All Saints’ believes in bringing comfort and love to those who need it most, in the example set for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are privileged to have Deacon Jeffrey Boyce in our church, who is active in the Bishop’s Homeless Task Force. Jeffrey works closely with homeless advocacy groups and commissions from the local to state level, and is pivotal to All Saints’ mission of compassion and hospitality to the most vulnerable in our community.
During the July heatwaves when temperatures hovered in the upper 90’s and higher, Jeffrey and Father Jim loaded up Jeffrey’s flatbed truck with cases of water, and drove to over ten homeless encampments weekly throughout Tacoma, making sure every resident had the water they needed to stay hydrated under these dangerous conditions. It was beautiful to see the relationships and bonds of trust Jeffrey has forged with the homeless community. Knowing many by name, he carries each of them in his heart, and donates so much of his time to helping make their lives a little bit better.
Every other week on “Nourish Sunday”, All Saints’ collects non-perishable food donations from our parishioners, which are then brought in bulk to our local food bank to be shared with those in need. In coordination with the Tacoma Rescue Mission, All Saints’ has also participated in frequent soup and sandwich dinners for the unhoused, serving up delicious homemade meals for as many as 35 people per evening.
Thank you, Jeffrey and all of the beautiful people at All Saints’, for being an example of Christ’s love, and for your tireless commitment to the equality of all people—especially those who have so little among us.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” — Colossians 3:12
