As FCC members know from years past, instead of filling the sanctuary with poinsettias for Advent, the Mission and Outreach team has promoted monetary donations from church members which are given to a non-profit. This year will be no different! In fact, FCC members have three opportunities to share with others during Advent.
Opportunity One:
This year the money will be donated to Align Minneapolis (formerly Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness) for the Emergency Rental Assistance Fund. This fund provides rental payments for persons who have been making payments but are temporarily are unable to do so. This could be because of being laid off, an unexpected illness, etc. Recipients are also referred for other appropriate services as needed. Most people just need one rental payment to get them through their initial crisis and prevent them from becoming a person experiencing homelessness.
You can still make your donation in memory of or in honor of someone or something. There will be a donation envelope on Givelify, beginning November 29, the first day of Advent. You can also send a check to the church office. Please send Deb Murphy an e-mail with the name of whom or what you are honoring by your gift. (No need to include the amount you are giving!) This replaces the “green sheet” from years past.
Opportunity Two:
Align Minneapolis is collecting adult winter clothing: coats (especially large or extra large), hats, scarves, mittens, gloves. These can be new or gently used items. A member of the Mission and Outreach Team will collect the items from your homes!
Opportunity Three:
Our Christmas Eve offering goes to Plaster House (www.theplasterhouse.org) in Tanzania. The children there are provided care before and after surgeries. It has a special place in the hearts of First Christian members as Steve and Amy Dunlop work there every year (pre-COVID) to provide service to the children and their families. (Steve is Pat and Bill Dunlop’s son.)
An envelope will be available on Givelify the Sunday before Christmas Eve.
Thank you from the Mission and Outreach Team for your past and future generosity!
