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From Reverend Don Crissinger-Clark |
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Making a Difference in God's world
The year 2010 has only just begun and yet we here at First Presbyterian have already touched many lives and helped to make things better for a lot of people who have walked through these doors ...or whose pain we have felt even though they live hours away from St. James, Minnesota.
Haiti Relief
We have been watching and reading about the continuing problems in Haiti and as of the end of January, $925.00 was raised by gifts for Haiti relief. I have also received numerous calls from people who have wanted to send money direct to Presbytery, so I firmly believe that well over $1,000.00 has been sent to Haitian Relief thru the PCUSA from this congregation.
Food Relief
Although numbers were down in both the food distributions we held in January because of the cold and bad weather conditions...we still managed to help many families who needed an extra boost. At the food for all, January 23, we served 92 families-senior citizens to young families with children. What do we get in return? The thank yous' from so many who tell us that this makes a difference. And of course this program wouldn't happen without the help of our local merchants. Thank you to Pamida, Super Fair and Paul's Food Pride for making a difference.
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The last week of January we hosted a Surplus Food Distribution Truck and again numbers were down especially because of road conditions and the cold, but we still managed to serve over 275 families. These are just a few of the volunteers who were here that day. A number of our youth group. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts Big Buddy participants and lots of people from all over the country who came and unloaded the truck and set up. Thanks to all who helped that day.
Local Mission
The year has just begun, but we have already helped a number of families with small children by giving them assistance in keeping their heat on and their lights on in their homes. The money isn't just given away with no thought, but the money they are given helps them to keep going and they have to find the resources to keep the lights and heat on in their homes. Helping Hand: And, on Sunday, January 31st, our Sunday School children presented a check to Gus Zender in the amount of $94.50 for young Alex who is finally going to be receiving a kidney transplant.
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