Outreach
Chair: Sharon Orazine
Recent activities of Outreach:
To date, we have done some incredible things. Working through referrals from Shelby County Department of Human Resources, we have helped several people keep their gas and or power on to provide warmth for their families.
January: The CARE group New Year Celebration was one of the most inspirational days. We received assistance from 14 residents at The Lovelady Center. These were ladies recently received to the Center and not eligible for weekend passes. They were magnificent. Two of the ladies even entertained us with song. Several are interested in joining us again and 2 staff members plan on participating in Camp High Hopes in June. How awesome!
February: The Lovelady Center presented us with a Valentine "Love" Tree. The congregational participation was so inspiring. Every paper heart on the tree asked for a small gift. We provided school supplies, sheets, pillows, socks and baby clothes.
March: We did such a good job with the Valentine 'Love' tree in February that the Easter "Love" Tree is now available. Please plan to take a paper "egg" from the tree and purchase some much needed items for these very brave women. Most of the items can be purchased at the grocery store or you could make a $25 donation. We will be receiving these items throughout the month of March. Don't forget your egg on Sunday!!!!!
On March 6th, The Lovelady Center honored First Christian Church for our continued support of their program. Edd Spencer, Sharon Orazine (Outreach representative), Steve Pasky (CMF representative), and Jerry Wallace (Special work representative) were invited to attend the daily morning worship service. We were recognized for our congregational support with a special plaque and a standing ovation from over 250 women. We have been working with the center for about 20 months. We have donated office supplies, personal care items, pillows, sheets, blankets and money. Last year we helped with an Easter Egg Hunt, Thanksgiving dinner for 75 (ladies not eligible for a pass to be with family), and the Christmas Shoe Box Ministry.
April: Outreach focus will be on signing up walkers for the CROP WALK. Our goal this year is 25 walkers. Please consider participating. Let's go and show some big numbers. We need to let others know who we are and what we do! Please see the details of the CROP walk under 'Events'.
On April 12th, the CMF will host an ice cream booth at their Spring Fair to help raise operational funds for the Lovelady Center.
May: We need a huge, quick push for Andros Vacation Bible School supplies and funds. Lists of needed items will be made available at the Outreach table in the narthex. Please contact Sharon Orazine at 991-7168 if you are interested in participating as a teacher on this mission trip. The charter flight from West Palm Beach to Andros Island will be leaving on July 8th and returning on July 16th. Registration is $250. This helps cover the cost of your round trip ticket.
As you see, we have been very busy. Hopefully, we can continue to have at least a small Outreach activity for each month. There will be some way for everyone to participate. Thank you all for being so dedicated.
Give of your best to the Master, Give Him first place in your heart.
Give Him first place in your service, Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you shall be given. God His beloved Son gave.
Gratefully seeking to serve Him, Give Him the best that you have.
THE
Restoring families
Ensuring futures
This is a faith based, non-denominational program for women leaving correctional facilities. It is located on Second Avenue South in the old East End Hospital building.The women living there can have their children with them while they are in the program. This gets them all off the streets. They each have daily jobs throughout the facility. They are required to attend worship service every morning. There are classes each day of the week aimed at getting them prepared for working and running a home. GED classes are offered and parenting programs. After about 90 days, they become eligible to seek employment. Each women HAS a job, at present. The Center has a state licensed Day Care used by their residents and also available to area residents. This serves as a source of income for the Center.
As a part of Freedom Rain Ministries, the Center was founded by Brenda Spahn in Jan. 1997. Originally, the program began in her private residence serving women coming from Julia Tutwiler Prison in Wetumpka, Al. They open their doors to women and children who have been broken and beaten down by bad circumstances, and/or bad relationships.
They provide a structured environment in which the Holy Spirit ministers healing and wholeness in Jesus Christ through the residents.
They offer support to those who finish the 9-12 month program to help them adjust to being back in a productive role in the community.
Over the last 18-20 months, First Christian Church has been helping grow this program by support in many areas. Recently, the Center received a government grant of $500,000.00. However, the money is not available yet and is ear-marked for building and upkeep. They still must fund utilities, food, office supplies, clothes and shoes for the women and children.There are also other daily needs that have to be met to keep everyone safe and nurtured. There are approximately 270 women in the Center at present with 75 children. They are working very hard and singing praises to the Lord.
Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow man throughout
the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them, through our hands
this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love give Peace and Joy.
Lord, make a channel of Thy peace, that where there is
hatred I may bring love;
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of
forgiveness;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is
error, I may bring truth;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows,
I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than
to be comforted;
to understand than to be understood;
to love than to be loved;
for it is by forgetting self that one finds;
it is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.
AMEN
-----Mother Teresa
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