AFTER THE 2025 FIRES FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
Liz Cameron Food Pantry Revitalized

As the casualties mount from the Eaton Fire in our area, the folx at Friends In Deed have put out a call for help to ease the pain wrought by such tremendous devastation to so many. “An immense hole has been left in our community: homes have been lost, lives forever changed, and the landscape we call home has been scarred,” writes Executive Director of Friends In Deed, Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater. “There are no words to express the amount of grief, sadness, and fear that are surrounding our community right now…Thousands of locals are displaced and hundreds of people in the community we serve our experiencing loss. Unfortunately, several of our staff members have also lost their homes, along with many of our volunteer supporters and clients. While the full extent of the destruction is still unfolding, we know that the need for support is already overwhelming and the road to recovery will be long.”

Rabbi Joshua said that one of the ways we can help is to provide much needed food for their ongoing Food Pantry operations. And so, we at SMCCUCC are revitalizing our long-standing Liz Cameron Food Pantry program and asking everyone to bring in non-perishable goods throughout 2025 that will regularly be delivered to our friends at Friends In Deed.

Click here for a printable PDF of this list.

Canned Tuna or Chicken
Hearty Soups
Beef Stew
Chili
Pasta & Pasta Sauce
Peanut Butter
Cereal
Rice
Cooking Oil
Flour
Sugar
Fruit Juice
Dried Beans
Canned Fruits & Vegetables
Canned beans
Soups
Oatmeal
Powdered Milk
Jelly
Single serve pop-top canned goods
Chicken/Tuna pouches
Granola Bars
Capri Sun drinks
Jerky
Crackers

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILD FIRES

There are two Disaster Recovery Centers open to the public from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the locations listed below.

EASTSIDE LOCATION
Pasadena City College Community Education Center
3035 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107

WESTSIDE LOCATION
UCLA Research Park West
10850 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

Almost 40 public offices are represented at these centers, including the DMV!! For folks who escaped the fires with nothing, not even a driver’s license, this is a place to start.

A BEACON LOST TO THE FLAMES
Honoring Altadena Community Church UCC

From the Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news that Altadena Community Church, United Church of Christ, is among several houses of worship that lost their buildings to the Eaton wildfire. This cherished congregation, renowned for its unwavering dedication to peace, justice, and radical acceptance, has been a beacon of hope and love in the Altadena community for over 80 years.  READ MORE

Hello Dear Church Family,

As you all know, we are all really going through it with the massive fires that are consuming and surrounding Los Angeles County. My prayers are with each one of you as you live through this challenging time and face whatever is before you. Erik and I also covet your prayers as we are very close to the fire zone from the Eaton Fire as are many of you. So far, we have not had to evacuate but are under warning and ready to move if necessary.

I pray God’s blessing for you in whatever situation you are in. Please do not hesitate to call on me if I can be of any assistance to you as your pastor. The church is available as a place of refuge should anyone need it. Just contact me and we can work out any details necessary.

When I chose the scripture to explore and reflect upon for this Sunday, I had no idea at the time how much we would need to hear it. I leave it with you here:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,
     and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
     and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
(Isaiah 43:2-3a, NRSV)

With blessings and prayers and love,
Pastor Donald