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."
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/.
YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO HELP HEIFER - HOLD AN "AMAZING ALL-STAR HEIFER FARM MUSIC REVUE!" OPERATION G.I. JANE: We often remember our military men keeping 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. Suggested items are calling cards; 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.
NEXT REVUE: Saturday, August 28, 7:00 p.m. - Second Presbyterian Church, Lockport
Billed as "Music to End Poverty and Hunger," you can host Erin Sydney Welsh and friends as
they share their musical talents to raise money to buy a Heifer Ark for Heifer International.
Performers may include: Outofar Trio Jug, Juke and Washboard Band; Matt James; Noah Gokey;
Mark Elliott; Dave Miller; and Tim Sylvester.
Erin's Amazing All-Star Heifer Farm Revue is a group - a movement if you will - of
musicians dedicated to spreading positive thought through music and through
raising funds to support Heifer International. The musicians come mostly from
Western New York, and include everyone from seasoned professionals to promising
newcomers. All share common goals - making great music, having fun doing it, and
helping their sisters and brothers around the world.
Through concerts, shows, and benefits, the Revue raises funds for Heifer International - an organization providing animals and farming expertise to poor families and communities in both the U.S. and abroad. Visit http://www.heifer.org to learn about their mission. The Revue's goal is to raise $5000 to buy an "Ark" containing two cows, two sheep, two camels, two oxen, two water buffalo, and ten other pairs of animals! We know this won't come easily, but the Revue won't stop until our Ark is afloat!http://www.myspace.com/heiferfarmrevue
JERICHO ROAD MINISTRIES TRIP TO SIERRA LEONE: 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 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. Currently collecting items for "Welcome" table.
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. One trip has already been completed this year and another is scheduled for July. 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: 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 Wednesday, August 25 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: 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 $12.50 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.
GLOBAL AFRICAN VILLAGE: This is a not-for-profit organizatoin whose aims are to network with local African agencies involved in alleviating the abject poverty that affects thousands of children, the elderly, and the sick every day. Its current focus is assisting the Bagishu people of eastern Uganda. However, they may extend its services to other needy African villages as the need may arise in the future. See their web site at www.globalafricanvillage.org for further information.
