.  There was a long line at the door yesterday afternoon as men, women and children came into the parish hall to look over the coats, scarfs, shoes, socks, shirts, skirts and sweaters to choose items they need.  It was a bitter-sweet moment: a joy to see the appreciative expressions on faces as people came and went; but a sadness to experience the lack of support and opportunity for so many of our fellow citizens.

A prayer from our Book of Common Prayer is for the Poor and the Neglected:
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them.  Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy.  Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.