Spring 2023 Brief
Newsletter for Festival of Sharing
Greetings! Festival of Sharing is taking time this spring to update our database and communications. Thank you so much for your help and patience during this time. As we transition to more digital communication, the newsletter is taking on a fresh look. All information and announcements will be included in the email with links taking you to the appropriate destination. We look forward to sharing announcements and what is going on locally and globally!
Plans are underway for the 2023 Sharefests! Please visit our Sharefest page for more information on the locations and drop-off times, as well as signing up to volunteer. We have volunteer roles that can fit a variety of abilities including greeting volunteers, directing cars, unloading donations, and praying over donations. We look forward to our cooperative efforts to serve our neighbors across Missouri.
Announcements
Year End Numbers: 2022 Report of Giving available for download at here.
Booklet Updates: A limited number of printed booklets are available by request only from the Festival office. Please call 573-474-3332 to submit a request. Changes in the booklet include:
Baby bundle: 1 sweater, sweatshirt or long-sleeve shirt
Backpacks of Love: 3 pair of socks
Youth Personal Care: donate $3 for us to purchase feminine products and body spray to be added when distributed
CWS Feminine Hygiene: new kit
CWS Welcome Backpack: new kit
New Sharefest Location
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Santa Fe Christian Church, 35546 State Highway D, Santa Fe, MO 65252
Maternity Leave
A note from Sidney Everhart, Coordinator
My husband, Luke, and I are expecting our first child, a daughter, this June. My anticipated maternity leave will begin mid-June and will end late-August. Missouri Annual Conference staff and Festival Coordinating Committee members will be covering my role and responsibilities during this time. Please continue to email festival@socket.net and your questions will be directed to the appropriate contact. Thanks so much for your patience and understanding!
Local
Cooperative Response Grants
Festival of Sharing has funding available to partner with Missouri churches and organizations in their efforts to cooperatively respond to community needs around poverty. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Grants will be awarded up to $1,000. Visit here for more info -->
Missouri Annual Conference | June 9-11
Is there a special collection for Festival of Sharing?
Festival of Sharing will not be holding a collection of items at Annual Conference 2023. Churches are encouraged to assemble or collect kits and deliver to one of the Sharefest events in September and October. Most requested items are Missouri personal hygiene, paper products and food boxes. The digital Festival booklet with kit contents and packing directions can be accessed on our media page. Questions? Contact festival@socket.net.
Festival of Sharing Presentation
We would love to meet you! Schedule a presentation with your congregation, Sunday school class, or volunteer group either in person or virtually! Email festival@socket.net or call 573-474-3332.
Global
2023 Online Quilt Auction
Save the date! Sunday November 5- Saturday, November 11
Proceeds benefiting Church World Service Blankets Program
Donations accepted through Friday, August 25th. Please check the auction page for more information on accepted donations in 2023.
No Longer Collecting Shoes
The Rainbow Network is no longer accepting shoe donations, so Festival of Sharing will not be collecting shoes at the Sharefests. We encourage you to explore local donation options or programs like Soles for Souls.
Church World Service Disaster Response
CWS provides critical supplies to disaster-stricken areas like flooding in California and tornadoes in the South and Midwest. CWS comes alongside vulnerable communities, including immigrants and refugees, who struggle to access other support.
Take Action and donate today: https://cwsglobal.org/disaster-response-fund/