DEAR NORTHWOOD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH MEMBERS AND FRIENDS:
The information below summarizes an upcoming mission opportunity and the results of our previous mission effort. Please note that all dollar amounts described are approximate.
February 2010 Missions
The February Mission offering will go to support Epilogos, a non-profit organization in San Jose Villenueva, El Salvador where Rev. Gayle Murphy will spend a portion of her Sabattical time. The founders, Mike and Susie Jenkins from Concord, NH, and other staff work in areas of housing, education, health care, and water resources. Mike and Susie were originally Peace Corps volunteers in El Salvador, lived in New Hampshire for several years, but then took early retirement so they could volunteer full-time in El Salvador. They ensure the money donated goes directly to the work in San Jose Villanueva and not to support big organizational expenses. Gayle will be our Church's ambassador for bringing donated mission proceeds to support their cause. The web-site for Epilogos www.Epilogos.org can give you pictures and more information about the organization's efforts in El Salvador.
Future Missions
The Mission Committee will be meeting to identify new opportunities to participate as we move from winter to spring. For example, we expect to be offering a visit to a local assisted living facility sometime in March or April as part of a fun outreach effort to just spend time with the elderly who may have a bit of "cabin fever" - details still need to be worked out. There may also be recurring opportunities to work with one of our congregational members in Habitat for Humanity efforts. Peggy Kofer is trying to coordinate a Youth Mission Trip for sometime in the summer. Please check as opportunities will be posted on the board in Fellowship Hall as they become available or you may receive an email from those coordinating. Also, feel free to approach anyone on the Mission Committee if you have ideas or interest in pursuing specific mission work or are looking for a way to contribute time and energy to any gratifying endeavor that promotes Christian outreach!
January 2010 Mission Success
During January 2010 we collected $125.00 to support the Strafford Food Bank which is operated by the Third Baptist Church of Center Strafford. These moneys will be sent soon to be used to re-supply items not typically brought to the facility for the needy.
December 2009 Mission Success
Christmas Baskets, Discretionary Fund and Northwood Emergency Food Pantry
In coordination with the Church Diaconate, the Mission Committee assisted in delivering 14 Christmas baskets. Thanks to all who contributed the food to make the baskets such a successful mission! During November and December we also collected Missions to support several causes principally because 10 hams were donated by Northwood Country Market so only a few needed to be purchased this year. The mission money collection effort included funds retained from the previous year's (2008) Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket funds and well as this year's 2009 collections. According to our Treasurer, we had approximately $500 for available for the Ministerial Discretionary Fund of which $225 was used to pay down previously distributed money during 2009 and the remaining $275 was used to replentish the fund to meet future needs of those needing a hand in these difficult economic times. Approximately $200 still remained following the replentishment of the Discretionary fund and this money will be sent to the Northwood Emergency Food Pantry.
Santa's Helpers
We participated in Santa's Helpers in coordination with the Northwood Fire Department. We provided a large collection of children's mittens and hats to distribute to needy families. Great work to all in getting those picked out or made so we could keep those less fortunate warm this winter!
In coordination with the Town of Northwood Human Services Department, we provided an entire SUV full of presents and gifts to a Northwood family in need. There was a wonderful supply of diapers and comforters, numerous gift cards and other presents that were provided. When the packages were delivered by the Mission Committee and the family received all the generous donations, tearful joy literally came forth from this family. The twins were just beautiful! It was clear by delivering these gifts from the congregation how the true meaning of Christmas could be witnessed. You should all be very proud of how you were able to help this needy family!
Christmas Eve Service
The Mission Committee in coordination with Church Council voted to distribute approximately one-third of the funds collected during the Christmas Eve Service to the Salvation Army ($376) and one-third to the Northwood Emergency Food Pantry ($376) with the remaining funds ($376) to be used for the Northwood Church Renovation Fund. We should feel content of how we were able to blend the important needs of the church along with the needs of others as part of our Christmas Eve Service.
Northwood Congregational Church
Mission Committee
Tom Bobowski
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