Mission Memo for May 2006

MISSION INFORMATION

ISSUES IN THE MIDDLE EAST: TERRORISM, DIVESTMENT, PEACE? A program by Dr. Cindy Combs. Wednesday, May 10, 6:45-8:15 pm at First Presbyterian Church, Hickory. (See and post attached flyer.)

GUATEMALAN WOMEN’S PILGRIMAGE: All four members of the Women’s Pilgrimage from Guatemala were granted visas! Praise God! Thanks to everyone who contacted our US senators and representatives. You can meet the women at the PW Spring Gathering at FPC, Asheville, on Saturday, April 22. The women will also be visiting a number of churches within the Presbytery while they are here. Sue Barrett (828-88407504; suebar@citcom.net) or Ginnie Stevens can tell you where they will be.

WANT TO SEE “US” IN THE NEWS NATIONALLY? Go to PC(USA) web site: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/stories/nchurricanesncunionpc0805.htm.

ENERGY STEWARDSHIP: Contact Presbytery office for materials, including a booklet chock-full of ideas on how to conserve energy, and a brochure about how to do energy audits. Also let Ginnie know if there is one or more persons in your congregation interested in attending a workshop on energy conservation for the church.

LATINO 101: A "BRIDGE BUILDING” WORKSHOP FOR NORTH CAROLINA CONGREGATIONS INTERESTED IN MINISTRY WITH LATINO NEIGHBORS Saturday, April 8, 9:30-12:30 at FPC, Asheville, 40 Church Street.

TO REGISTER: Please call the North Carolina Council of Churches at 919-828-6501, email Rev. Denise Cumbee Long at dlong@nccouncilofchurches.org, or register online at www.nccouncilofchurches.org .

LEADERS:
Mr. Enrique Gomez Palacio, Consultant, Community Leader
Rev. Alice Kunka, Director, Corazon, Latino Links
Rev. Denise Long, Program Associate, N.C. Council of Churches

Who are Latinos? Why do they come here? How can churches help minister to the needs of these new neighbors? What ecumenical and denominational resources are available? What is being done in my community? What are some models for effective ministry, partnership and outreach? Come for lots of good ideas and a packet of resources.

NEWS FROM PWNC MISSIONARIES: Do you know that you can go on-line and read newsletters from all PC(USA) missionaries? Go to www.pcusa.org/missionconnections. You can also link to newsletters and other information about “our” missionaries from the Presbytery web site: www.presbyterywnc.org. Finally, you can sign up to receive newsletters by e-mail from Ellen Dozier and Barbara Nagy as soon as they are received here in the Presbytery office, by sending Ginnie Stevens your e-mail address.

MISSION ACTION OPPORTUNITIES

HELP WITH SUPPLIES AND DONATIONS FOR MALAWI TRIP: See separate sheet for details. There are many ways for churches and individuals to help. We need funds to build a staff house. If every member of every church in Presbytery contributed $1 and every child and young person a quarter, we’d have what is needed! Medical professionals, pharmacists, and those working with pharmaceutical or medical supplies companies can help with meds & medical supplies. There is even a special project for small churches. And crafty types can make puppets. There is a place for EVERYONE!

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 “HELPING HANDS” WORK DAY AT CAMP GRIER: Please post the flyer included in the mailing and encourage folks to sign up. Everyone is invited to Camp Grier to do some spring housecleaning. We’ll begin at 9 am and conclude between 3 and 4 pm. There will be all manner of jobs so just about anyone can participate...repairs, landscaping, painting, general clean-up. Register with the Presbytery office so lunch will be prepared for you. See ya there!

SMALL CHURCH ENERGY GRANTS: The Peace and Justice Committee is offering small grants to help small churches make physical changes to their facilities in order to improve energy efficiency. (See Grant Request form.)

PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN: Top 10 Needs List: Microwave oven; Welding & torch equipment; Recreation equipment” softballs, jump ropes etc.’ Digital cameras; sleds (all sizes); chainsaw; children & youth bikes; Tupperware & laundry baskets; Gift cards (to use as incentives and birthday gifts); Arts & craft supplies (playdough, paints etc). If you would like to donate any of these items, please stop by the Home or call 828-686-3451.

MISSION PRAYER

UPCOMING PRESBYTERY MISSION TEAMS:
April 25-May 2: Israel and Palestine
May 2-11: Partner Church Team to Guatemala
May 7-19: Malawi
June 10-17: Puentes de Cristo, Mexico

VISAS FOR GUATEMALANS APPLYING FOR CHURCHES TO VISIT PARTNER CHURCHES.

GUATEMALANS AS THEY CONTINUE WITH HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS & PREPARE FOR THE 2006 HURRICANE SEASON. (It is projected to be as bad as or worse than last year!)

MISSION PERSONNEL: See newsletters from several in this mailing.

For more information: Ginnie Stevens at vestevens2@aol.com; 828-438-4217.