Weekly Word

Missions Team Report

Greetings from the Missions Team! We are so appreciative of the generosity of our congregation for their support during all our fundraising efforts in 2024. Many of the organizations we support have sent messages and letters of gratitude and thanks for our support. If you would like to get more information about the Mission Team, please contact Loretta Wilson.

We had 44 volunteers brave the weather during November and December to Ring the Bell for Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive. It’s a bit late, but there are pictures of the 65 Angel Tree Gifts that were picked up and delivered to the Salvation Army for local children. Those who picked up the gifts on December 9th were amazed and so very appreciative by the generosity of all those who provided gifts for the children.

The Blood Drive on February 6th: Thanks to Pete Holmes and Marge for making calls and for organizing this event with Versiti Blood Centers. We received a letter from Dominic Ranallo Account Rep, Donor Recruitment from Versiti “You had a great blood drive, and the double reds really helped push you to a victory. The goal was to collect 22 units/donations. On the day of the drive, you had 22 donors show up and register to donate. There was only one deferral and one incomplete which was great, so we did not lose many. You had five double reds which gave you ten products. Combined with the whole blood donations your drive collected 25 successful products which not only went over goal, but impacted and saved 75 lives which is wonderful. This is actually your best drive since 2022. You had two first time donors at this drive.” If you weren’t able to donate, the next Blood Drive is scheduled for June 12, 2025.

We continue to raise funds for this year’s here, near and far away organizations. Our Rummage Sale in March will help support Helen Camarce in Cambodia, who helps: 

• Street Children with their education and improve their school’s curriculum as well as teaching Social Values. The enrollment is expected to increase for 2025.
• Women Livelihood & Empowerment helps women to learn how to manage money care for their babies and planning their own gardens and gain confidence

View Helen’s latest newsletter from Cambodia here.

Here are the upcoming events that we encourage you to participate in:

• Rummage Sale is Thursday-Saturday, March 27-29. Get donation drop off details and times here. Look for volunteer sign-ups at fellowship in Baker Hall or contact Chris at cstumpf0308@gmail.com
• Summer Mission “Staycation” at Baker Memorial Church. This year, rather than traveling, our Summer Mission Trip is happening locally Monday-Wednesday, July 28, 29 and 30. The event will include the following activities: group restoration trip to Fermilab, packing meal packets, and a local service project.

As we continue to seek God and follow his desire for us to serve others, we are reminded of Romans 12:2: Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.

Loretta Wilson, co-chair of Mission Team