A Mission trip is being planned to Eastern North Carolina (Wanchese/Manteo area). We plan to leave Sunday morning, March 25th and retun Friday, March 30th. Accomodations (bunk beds or cots) will be provided. Meals are not provided. Let Jim Hayes know if you are interested.
Sonshine Backpack Update:
The Shell Gardner Circle started our Sonshine Backpack ministry by providing food assistance to four children. We are pleased to let the congregation know that we have seen an outpouring of support which has enabled us to currently provide assistance to eight children within the Mt. Pleasant community. In addition to our congregation, the women's group from St. Martin's Concord has also committed to helping with this ministry. Each month when they meet, they bring food items for the backpacks. Kathleen Francus, a member of St. Martin's, has also been a key element in helping us get aid from Thivent.
The backpacks are filled with a supply of healthy and nutritious food for the children during the weekend. We sent home a survey with the children in hopes that the survey would provide helpful feedback about the ministry program. The following were a few comments received:
"It is hard these days to buy food, especially when both parents are unemployed and food stamp funds have been cut."
"The program is awesome and I don't know what we would do without it. It is great to have food for your children sent home to ensure they have something to eat. We are truly grateful and God bless you all."
It is obvious that there is a continued growing need t help the children of our community with food assistance. We greatly appreciate your helpwith the Sonshine Backpacks ministry. The following is a list of food items needed:
100% juice boxes
shelf-stable milk (individual servings)
pudding cups
Easy Mac and Cheese
soup
canned ravioli and spaghetti
canned vegetables and fruit
applesauce cups
granola bars
microwaveable grits
oatmeal
popcorn
If you choose to purchase food, please save the receipt and give them to Bonita Rowland or Ellen Goodman.
Operation Toothbrush
Gracin Almond is constantly finding ways to help others. Her latest effor, along with help by our Lambs and Lions, is to collect children's toothbrushes to be used by Dr. Pons and Dr. Rhodes with children in other countries. A marked collection box is in the cry room, and will be there through February.
