See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19-20

March 10, 2026 - Outreach has a rich and successful history at Palmer. For years, the Way Station cared for the homeless, drawing many people from all over the city to work in this ministry. The Palmer Drug Abuse Program continues to star nationally in their field. Recently, Serve Sundays have sent Palmers into the community to serve two to three times a year.

Now the Outreach Council is working on efforts that fall between the daily work and a couple of times a year. We have opportunities available on a regular basis, with some offerings on Sundays and on other days at various times, as well as some that welcome family participation.

We are focusing on serving our close neighbors as we recognize the needs of those living near the church. As we set up the calendar this year, we have focused on food insecurity, the homeless, the working poor and under-resourced families, as well as a Christian school and a refugee center owned by the Diocese of Texas. Many individuals and families are having problems making ends meet, even as they work. Some are having difficulties finding new jobs in this current market.

We hope you will join in some of these efforts this year. There are all sorts of ways to assist—working in the neighborhood, participating in workdays at church to prepare items to be sent out, recycling gently used items, and donating new items as needed.

There are calendars of events in the newsletter, as well as paper lists found on the Welcome Table and in the rack in the office. The Outreach Council welcomes your suggestions for new ministries as well as comments. Contact

ORGANIZATIONS CONNECTED TO PALMER CHURCH THROUGH OUTREACH

Partners are designated as organizations that have historical ties to Palmer; shared space, and/or are unique to Palmer. Affiliates are faith based organizations that align with our mission and which we support through regular volunteer work and financial commitments. Associates are not-for profit organizations that partner with us to advance our mission of knowing and sharing the love of Jesus Christ by providing unique, experiential opportunities that foster faith, service and transformational engagement.

PARTNERS

Archway Academy. Emergency Aid Coalition (EAC), Jerusalem Peacebuilders, Palmers Assisting Re-Entry (PAR)

AFFILIATES

The Beacon, Casa Mateo, Episcopal Migration Ministries, Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, Lord of the Streets (LOTS)

ASSOCIATES

Hope Farms, New Hope Housing, Prison Entreneurship Program (PEP), Yellowstone Academy

Events

February Hearts for the Homeless Shoe Drive for LOTS - details on handout with QR code for ordering

February 22-March 8 - gathering candy for Easter eggs for Yellowstone Academy only individually wrapped MINI SIZE to fit into the eggs

February 28 - PAR dinner at Caleb House. Email Cathy Troisi

March 8 - Hope Farms work in the garden 11:45 AM-2:30 PM. Family friendly (age 10+) contact Pam Longley.

March 15 - stuff 4,000 plastic Easter eggs for Yellowstone Academy in Parish Hall 11:00 PM

March 17 - PopUp Market at Emergency Aid Coalition 11-3 sign up with Deacon Mary -

March 23 - PAR dinner at Caleb House email Cathy Troisi

April 12 - Hope Farms work in the garden 11:45-2:30 family friendly age 10+ contact Pam Longley.

Donations

This year we’ll be providing 4,000 filled plastic eggs for the students of Yellowstone Academy, a Christian school serving more than 600 children in the Third Ward. We’d love your help by donating individually wrapped MINI-size candy only to fill the eggs. Please bring donations to the church for Deacon Mary by March 8. Then join us on March 15 in the Parish Hall as we gather to fill the eggs — many hands make light work! Children are welcome to help with supervision as we prepare the eggs to be shared with the students.

ONGOING INGATHERING for consistent needs

(Drop off to Deacon Mary’s office at the church in the pink wagon)

Emergency Aid Coalition:

• men’s belts,
• sheets
• towels

Amazon link to current needs at www.eachouston.org

Lord of the Streets LOTS

• men’s athletic shoes
• gently used or new men’s warm coats

Questions? Contact The Rev. Mary Reddick at