The Sock Drawer
“Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.”
-Luke 3: 11
Dear Church Family,
I have a confession to make: I own a lot of socks. Perhaps more than I need.
In fact, my sock drawer can tell the story of my daily life. There are everyday socks. I have a pair of those on as I’m typing this article. Some of my socks are considered “Dress Socks.” These are the ones I might wear on Sunday mornings or special occasions when I need to dress up. There are socks in my drawer that are short. They are for the hotter weather and times when I’m wearing shorts. One pair of socks is strictly for skiing. Oh, and there are a few socks that have fun designs like superman, golfers throwing golf clubs, and other fun images. And lastly, I have socks that are specifically for taking my morning walks. They aren’t my best socks, but they are only worn for about an hour a day.
Every now and then, I’ll notice a hole in one sock out of the pair. When that happens, they usually get one more use and into the trash they go. Eventually the leftover sock gets paired with another leftover, and they get some extra life.
Why am I talking about socks?
Today as walked through the Sanctuary, I noticed a barrel filled with socks. It reminded me that for the next two Sundays (May 18 and 25) we are collecting socks for Welcome Inn to distribute to our unhoused neighbors we feed each and every week. As you can see from the picture, we’ve already collected quite a few.
What many of us take for granted—a fresh pair of socks—can be transformative for someone living on the streets:
Protection: Clean socks shield feet from harsh weather and dangerous conditions
Health: Our unhoused neighbors often walk miles daily; proper socks help prevent blisters, infections, and serious foot problems
Dignity: Beyond the physical benefits, receiving a fresh pair of socks can provide comfort, dignity, and a sense of care.
So, I want to encourage you to donate a package of new socks for our Welcome Inn family to give to their guests. Specifically, we need socks that are:
New
For men or women
Black or white
Full size (not ankle socks)
Bring your donations to church on Sunday morning or drop them by the office Monday through Thursday between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Your generosity doesn't just warm feet—it warms hearts and demonstrates Christ's love in action. As we consider our own sock drawers with their many options for different occasions, let's remember those who would cherish just one clean, new pair.
Thank you for serving our unhoused neighbors in this way.
With God’s Peace,
Pastor Karl
