May 2005 - Tower - Page 10
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Mission Notes
June Loving, Captain
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Let's look at our season and see what was accomplished. For one thing, we have never had as many guests as we had this session. We averaged 100 per night. This year PORT added one overnight person (man) to be with us from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. That was a big plus to know we had one trained person with us each night, especially since we had such large numbers.
I am thrilled to report that as usual we had no major problems with our guests. They are very carefully screened by PORT before they are allowed in the program. They are put out of the program for any infraction of the rules.
** 58 individual volunteers
15 family groups participated
14 volunteers gave 10 or more hours or
stayed overnight
** Several new church members worked with
us. Great News!
** We added several first timer volunteers -
each time it grows!
** 455 hours were given by the 58 individual
and family volunteers
What a wonderful record! I thank you, First Church thanks you, but most important, the homeless guests thank you and God is smiling in heaven.
We have just sent a box of small men's shoes to Carmen for her migrant workers. Also we have just sent a check to her ministry from the Lenten (Easter) Offering. Keep reading!
As you know, we had a goal of $5,000 for this offering and it was apportioned as shown below:
Pledged
$2,500 Covenant Pledge to support our missionary in Chile, John Elmore; Gave: $2,500
$1,000 Global Partner with Zimbabwe, Africa as the struggle with AIDS; Gave: $1,300
$1,000 Assist District Teams going to the Navajo Reservation, "Four Corners:" Gave: $1,711.88
$ 500 Help Carmen Colona in her Eastern Shore Ministry with migrant workers; Gave: $1,600
We pledged a Total of $5,000 and gave a total of $7,111.88. What a wonderful contribution for these needy causes. Now you can see why I say we are a "mission minded" church family. Your benevolence warms the heart. The love shown goes beyond our district, our state, our nation and our world to those in need of God's love as expressed through our helping hands.
Do you remember our Festival last year? This year we are planning bigger and better events for you. Circle the dates on your calendar now.
SERRV exhibit
Saturday, September 17 - Wednesday, October 2, 2005
Festival
Sunday, September 25 - Sunday, October 2, 2005 (Potato Luncheon after the second worship service.
There is a real need for clothes, but getting them to the right group at the right time is a problem.
You are probably not aware, but for the last month or so the clothes have been moved two or three times. They were in the Narthex, then they expanded and were moved to the stage. The stage was needed, so we moved them to the history room. Then Heritage Sunday came along and they had to go, but this time out of the church.
I found a group that was just starting out distributing clothes and they took our collection before they got overcrowded.
Jim delivered three large boxes of carefully sorted clothing on Tuesday, April 19 and then on Thursday, April 21, he delivered 12 more large boxes. That includes all items except three large boxes that went to Virginia Council of Churches for the refugees and four large boxes that went to the Peninsula Rescue Mission earlier.
Now you know why I have not asked for additional clothing at this time, because of space here at church. I am trying to find a space for a small amount of items, but it has not been found as yet - have no fear, I will find it somewhere. So for the present, please hold on to your clothing.
If you have furniture in good condition, the Virginia Council of Churches will pick it up at your house and give you a receipt for it for tax purposes. They have need for basic items: tables, chairs, lamps, cooking utensils, beds, etc. I can arrange that at your convenience. Call me - June Loving at 877-2569.
There is so much more I want to tell you, but time and space are saying" that is enough for now."
God bless you for your generosity, your love for your fellow man and your mission-minded spirit.
See you next month!!
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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.
Last update: May 7, 2005