The
holidays are a time
for sharing with friends, family, and those less fortunate. Our church
offers a number of ways to help those in need both locally and across
the country.
Under the sanctuary Christmas tree is a box for cash
donations to be sent to the Duvall
Presbyterian Home
in Glenwood, Florida (near DeLand). In operation for over 60
years, Duvall is home to over 140 developmentally disabled adults and
children. There the residents receive individual service plans based on
their interests and abilities to encourage physical, emotional, and
spiritual growth.
New, unwrapped toys placed under the Christmas tree in the
sanctuary will be taken to Gateway Community Outreach, right here in
Deerfield Beach. Parents who have registered with Gateway's program can
select toys appropriate for their children. Gateway also assists
families with food, clothing, and referrals to appropriate agencies for
long term help.
All during the year we support Gateway
Community Outreach
with the food collected in our Mission Pantry in the narthex. As food
and gas prices go up more people are requesting assistance and fewer
people are donating food. With the holidays upon us, now is a good time
to donate your unused "hurricane food". It will be greatly appreciated.
On Christmas Eve (and the Sunday after Christmas) we collect
the Christmas Joy Offering.
This offering was established in the 1930's to supplement inadequate
retirement income and provide supplemental medical insurance for
retired ministers, missionaries, church workers, and their families.
Now, the Christmas Joy Offering is split with 50% going to
the
Board of Pensions to help current and retired church workers
(ministers, etc) by providing funds to help them through difficult
times.
The remaining 50% of the Christmas Joy Offering goes to
Presbyterian Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges program. These funds
provide scholarships to deserving students as well as help with basic
operating costs. Schools supported by the Christmas Joy Offering
include Cook School for Christian Leadership in Tempe, AZ; Menaul
School in Albuquerque, NM; Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL; and
Presbyterian Pan American School in Kingsville, TX.
May God's love flow through each of you to those around you
and radiate out into the community this holiday season.