Coop's Corner |
September 2004 |
Mission Works
Someone pointed out to me the other day that some of you may not have a clue as to what we do with the money we collect for missions and outreach. Some of you may not even be aware of many of the programs we are involved in. So…in an attempt to rectify that dilemma, may I offer the following:
I think most of you are aware that we were the recipients of a very generous gift in the amount of $350,000 at the beginning of the year. It was from a charitable remainder trust set up by Virginia Anderson to be dispersed at her death. It, among other things, allowed us to pay off our building mortgages that totaled almost $200,000. That, in turn, allowed us to balance our budget. In grateful response to Virginia's gift and as a way of being good and faithful stewards of God's grace, Session decided to donate 10% of her gift (it's called tithing!) back to the mission projects of the Presbytery of San Jose.
We chose to donate the money to Presbytery for a number of reasons. One is that the Presbytery bailed us out "big time" when we were first building this church and ran short of funds. They never asked us to repay them for their generous donation. Presbytery also has numerous mission projects, new church developments (which we once were) and church redevelopment projects that could use our help. We will present a $35,000 check to Presbytery at their December meeting. You are all encouraged to attend.
We also have many "Special Offerings" during the year that support world hunger, self development of people, disaster relief around the world, Presbyterian Ethnic Colleges, retired church workers, and peacemaking efforts here at home and abroad. We thank you for your special gifts.
But that's not all, we are also involved in various mission outreach projects. Many of the ministries of our church are actively involved in these. They include, but are not limited to (we have to take into account my poor memory): Presbyterian Women, who have sponsored the Mosquito nets project; aids kits to Africa; and sending "Care" packages to our troops in Iraq.
The Church and World ministry team, who have encouraged our using Fair Trade Coffee and Tea to support the small farmers in developing countries; are sponsoring the up coming Heifer Project where we collect money to help provide chickens, cows, etc. to help those trying to help themselves in 3rd world countries; and our "Feed the Hungry, Heal the Heart" monthly food drive for the homeless and people at risk in our community.
Our Youth, who have been engaged in projects like serving food to the homeless and preparing backpacks for back-to-school for kids at risk.
The Deacons, who keep our own Deacons Emergency Food Closet full, provide food coupons for perishables and emergency cash for bus fare and gas - all for those less fortunate in our neighborhood.
The Hope Group (Empty Nesters), who donate to a mission project each month. And the Munch Bunch, who minister to our college age kids and former members who have moved away by sending monthly inspirational letters of support.
We do a lot at this church. And I haven't even mentioned our yearly general mission pledge that we increased by 50% this year.
A big THANK YOU goes out to all of you who have been involved in these projects with either your time, talent or treasure. It makes a difference. And there is so much more we can do.
I look forward as we move forward in faith and reach out in confidence to those less fortunate - and in a very small way be the hands and feet of God in our community and the world at large.
Have a great month and I'll see you all on Sunday!
Pastor Tom |
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