Kids’ Food Basket Update; FHPC will be volunteering at KFB on the 2nd Monday of the month from 1 to 2 pm. A sign-up sheet will be available in the Narthex. Our first volunteer day will be December 12th. If you need more information contact Jan Bennett or go to www.kidsfoodbasket.org.
Guiding Light Mission:
For Men: Every study shows that hurting men who have mentors in their lives have a higher success rate than those who don't. If you have a heart to help men, we would really value your time at Guiding Light Mission. It's about a 1-1/2 hour commitment per week and the most important piece is that you only have to listen, and are encouraging! Hope is many times what these men need most. And, their lives are changed by it. It's also a great experience for the mentor. If you would like to learn more please feel free to call Claire Larson (FHPC Missions Committee) at 682-2756 evening; 284-3251 day; or at clairearama@yahoo.com. Bill Shaffer is our Program Director and heads-up the mentoring teams: 451-0236 or bill@lifeonthestreet.org. For more information on Guiding Light feel free to visit www.lifeonthestreet.org
Habitat for Humanity:
Please check back at a later date for the next volunteer work day.
COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION:
Our church hosts an annual Compassion Sunday in October. Curently we are celebrating the fact that over 30 of our church families are making life changing impacts on children around the world. There are opportunities for those who wish to sponsor and change the life of a child by providing education and medical care, as well as a special offering which is taken one Sunday during the year.
ANGEL TREE:
The Mission Committee sponsors the Christmas Angel Tree each year to benefit three wonderful community partners: St. John’s Home, Liz’s House/Westin Properties and Hope Community. A holiday tree will be set up in the Narthex and decorated with Angel Tree tags that represent a child or teenager who might not otherwise receive any gifts this holiday season. Those who wish to participate select an Angel Tree tag (or two!) which will have information written on it about a child in need (first name, age, gender and gift wishes). After a gift for that child is purchased the gift is returned to the church (with the Angel Tree tag attached to it) and placed under the Angel Tree in the Narthex. Typically the Angels will appear after Thanksgiving. The Angel Tree program has helped brighten Christmas for children for over 50 years.
ICCF - INNER CITY CHRISTIAN FEDERATION:
ICCF exists to provide save, affordable and high quality housing to persons of low and moderate income. Since its formation in 1974 ICCF has been involved in the production or repair of 500 units of housing in our city and region. Our Mission Committee has been exploring ways for Forest Hills Presbyterian Church to become a partner in ICCF's remarkable work.
IN THE IMAGE:
An independent, faith-based, ecumenical, non-profit organization which focuses on linking gently used clothing, housewares, furtniture and appliances with families in need in a manner that enhances dignity, embraces choices, encourages participation and builds a community of diversity. Forest Hills Presbyterian Church holds various opportunities to volunteer our assistance at In The Image.
Saturday January 28, 2012: 8:30 am to 10:00am. Food Distribution at In The Image:
The next distribution day will be on Saturday,January 28th: 8:30 am to 10:00 am. We will once again need about 15 - 20 volunteers. Please look for sign-up sheets in the Narthex. This will be an ongoing opportunity, with future dates of February 25th and March 28th. Eighty families were served in December of 2011.
OPERATION SANTA CLAUS:
Operation Santa Claus (OSC) is an all-volunteer community charity supported by local schools, churches, and business, since 1958. OSC has been bringing a complete Christmas to needy families in Forest Hills and the surrounding areas since 1958. OSC works with ACCESS 6 to make sure they are not duplicating the efforts of other charities as well. FHPC support of OSC this 2011 year helped make Christmas brighter for over 300 families.
GRACE HUNGER WALK:
For more information log onto www.graceoffice.org
The GRACE Hunger Walk is held each May. Can't walk 3 or 7 1/2 miles? Donate to help feed the hungry or sponsor a walker.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING:
This denomination offering is collected during lent each year. The offering supports ministries of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives, and work together to strengthen their families and communities. For more information log onto www.pcusa.org/oghs.
NICARAGUA PARTNERSHIP:
We support our presbytery partnership with CEPAD in Nueva Guinea, Nicaragua through our support of our member, Sharon Brinks who participates regularly with this ministry. For more information log onto www.lakemichiganpresbytery.org/nicaragua
A.C.C.E.S.S. 6:
(All County Church Emergency Support System) is an all-volunteer organization of member churches in Ada, Bowne, Caledonia, Cascade, Lowell and Vergennes, committed to assisting individuals and families having financial difficulties in these Southwest Kent County communities. Forest Hills Presbyterian Church collects canned food pantry items for A.C.C.E.S.S. 6 on a monthly basis on the first Sunday of each month. Some suggested items to donate: canned meats, vegetables, fruits, soups, stew and pasta sauces; powdered milk; plastic containers of jelly and peanut butter; boxes of pasta and cereal; pancake mixes, syrup and rice.
An additional January food drive at FHPC is scheduled for Sunday, January 8, 2012.