Yesterday, as part of Palm Sunday and the events leading up to Easter, our worship service focused on the days and events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. We were reminded, among other things, that even in his unimaginable pain and inevitable death, Jesus continued to teach us, as demonstrated through his compassion for the thief at his side. Through His words and actions toward the thief, Jesus showed us that people, ALL people, matter. The sermon reflected on the idea that no matter what we have done, who we are, or what the world says about us, we matter. We matter to Jesus and He cares. Moreover, as a result of this love, other people, no matter their station or status in life, should matter to us too. Another event, planned months ago, also took place yesterday. Ironically, this event was a perfect example that the people of Harpeth Hills Church of Christ believe in showing all people that they are loved and that they matter.

Each year, a small number of women being treated at Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Clinic become pregnant. Among those women, many of them also live at or below the poverty level. Not only do they have the struggle and stress of a HIV diagnosis, but they also have to care for their newborn babies, mostly alone, in extremely challenging circumstances. Newborns, despite their sweetness, are also a lot of work and a cause of great stress, even in the best and most supportive of circumstances. One challenge is that because of the HIV diagnosis, the moms cannot breastfeed their babies.  They must be bottle fed, which means that they must buy bottles and formula, both of which can be expensive. Ryan Moss, who works at the clinic, heads up the effort to identify and support the moms and babies.  In order to collect the needed items, friends and members at Harpeth Hills participate in the Community Baby Shower.  The shower is a way to demonstrate our love and compassion for these underserved women and children, and to show them the love of Jesus.

Over the course of the past few weeks, we collected items for the shower. The donations and gifts poured in. By the end, the Community Baby Shower provided enough items to provide more than eighteen gift baskets, to provide the moms with all of the things they will need for their babies during the first few weeks and months at home. This year, each of these moms and her new baby will receive:

• Bottles
• Diapers and Wipes
• Bibs
• Onesies
• Pajamas
• Socks
• Sleep Sacks
• Blankets
• Board Books
• Baby Toys
• Baby Lotion
• Baby Shampoo
• Baby Wash
• Baby Powder
• Diaper Cream …and More!

The participation and outpouring of generosity was overwhelming, to say the least. As such, we offer our heartfelt and humble thanks to everybody who donated to this beautiful cause. It is our sincere hope and prayer that even though we will never meet the precious recipients of thegifts, these moms and babies will feel loved and will know that they matter to us, and more importantly, to Jesus.