June Crossroads

Deacons Corner

On June 5th, we will be collecting cereal for the Burlington Food Pantry. Please make sure you check the expiration dates. Money to buy fresh produce would also be gratefully accepted.

Pentecost Offering
So I Send You (John 20:21)

The Pentecost Offering is one of four special offerings received annually in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Through this gift, we are able to help children at risk and nurture the faith of Presbyterian youths. We assist a new generation of church leadership through the Young Adult Volunteer program.

Forty percent of the offering stays in our congregation to support children-at-risk ministries in our community. The remainder will be sent to the General Assembly Mission Council for programs that minister to children-at-risk, youth and young adults, and the Young Adult Volunteer program.

This year’s theme, “So I Send You,” reminds us that Jesus was sent by God to heal a hurting world and we, too, are called to the same task. Through our contributions to the Pentecost Offering, we can make tangible, positive changes in our community, our church, and our world.

The Pentecost Offering will be received on June 12.

Christian Education

On June 12, we will be honoring our teachers and celebrating the end of our regular church school program. The children will have an opportunity to participate in the worship service. Following worship there will be a cook out. Hot dogs and hamburgers and rolls will be provided but we are asking that others provide some side dishes such as potato salad, pasta salad, chips etc.

During the summer there will be an activity time during worship for those children from pre-school to second grade.

One Great Hour of Sharing
Feed my sheep

Thanks to everyone who participated in One Great Hour of Sharing. Our gifts will help many people. The April 2011 issue of Presbyterians Today contains a number of articles describing projects in various churches. Many of these projects are related to food. A 2009 survey showed that 94% of PC(USA) members have given food to some food assistance program. Eighty-eight percent gave money to such a program. Eighty-five percent talked about hunger or poverty with a friend or family member. Seventy-nine percent bought fair trade coffee and other items. Forty-four percent volunteered at some emergency food facility or participated in a fund raising activity. Twenty-one percent contacted a politician to express concern over some poverty issue. Let’s continue to support our food bank and other programs.

Join us for M.A.T.E.!
July 17 – July 22

Plans are underway for our housing work week in central Maine. Would you like to be part of this year’s volunteer team to rehab homes of rural elderly and families in need? Our week will be July 17 – July 22. Experience welcome but not necessary. We stay in a dorm at the University of Maine in Farmington. Coming for part of the week is possible. We have wonderful fellowship with folks who go from other churches, and those at whose homes we work.

Youth and adults welcome!

Financial contributions are also needed – and stay tuned for requests for our church to provide some food/kitchen items.

See Rod if interested, or for more details.