OK, so its ridiculous how long its been since I’ve updated…and there were so many great things to update about.  Since the last blog we had a ridiculous amount of snow, as in “waist- high-deep-sidewalks-and-streets-blocked- people’s-cars-being-buried-under-snow” amount of snow.  As 12 of us met to try to dig a way into the sanctuary, a bull dozer driver at the end of the block noted the snails pace progress we were making…and he responded.  He came and shovelled load after load of snow, taking it to a dump truck that took it to the harbor…load after load after load.  He did in front of the church, and then some of the shovelers had folks move their cars so he could clear the road as well.  He worked for several hours on McElderry Street, filling truck after truck after truck…it was good stuff.

Since the last blog we had an amazing group of 35 youth and adults come from Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Joy, Pa.  This group spent most of a saturday helping us with several projects at the church and Center For Grace-Full Living, and they prepared and served lunch for folks in the neighborhood.  I was humbled at their energy, their eagerness to help, and their desire to learn from the people of McElderry Park.

Since the last blog wrote we had nearly 6000 pounds of fresh produce delivered to Amazing Grace by the Maryland Food Bank.  With the help of friends from several transition houses, we were able to unload the truck and provide fresh green food to over 130 families!  Food like lettuce and carrots and grapes and mushrooms and fresh herbs and organic spinach.  (Mmmmm- Spinach.)

Since the last blog we have begun to make plans for the gardens at Port Street and Rose Street!  These gardens will provide a place for neighbors  to gather and work together and also fresh healthy food for the neighborhood.  Morgan Blizzard ( the Food Ministry Coordinator at Amazing Grace and Lutheran Volunteer Corp staff person) and I dug in the dirt to get soil samples to make sure were growing in dirt that is free from heavy metals and to find out what we should add for enrichment to make this good soil.  We are excited about what will be happening in the gardens this year.  An afterschool garden club, a partnership with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, continued partnerships with Civic Works and Charm City Land Trust, as well as folks from the neighborhood. 

Many many good things have happened since the last blog was posted…now spring is here and new life is budding and blooming and beginning to burst.  Even in us.  Soon we will hear again the story of God’s great love for us…soon we will be reminded just how far Jesus will go to help us never forget: we are God’s, we are loved, we are claimed for a purpose.  And no matter how much happens, how many things occur, both good things and challenging things…God promises to walk with us.

Always.

I’ll try to be better!  Peace