MISSION OF THE MONTH
“What does the Lord require of you?” “… to do justice and to love kindness and walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
This year marks the first time congregations across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are invited to receive the World Communion Offering. The World Communion Offering is a new way for Presbyterians to “love kindness” expressed in action, often involving mercy, faithfulness and steadfast commitment. Through this new Offering, we join with other congregations in supporting the wider church in the work of racial justice, gender justice, peacemaking, global witness, and ecumenical and interfaith relations. Any council of the church which includes congregations, presbyteries or synods who are engaged in local mission and ministry related to the causes supported by the World Communion Offering can apply for grants.
Some ways gifts are used for reconciliation:
-Funds participation in the Commission on the Status of Women - the largest gathering on gender equality at the United Nations formulating policies that promote gender equality and the empowerment of women worldwide and the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.
-Supports the Office of Public Witness (OPW), the public policy information and advocacy office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It awards grants as part of the Decade to End Gun Violence.
-Funded a delegation of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) leaders and global partners participation in the second International Migration Review Forum, a major United Nations gathering focused on global migration policy and advocacy.
-Supported a PC(USA) delegation that met with individuals and organizations in Jordan and Israel-Palestine who are providing ministry in their context as well as working on human rights and other deep needs in the region.
The prophet Micah is clear: Our love of God moves us to faithful action through justice, kindness and humble living. Participating in the Churchwide Special Offerings is one way Presbyterians show their love for God and help all God’s children live into the fullness of Micah’s prophecy. In a world that often feels divided, this offering helps us remember that we belong to one another, even to people we may never meet.
Frontera de Cristo
The Mission Committee now sponsors Mark and Miriam Adams in their involvement in the mission called Frontera de Cristo. Based in the sister cities of Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta, Sonora, Frontera de Cristo works to build relationships and understanding across borders. People often see borders as nothing more than division, but at Frontera de Cristo, borders are seen as a place of encounter. Discerning God’s will, Frontera de Cristo serves migrants and community members on both sides of the border.
By demonstrating gospel values in all that they do, Frontera de Cristo seeks to build relationships that demonstrate God’s will, and build bridges rather than walls. So many people are migrating, seeking refuge and fleeing extreme poverty and violence. Our Frontera de Cristo’s goal is not only to address their immediate needs, but also to address the root causes of mass migration, creating safe and prosperous opportunities that allow our sisters and brothers to stay in the land they call home, if they so choose.
Through the building of community-driven partnerships with ministries and secular organizations in DouglaPrieta, Frontera de Cristo offers shelter, resources, education, emotional support, medical care, and new solutions. The hope is that everyone they meet knows they are made in God’s image, they are worthy of respect, and they are welcome here.
Frontera de Cristo also partners in ministry with Café Justo. Café Justo and its sister organization, Café Justo y Mas, operate on a fair trade plus business model. By removing the middleman who purchases coffee from Mexican farmers and sells it to large American corporations, our fair trade plus system creates an opportunity for farmers to be in control of the process from start to finish. From harvesting, to roasting, to packaging, all the way to your doorstep, the cooperative’s partners are involved. This optimizes the farmers’ profits in a way that creates a just and livable income, eliminates their need to head north seeking work, and allows them to stay on their land with their families. Frontera de Cristo has been proud to serve as a partner with Café Justo since its establishment in 2003 and with Café Justo y Mas since its opening in 2016, watching one man’s dream become a reality that provides new life for many through both.
Frontera de Cristo website: http://fronteradecristo.org/
Café
Justo Ministry partner info: http://fronteradecristo.org/cafe-justo/
Family Promise of
Kandiyohi County
Family Promise of Kandiyohi County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which finds its origin from a national organization stemming from Summit, New Jersey. We are one of approximately 200 affiliates found in 43 states and Washington D.C. FPKC has partnered with 12 local congregations (and 13 support churches) to provide shelter, meals and hospitality to homeless families within the Willmar/Kandiyohi County area. Our goal is to do whatever we can to assist homeless families gain emergency shelter, daily meals, and partner with local agencies to equip families with the skills they need overcome homelessness. We believe that families need a “hand up,” not just a “hand out.”
Check out more of what Family Promise is and offers at their website:
Blessing Box
We, at the First Presbyterian Church, have placed a Blessing Box at the front of our church at 316 Sixth Street SW in downtown Willmar and we are seeking donations from you and others to help our brothers and sisters in need. The following is a list of suggested supplies: Food items (non-perishable) -- canned goods, soup mix, cake mix, rice, cereal, noodles, peanut butter, snacks, ramen/instant meals, Hamburger Helper, mac & cheese, fruit, vegetables, bread/buns, baking items, condiments, coffee, juice boxes, seasoning items, crackers. Personal hygiene -- toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, soap, lotion, toilet paper, feminine products, tissue, Q-tips. Baby/child items -- diapers, wipes, baby food, baby cereal, pacifier, powder, lotion, bottles, powder formula. Misc. items -- pens/pencils, paper, seasonal items, gloves,books, small toys, gift items. Prohibited items -- home-baked goods, expired opened goods, alcohol, tobacco, sharp objects.
Ministry Meals
Every Second Wednesday of the Month (during the school year) our Mission Committee donates, makes, and provides a meal during the lunch hours (11-1:30) for students at Ridgewater College in the Ministry Department of the college!! The Mission Commitee is always willing to have volunteers to help out each month if available!! If so, contact the church office for more details.