January was a very full month. At the monthly Churches as Neighborhood (CaN) Centers luncheon at Court Street Christian Church, over 80 people came to hear Chris Moore, Director of Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning for Salem Keizer Public Schools (SKPS), speak about experiencing personal Shalom (peace, well-being). On January 20th, over 250 people gathered at Seed of Faith Ministries for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk, which SLF co-hosted with the Salem Keizer NAACP. Both gatherings were filled with hope, connection, and a clear sense that God is bringing people together to love and serve our community.
There have also been events and moments that have brought about deep sadness, confusion, and frustration. From wildfires to plane crashes, funding freezes to tragic accidents – it is easy to become overwhelmed. Even as you read these words, more challenging things inevitably come to mind. You may find yourself, like me, wondering what to do…
A dear friend recently reminded me that we were not designed to be able to hold all the information coming to us in waves these days. We just don’t have the capacity to process and understand all of it. I am not suggesting we completely disengage and disconnect from the news. Instead, I hope we will accept our limitations while moving toward the people, places, and things where we can have an impact. We can do little things with great love and bring joy everywhere we go. Because joy is always welcome, and so is grace.
In John 13 we find the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. John notes that Jesus knew the Father had given all things into his hands and that he was on his way to the Father. Jesus also knew crucifixion was coming, and that one of his closest followers was going to betray him. With all this information in mind, Jesus chose to wash his disciples’ feet. A humble and gracious act of service to those he loved. He then encouraged them to wash each other’s feet; a little thing with great love.
So what can we do when we sense overwhelm pressing in? We can do little things with great love. We can serve the people in our lives. We can give to support organizations that are loving and serving our community. We can choose to have hope in the One Who Holds All Things Together (Colossians 1:17). We can choose to bring joy, hope, and grace.
Grace and Peace,
Kyle Dickinson
You can participate in the 2025 RainFest Campaign…
The 2025 RainFest Campaign is now underway. The “Traditionalist” golfers are getting ready for another round of rain, sleet, wind, and mud at historic Salem Golf Club on Monday, February 24th. The “TopGolfers” will have to brave the drive to Hillsboro on Saturday, March 1st. Both groups of golfers will be reaching out to their networks and inviting people to support the mission and work of Salem Leadership Foundation. Both get to experience an event with great food, tons of fun, and lots of great prizes for the top fundraisers, best costumes, and many more!
The fundraising goal of the 2025 RainFest Campaign is $140,000, and we have already raised close to $70,000!
We invite you to prayerfully consider making a one-time gift in February to the 2025 RainFest Campaign. This will both encourage and lighten the load of the volunteer fundraisers, and it will be used to build connections in neighborhoods and capacity in nonprofits!
To make a one-time gift in honor of a golfer or toward the overall campaign goal, you can scan the QR code or visit our website at Salemlf.org. 
Thank You to our RainFest 2025 Eagle and Birdie Sponsors:
