Transcript w - Presbyterian Church in Canada
June 2015 – September 2015
One Mission, Two Funds: Proclaiming Christ in Word and Deed
Presbyterians Sharing
supports the overall mission and ministry of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Congregations commit to raising an accepted allocation each year. The goal for congregations in 2015 is $7.5 million.
Presbyterian World Service & Development
is the PCC’s development and relief agency. PWS&D raises funds directly from congregations and individuals and through government grants – over and above gifts to
Presbyterians Sharing.
June 7: General Assembly – Imagining the Kingdom!
This Sunday, Presbyterians from across Canada are gathering in Vancouver, BC for our annual General Assembly. Under the theme
Imagining the Kingdom
, commissioners will discuss policy, approve budgets, share stories from their ministries and dream for the future of our church.
June 14: World Refugee Day (June 20)
Ongoing civil war in Syria has resulted in one of the largest refugee movements in modern times. PWS&D is responding with Canadian Foodgrains Bank to provide humanitarian assistance. The PCC also supports congregations to sponsor Syrian refugees to resettle in Canada.
June 21: Responding to God’s call for justice
Today is Aboriginal Day Sunday.
Presbyterians Sharing
supports Justice Ministries as it works with congregations to sow seeds of hope and respond to the justice imperatives of the gospel.
June 28: Responding to floods in Malawi
Flooding in Malawi earlier this year destroyed homes and left many in need of shelter, food and other sanitation supplies – including toilets. PWS&D, in collaboration with local partners and health workers in Malawi, is helping rebuild 1,000 latrines.
July 5: Seeing faith in action
Mission trips engage participants in meaningful mission as they meet our international and Canadian partners and learn about work supported by
Presbyterians Sharing
and PWS&D.
July 12: Cultivating hope in Malawi
Mussa, a farmer and father of six, was worried about frequent dry spells in Nyungwe, Malawi. The lack of rain made it difficult for his crops to grow. In order to provide enough food for his family, Mussa participated in a PWS&D-supported conservation agriculture project where he learned to use mulch to hold moisture in soil.
July 19: Bringing worship to the people
Gifts to
Presbyterians Sharing
support Hanmaum Presbyterian Church in Langley, BC which serves a growing Korean community. The congregation’s seniors’ ministry reaches out to residents in a local care home who are unable to attend church.
July 26: Relief for survivors of Cyclone Pam
In March, one of the strongest cyclones to hit the Pacific Islands, devastated the island nation of Vanuatu. Many families are living in temporary, unstable shelters without access to clean drinking water or health facilities. PWS&D is working with local partners to help rebuild the lives of those who have suffered.
August 2: Promoting health in India
Your gifts to
Presbyterians Sharing
support Michelle Verwey, a nurse serving with the CNI Central Regional Board of Health Services and the MIBE Graduate School for Nurses in Indore, India. Michelle is working as an advisor for a PWS&D-supported community health program in five different regions in Madhya Pradesh.
August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
PWS&D responds to situations where indigenous people are marginalized and denied their basic human rights. In Guatemala, PWS&D supports local partners to develop programs to train and teach indigenous Maya-Mam women about health, nutrition, environmental awareness and entrepreneurship.
August 16: World Humanitarian Day (August 19)
In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, many families in the Philippines lost their homes, crops and seed. One year after the devastating storm, survivors are moving forward as they restore their homes and rebuild their lives. Gifts to PWS&D are helping to provide safety, security and hope for the future.
August 23: Sowing seeds of hope
Your gifts to
Presbyterians Sharing
support ARISE ministry in Toronto as it ministers to people who need support exiting the sex trade. Director Deb Rapport shares, “ARISE ministry prays that seeds of hope will be planted in the lives of all involved in prostitution; that they may know that change is possible.”
August 30: Coffee, a prayer and a hug
Your gifts to
Presbyterians Sharing
support Saskatoon Native Circle Ministry as it reaches out to homeless people through counseling, a clothing bank, a weekly worship service and a drop-in centre where people can come for food, coffee, a visit and sometimes a prayer and a hug.
September 6: International Literacy Day (September 8)
With support from PWS&D, Francisco Coll School in Guatemala is providing vulnerable children with a proper education in a secure environment. Patricia, who recently graduated with an accounting certificate, shares, “You will always be in my prayers and I will remember that thanks to you I am a girl who finished her studies.”
September 13: Over 20 years in Kenya
PCC mission staff Dr. Rick Allen will retire at the end of the year after serving with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Kenya for over 20 years. His work has mainly involved conducting and facilitating HIV & AIDS training courses. We celebrate and thank God for Rick’s faithful and dedicated service!
September 21: International Day of Prayer for Peace
Ongoing conflict in Syria has left refugees in Lebanon and Jordan in desperate need of shelter, clothing and food. PWS&D is helping provide food aid for Syrian refugees through food vouchers for essential items like rice, flour, sugar, milk, yogurt, cheese and eggs.
September 27: Presbyterians Sharing Sunday
Through
Presbyterians Sharing
, Presbyterians across Canada share in a wide range of ministries. Today is a day to celebrate the mission and ministry we are doing together in Canada and around the world, in the name of Christ.