Pastor Bill Mitchell, of Boca Raton Community Church, filmed a thank-you to volunteers who helped with a packing event, sponsored in partnership by Food for the Poor and Matthew 25: Ministries, to distribute essentials to families during the COVID pandemic. Photo provided by Food for the Poor
Boca Raton pastor Bill Mitchell has been appointed to the board of directors of Food for the Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States.
Mitchell is coaching pastor at Boca Raton Community Church, a position to which he transitioned in 2023 after serving as pastor for 20 years.
He brings a wealth of experience, a commitment to service, and “a fresh perspective to the board,” FFTP President and CEO Ed Raine said.
Mitchell continues to facilitate CityLead, which engages local business leaders. More than 300 executives attend his monthly events focused on developing ethical business practices.
Mitchell first got involved with FFTP after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and says he immediately knew he wanted to work with FFTP as much as he could. Now, he’ll serve on the board of directors to pursue their common mission to fight hunger and poverty worldwide.
New shower and laundry trucks in Delray Beach
On June 7, the Interfaith Committee for Social Services hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reveal its new shower and laundry trucks at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach. Rabbi Steven Moss from Temple Sinai served as emcee, and Delray Beach Police Chief Russ Mager and Vice Mayor Juli Casale each made an appearance.
Casale praised founders Judy Fenney and Kathleen Megan of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for caring about homeless and other needy people. The committee began when they encouraged faith-based groups and congregations in Delray Beach to fill the gap left by the scaling back of the Caring Kitchen in 2017.
The money for the new trucks came from an Impact 100 grant for $100,000.
Fenney, who is at home nursing a broken humerus, credited all the volunteers. She said the shower truck replaces the old one, a donation from about five years ago. Fenney found a new home for it in Boynton Beach.
The new trucks are both air conditioned, an upgrade in the summer heat. The shower truck has four stalls, and the laundry truck has two industrial-size washers and dryers.
The truck is open at St. Matthew’s Episcopal (404 SW Third St.) from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays.
The Interfaith Committee meets twice a month at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
How to help: Cash donations are used exclusively for the Interfaith Committee’s program operations, supplies and expenses. Clothing donations needed include men’s underwear and men’s shorts and jeans in sizes 32, 34 and 36. Backpacks are also needed.
Volunteers are needed to help in a variety of positions like sorting donations, clerical tasks, and special events work.
To donate money, volunteer or learn more, visit www.interfaithcommittee.com or follow on Facebook or Instagram.
Comfort dog ministry
If you’re struggling and need a friend with paws and fur for support, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, offers visits with Jemimah, a specially trained golden retriever. You can learn more about Jemimah the Comfort Dog and the national Comfort Dog program at www.facebook.com/JemimahComfortDog
To schedule a visit, email comfortdog@stpaulboca.com.
Special Events
Barbecue for young adults
The One Truth Barbecue, hosted by Pastor Jason Whitener from Grace Community Church in Boca Raton, takes place at his home from 7 to 9:30 p.m. July 10. The barbecue is geared to young adults ages 18-39. The event will have games, food and fellowship. Register at www.graceboca.org or email jasonw@graceboca.org.
Ultimate Frisbee anniversary celebration
For a decade, Ultimate Frisbee has had a home at Boca Raton Community Church, and to celebrate this long-standing association the club is holding the “Ultimate Frisbee: 10 Year Celebration” from 5 to 8:30 p.m. July 13 on the Blazer Athletic Field, 470 NW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton.
This family-friendly event features lawn games, refreshments, dinner (for purchase) and a Frisbee round-robin tournament for those who want to play. There’s plenty of seating for spectators. The event is free to attend, but please register at bocacommunity.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/868/responses/new
Shred-a-thon
Cason United Methodist Church hosts another Secure Shredding Event from 9 a.m. to noon July 20 at the church, 342 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Bring your old documents and let the Red Shredder team securely take care of them. $5 per bankers’ box size and $10 for a bag. Accepted items include paper checkbook statements, tax returns, bills, receipts and manila folders. No newspapers, X-rays, glass, magazines or food containers. Paper clips and staples are OK. Cash preferred; $25 minimum for credit cards. Call Tricia at 561-788-2822.
Workshop on dealing with fear
Dennis Merritt Jones, the award-winning author of seven books including The Art of Abundance — Ten Rules for a Prosperous Life, leads an experiential workshop at Unity of Delray Beach from 1:30 to 4 p.m. July 21.
The seminar is based on his latest book, released in May, When Fear Speaks, Listen: The 7 Messengers of Fear. Jones offers insights that come from his decades of research and writing, study and teaching. In this workshop he teaches mindfulness practices and principles that will help you listen to and learn from the seven messengers of fear: anger, worry, judgment, selfishness, shame, loneliness and uncertainty.
The workshop is $25 if you register by July 14 or $30 at the door. Unity of Delray Beach is at 101 NW 22nd St. at Swinton Avenue. 561-276-5796 or www.unityofdelraybeach.org.
— Janis Fontaine
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