St. Peter's United Church of Christ
1475 Orchard Park Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224 (716) 674-1233
(Corner of Reserve Rd., near Berg Rd.) 10:00 am Worship
stpetersws@verizon.net
ST. PETER'S MISSION ACTIVITIES Submitted by Kathy Reandeau
HAITI: St. Peter's Mission Committee is supporting earthquake relief in Haiti through gathering donations to the United Church of Christ's "One Great Hour of Sharing." Donations will be collected through Lent and will also be tied in with a special gathering of materials to donate "Baby Kits" to Church World Service.
BOOK SALE FOR HAITI: We received a donation of a large number of used books - drama, mystery, crafts, children - and decided to sell these to raise money for Haiti. The books are in the church vestibule. Browse through, make your selection, and donate whatever amount you would like.
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL: St. Peter's Mission Committee is supporting our Sunday School in their efforts to raise $5000 to purchase a "Heifer Ark" of animals. Read more about Heifer International Buffalo at their web site and sign up to receive updates at http://overlookfarmseptember12142008.shutterfly.com/.
OPERATION G.I. JANE: We often remember our military men keepin us free and safe. Now we're asking our church family to help out our military women. A collection bin will be in the church foyer for the month of February. Suggested items are body sprays; feminine hygiene products such as powders, sprays, wipes; hard candy; women's socks and puzzle books. All donations will be greatly appreciated. FOOD NEEDS: St. Peter's Food Pantry regularly distributes non-perishable items to those in our church and our community who need help. Donations of non-perishable food items are always appreciated. We are now collecting donations for Easter food baskets for deserving families. Please bring in donations of items by Palm Sunday, March 28. Suggestions include: ham, sweet potatoes, potatoes, canned pineapple, fresh and canned vegetables, and dessert items.
JERICHO ROAD MINISTRIES TRIP TO SIERRA LEONE: Phebian Abdulai has has returned from her trip with Jericho Road Ministries to Sierra Leone (trip report is in the March newsletter). Jericho Road is exploring the possibility of impacting health care around the world. By working with refugees now able to go back to their countries, they may have opportunity in the next ten years to help start medical ministries in countries such as Sierra Leone, Sudan, Somalia, Liberia, Congo and maybe even Belize. The trip in December was a fact-finding journey to explore this possibility. The goal is to work with the local churches and medical personnel to start a clinic in a rural village that currently has no medical presence. Jericho Road could provide initial financial support, raise funds for medical supplies and equipment, and provide ongoing technical support. The long-term goal would be to have the clinic become self-sustaining. If successful, this cooperative model could be reproduced in other countries. Visit the Jericho Road web site at www.jrm-buffalo.org for more details.
PAPER RECYCLING: St. Peter's is participating in the Abitibi Bowater "Paper Retriever" recycling project. A large, green and yellow recycling bin is located in the church's parking lot. Please drop off any paper items for recycling including newspapers, magazines, catalogues, and paperback books. Profits from these collections will be directed to the Heifer Ark project.
CAMPUS CHURCH CONNEXION: Pastor Linda Harle-Mould maintains a campus ministry to help students through some of the difficult college years. They come to her office for a snack and conversation, where they know they will find someone who is willing to listen. Contact Pastor Linda for ways you can help.
Shown here, St. Peter's Church member, Lindsey Tredo, helps in a Honduran medical clinic.
HONDURAS: As part of his four month sabbatical in 2007, Pastor Hope introduced us to the work of NY/HELP in Honduras when he and several members of our congregation went on a two week mission trip. Since then several other members of our congregation have participated in similar mission trips with NY/HELP. Two are planned for 2010 - one in February and another in late summer. We accept donations to support these missions and to purchase roofing materials. The NY/HELP web site is: www.ny-helphonduras.org. A blog about their last trip including great stories and photos is located at: http://www.ny-help.blogspot.com/.
CELL PHONES: We are collecting cell phones for delivery to Haven House women's shelter.
ANNA CONTE: A young child in our congregation is dealing with the effects of Dravet's Syndrome that causes multiple seizures and health problems. Visit her web site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/annaconte. Her mother, Wendy, provides a regular journal that chronicles the up and down saga of this amazing family with grace and humor. The "Anna's Angels" fund is always open for contributions to help with the never-ending expenses.
MISSION COMMITTEE: I often say that everyone is a member of the Mission Committee; it's just that they don't all show up for the meetings! Everyone is welcome to join the Mission Committee, support our projects, or submit ideas. The more there are, the more we can do. Donations can be made to specific projects or by including a "Benevolence" contribution in weekly envelopes. Next meeting Friday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR CHURCH WORLD COMMUNITY
Other charitable organizations outside of St. Peter's that you may want to consider supporting on your own:
PLYMOUTH CROSSROADS: A new project planned by United Church Home. Sometimes life seems to be open and full..but other times life seems to be closing in...and sometimes one feels all alone, not knowing where to turn for friendship and direction. Plymouth Crossroads will provide friendship and direction for young people between the ages of 16 and 21. The mission of the United Church Home is expanding to provide services to young people by improving the quality of life for them through a safe living environment and community intervention. Please join us in making this possible. For further information, contact the church office, and ask for Linda Richards.
DUNKIRK U.C.C. CONFERENCE CENTER: I was sorry to read about their financial difficulties in their latest newsletter. Please pray for the continued future of this great facility. You may want to consider a financial contribution, volunteer some time, or attend any one of the terrific camps and build your memories before it’s too late. Visit their web site at www.dunkirkcc.org for more information.
THE CLEVELAND CHRISTIAN HOME: Our mission committee has made several mission trips to learn about and help this worthwhile endeavor in Cleveland, Ohio. Not only does the home provide residential programs for at-risk youth, it also provides crisis and intervention services to meet a wide range of community needs. See their web site at http://www.cchome.org/ for complete information. MAMA CINDY SOLDIER FUND: At $10.35 per box, you can send personal care items, snacks, magazines and foot care products to military personnel serving around the world. Local address is PO Box 863, East Aurora, 14052. After 50 News also collects money and items.
