Missions

Missions and Evangelism Committee Update – December

As we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child, it’s not surprising that so much of our efforts during the Christmas season focus on children.   Operation Christmas Child was a success this year as we delivered 97 shoe boxes to be sent to children all over the world.

Our local outreach to needy children in the North County will run from November 27th to December 11th.   Gift tags for Angel Tree are available on the Christmas tree in the sanctuary on November 27th and December  4th.  The gift tag has the child’s name and age.  Gifts should be returned to the sanctuary by December 11th.  Please contact Debby Price if you have any questions.

Our church continues to make an IMPACT around the world.  Miriam Lomelino has committed to joining an IMPACT medical mission that will be traveling to Haiti from January 10-19, 2012.  She will be working in Montrouis, a small fishing village about an hour away from Port-au-Prince.  She has been told that as many as 300 patients wait in line to be seen.  People cannot afford medical care so they will wait as long as they must, to receive whatever help they can get. Miriam felt a little overwhelmed at the level of need, then remembered God’s word, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)  After prayer and discussing it with her family, she felt that this was the time for her to serve.

We are asking our congregation to support Miriam both spiritually and financially as she answers God’s call.  She currently has raised 75% of the $2250 she needs for the trip. If you are interested in supporting her financially, you can designate contributions toward her and/or the Haiti trip by mailing them to:
                       IMPACT-Presbytery of Santa Barbara
                       6067 Shirrell Way
                       Goleta, CA   93117

You can also donate online at http:www.impact-sbp.org.  Please join us in keeping Miriam, her family and the mission team (there will be sixteen people on the team) in our prayers.

The 10th annual Santa Barbara Mission Conference will take place at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Barbara on Friday, January 20th and Saturday January 21st.    Susan Needleman had this to report about the conference:

“The Mission Conference Experience is not one to miss! With fabulous presentations from various missionaries and 10 breakout sessions, you experience a powerful interaction and meet all the speakers personally! Each time we have attended we have walked away with a fuller comprehension of the amazing capabilities that await us to serve in the mission field to spread Our Lord’s glory!”

This year’s theme is “Living the Word in Today’s World.” The keynote speaker will be Roberta Hestenes.   Cost for the conference is $25.00 if preregistered by  January 11, 2012.  Onsite registration the day of the conference is $40.00.  For more information visit their website at sbmissionconference.org. 

 

Missions Committee General Information

The Missions Committee monitors and supports several budgeted missions as well as missions supported by offerings such as Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes, Angel Tree, Christmas Joy Offering, One Great Hour of Sharing and Lifewater International. Through the generosity of this congregation, we are able to increase giving to most of these missions even in these troubled and difficult financial times.

Our ongoing ministries include:   

E.C.H.O. Dinners:

 We provide dinner for the El Camino Homeless Shelter on the third Monday of every month.  Volunteers to provide and prepare food, as well as individuals to serve the meal are needed.  Please contact Leslie Davidson if you can help.