Jesus calls us to love our neighbors – not simply with words, but with our lives. Often, that love looks wonderfully ordinary: showing up, making room, meeting a need, and reminding someone that they are seen and valued.
Let us not love with words or in speech, but with actions and in truth.”
1 John 3:18
Caring for one another is something we were never meant to do alone. Community grows when we notice the needs around us and choose to respond together.
This month, we’re celebrating the many ways our community is living that out – putting faith into action, caring for our neighbors, and becoming the hands and feet of Christ right here in Canby.
To: Celebrate
At Canby PD’s Annual Grill & Chill Event, we had the joy of welcoming families with children and providing each child with a free backpack filled with school supplies to help them head into the new school year feeling prepared, confident, and encouraged. Together, we provided 266 backpacks, each one representing more than school supplies – it represented care, generosity, and community saying, “We’re here for you.”
What made this event so special was seeing our community show up for one another, despite the smoke-filled air. From the families who joined us, to Canby PD and everyone who helped make the day possible, the Grill & Chill was filled with generosity, connection, and hope. We are incredibly grateful for every person and group who played a part in making this day meaningful – especially Fairway Mortgage and Canby Kiwanis Club . Here’s to continuing to show up, lift one another up, and make a difference – one family, one child, and one act of kindness at a time.
Last month we also had the joy of partnering with Canby Christian Alliance Church to host CREATE Camp – a week long camp designed to give kids a creative outlet through the world of theater. Throughout the week, children explored their creativity, built confidence, and learned biblical lessons that encouraged them along the way. The week wrapped with each age group putting on a play for families and friends, giving them the opportunity to celebrate and share all the hard work they had put in. It was a wonderful week filled with creativity, laughter, learning, and lots of fun!
To: Connect
Sometimes, what looks like an empty space can become an invitation for something greater. This past month, a late food delivery meant a few of our market shelves were unexpectedly empty just as our members arrived to do their weekly shopping. Instead of simply leaving those shelves bare, we put up a banner inviting our members to fill the space by sharing something they were grateful for. What happened next was far more meaningful than we could have imagined. Our empty shelves quickly became a beautiful display of gratitude, encouragement, hope, and inspiration.
We were overwhelmed by the response. Members shared words that reminded us just how much goodness surrounds us – even in unexpected moments. What we saw as empty shelves, God used to fill with something so much better. He turned a moment of disappointment into a wake-up call to notice the blessings all around us. Sometimes, we just need to pause and look at what God is doing in the spaces we thought were empty. There is always more hope, more goodness, and more to be grateful for than we realize.
To: Serve
To:gether Canby is all about creating opportunities for people to make a meaningful difference by serving others. We’re excited to invite our community to our upcoming Volunteer Info Night, where you can learn more about the many ways to get involved and find a place to serve that fits your gifts, interests, and availability. Whether you love working in the kitchen, organizing and distributing clothing, helping in the warehouse, supporting students in local schools, or welcoming and serving guests, there’s a place for you!
You don’t have to have it all figured out – you just have to be willing to show up and make a difference. Our goal is to connect people with opportunities where they can use their time and talents to bring hope, encouragement, and practical help to others. If you’ve been looking for a way to get involved, meet great people, and serve your community, Volunteer Info Night is a great place to start. Come discover where you can plug in and be part of something bigger!
To: Give
Your financial support helps us create meaningful opportunities for our community to thrive. Through your generosity, we’re able to keep our market stocked so members and guests can shop weekly for free, providing families with access to essential groceries and resources. As the new school year begins, your support also helps us prepare for Backpack Buddies, ensuring local students have the food and encouragement they need to start each week ready to learn.
Thank you for being part of a community that celebrates generously, serves faithfully, connects intentionally, and gives with open hands. Together, we’re renewing dignity and inspiring learning one relationship at a time.
