A day of giving on your behlaf

It's Friday morning and I feel a little bit like Santa Claus. On Wednesday night Mark Kane, our Treasurer, and I met to talk about our mission giving. We had quite a bit of money that has been collected over the last few months that needed to be disbursed before the end of the year.

All of the checks were going to organizations that we voted to support at our Annual Meeting last year when we adopted the mission budget. We give to the United Mission Program of the American Baptist churches USA for the support of our worldwide mission outreach ministry. But we also give to a number of local ministries that support people and projects within our own communities. I wrote little notes to go with the checks we gave out to the following organizations this morning.

St Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen: This is a ministry established and support by the Catholic Diocese of Norwich but it is really the largest hunger ministry in the area. Every day over a hundred people are served with breakfast and lunch programs, a food pantry, laundry and shower service and so much more. The kitchen works with social service agencies and partners with the Homeless shelter and several other agencies to care for the "least of these" in our city. Currently they have lots of volunteer opportunities available too. Cynthia Strouse volunteers as a cook on Monday and Tuesday mornings.

Madonna Place is a ministry that serves mostly young mothers and their children. It hooks them up with resources and classes that will help them grow as parents. They also have classes for dads who are trying to deal with stress and good parenting skills. It is a drop in center, a resource place and a safe haven for many of our most vulnerable citizens.

We also support Habitat for Humanity as they seek to make dreams come true. Amanda Duntz is currently the volunteer coordinator for the local area and we are looking to get more involved in some of the house builds. We also support them with a small gift each year. They have been a blessing to so many families in the region over the years.

The Norwich Clergy Fuel Fund helps folks with energy assistance by providing up to $200 in oil, gas or electrical heating needs. The Association treasurer works with agencies and through referrals from the clergy to provide emergency help to those who are left out in the cold. We make an annual gift to the fund.

The Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center ministers to young ladies who are in distress over an unwanted pregnancy. Unlike Planned Parenthood, which helps young girls receive abortions, Care Net helps supports these girls as they as they deal with the pregnancy. They assist in adoption proceedings. They help by providing resources and support throughout the pregnancy and provide an alternative to abortion. This is one ministry that all of us who are pro-lifers should support whole heartedly because it walks the walk with those in need.

Other institutions we support include Eastern College in St. David's PA, Pierce Memorial Baptist Home, Andover Newton Theological Seminary and the ministries of our SUNL Association.

We can do this because of your faithful giving to mission through our church. So thank you for making me feel so benevolent this morning as I act on your behalf.

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