This Advent our message series is focusing on giving and growing in generosity. And in this season and this series we will focus on both. This weekend will bring our annual Missions Weekend, highlighting our partners in Haiti and Kenya, while also supporting our partners in Nigeria.
We’re offering the opportunity to sponsor a child in the communities of Monarch, Haiti or Kew, Kenya. And we are inviting parishioners to give the gift of education and witness how their donation can impact the life of a child. Our partner organization, 410 Bridge, uses child sponsorship programs to support ongoing educational needs in the communities they serve. 410 works with local leadership to identify barriers to education, and customizes programs to meet each community’s specific needs. The sponsorship program works to raise the quality of education for the entire classroom.
We will use your missions giving to address direct barriers to education: school fees, textbooks, desks, school supplies, and school uniforms. We will also address indirect barriers, like lack of access to safe water, health services or lack of teacher support and training.
Sponsorship will guarantee that sponsor children not only have access to quality education but also health and nutrition programs and services. Most importantly, children are given faith formation, equipped and encouraged to grow as disciples of Christ.
Sponsors will be able to choose the child they would like to sponsor and can even send a Christmas Card to them. They will also be encouraged to develop an on-going relationship with the child supporting and encouraging them moving forward. If a sponsor should choose to join one of our mission trips, they would also have the chance to meet their sponsored child.
To commemorate your sponsorship you’ll receive a beautiful and unique Christmas ornament made in-country by the children themselves. The Sponsorship Ornaments will make a one of a kind Christmas Gift for someone special on your list.
For those who are not able to make a sponsorship commitment, they can give a one-time donation that will also be used to help these communities with educational efforts and initiatives. For your donation we’ll have Christmas ornaments and cards that will make perfect stocking stuffers.
Mission Weekend is going to be a wonderful celebration of the season and a great reason for giving.
