MISSION OPPORTUNITIES ....
We believe we are called to be the hands and feet and voice of Jesus Christ with
our neighbors and in the community, both local and global. Our mission
outreach includes financial support, hands-on volunteer work and projects, and
prayer. The Orangewood congregation supports mission outreach programs to help
with basic needs such as food, water, clothing, and housing; shelter and
recovery from violence and sex trafficking; disaster response; self-development
of people; special needs of children and families.
The Mission Committee is open to your suggestions regarding mission. Please let
us know if there is a cause/organization of particular interest to you that you
would like to see Orangewood Presbyterian Church consider as it carries out its
call to mission in the Phoenix area and across the globe.
We welcome participation by members of
the community.
A calendar of mission activities in 2011 is given below.
If you have an interest in or any questions about the projects and
activities described here, please call the church office at (602) 944-1508.
Areas of Mission and Mission Partners:
|
alternative gifts
| |||||||
|
agua fria food and clothing bank | |||||||
|
angel tree ministries
| |||||||
|
chris becker dining room | |||||||
|
church world service,
www.churchworldservice.org/
| |||||||
|
desert mission food bank,
www.jcl.com/content/foodbank/
| |||||||
|
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEX TRAFFICKING
| |||||||
|
duet | |||||||
|
family promise,
www.familypromiseaz.org/
| |||||||
|
habitat for humanity,
www.habitatcaz.org
| |||||||
|
ICM FOOD
AND CLOTHING BANK (formerly Interfaith Cooperative Ministries),
www.icmaz.org/
| |||||||
|
honduras mission work trips | |||||||
|
orangewood friendship garden | |||||||
|
phoenix interfaith COUNSELING,
www.phx-interfaith.org
| |||||||
|
Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) Mission Trips | |||||||
|
pRAYER sHAWL mINISTRY, www.shawlministry.com
| |||||||
|
respite shelter for homeless men,
www.respiteshelter.org/
| |||||||
|
sky harbor Interfaith CHaplaincy, Inc., www.skyharbor.com/community/interfaithchaplaincy.html | |||||||
|
transworld radio | |||||||
|
water ministry |
ICM FOOD AND CLOTHING BANK (formerly Interfaith Cooperative Ministries),
www.icmaz.org/
ICM is an ecumenical clothing and food bank serving the greater Phoenix area.
They are in need of volunteers to help with the following:
·
Infant nursery
·
Sorting clothing
·
Registration and reception
·
Clothing and food checkout
Orangewood collects non-perishable food and clothing items each Sunday on the
patio for the ICM food and clothing bank. Take a look in your pantry and bring
along some of those canned food items that you aren't using. An annual food
drive begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday each year.
During summer vacation, people are encouraged to pick up those handy
little soaps, shampoos and lotions as they travel. On Clean-Up and Undie Sunday
every September, we donate these items, along with new underwear and socks, to
ICM to help them stock up for the fall and winter season.
desert mission food bank www.jcl.com/content/foodbank/
Orangewood has
a long-standing relationship with the Desert Mission Food Bank in Sunnyslope.
Members of the congregation are regular volunteers in the food bank
warehouse, and the church organizes groups for regularly scheduled workdays
throughout the year. We
welcome friends and neighbors to volunteer their time and help people in need in
the community. Call 602-944-1508 to
find out when the next group project is scheduled.
CHRIS BECKER
DINING ROOM
Orangewood has supported and participated in the mission work of the chris
becker dining room since its inception as martha’s place in 1989.
Orangewood works here in teams once a month.
New team members are always welcome.
The chris becker dining room is an ecumenical food service
designed to provide an evening meal to the guests of pocket shelters in the
north phoenix area, as well as economically disadvantaged people from the
community. This is accomplished through the generosity of area churches of
various denominations and individual families and groups.
water ministry
Every June we begin collecting donations for water that is distributed
throughout the summer, both locally and near the southern border.
In 2010, Orangewood donated nearly 6,000
bottles of water to the Phoenix Rescue Mission, Sunnyslope Community Center,
Church of the Beatitudes, and (City of Phoenix) Shadow Mountain Senior Center.
What began as a summer water ministry in 2009 continued all through the year and
every Friday a small group of people have breakfast at the Eye Opener restaurant
in Sunnyslope and then go to the nearby park offering water, food, and
conversation to the homeless people who live there.
respite shelter for homeless men
www.respiteshelter.org/
Orangewood supports the work of the Respite Shelter for Homeless Men at 7000
North Central Avenue in Phoenix.
The Respite Shelter is a one of a kind shelter. They provide shelter and
supportive services to homeless men after they have been discharged from a
health care facility and need a place to heal. To inquire about volunteer
opportunities, call 602-870-4353.
family promise www.familypromiseaz.org/
Family Promise – Greater Phoenix is one of 159 Family Promise programs
throughout the country temporarily meeting the needs of homeless families.
Family Promise has affiliates in 38 states and the District of Columbia.
Altogether there are more than 5,000 congregations and more than 120,000
volunteers who have assisted 140,000 guests since 1988.
The Greater Phoenix program provides meals, a homelike setting, emotional
support and a full range of social, economic, and educational services.
Several times a year Orangewood hosts a family for a week or participates in
hosting a family with another congregation.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEX TRAFFICKING
Orangewood supports the work of the following agencies who provide rescue, counseling and healing to victims of violence in our community.
CHRYSALIS
www.noabuse.org/
Chrysalis
operates a residential crisis shelter. They can house up to 50 adults and
children at once. During their stay (up to 120 days) residents can receive
individual and group counseling and case management. Assistance with job
development, housing and financial referrals, medical services, parenting
information, etc. is provided based on the needs of the individual. Counseling
can be provided to children living in shelter.
Chrysalis
maintains a 24-hour domestic violence hotline at the crisis residential shelter.
For services at the Chrysalis Shelter call 602-944-4999
sojourner center
Since 1977, Sojourner Center has provided shelter and support services to
thousands of individuals affected by domestic violence. Through empowerment
families discover hope and have the opportunity to build a new future free from
violence. As the nation's largest domestic violence shelter, Sojourner Center is
a tireless advocate for domestic violence victims and survivors. With the
continued support of the community, Sojourner Center can help women and children
overcome the impact of domestic violence, one life at a time.
If you are in a crisis and need immediate help, please call the Sojourner Center
24-hour hot-line at 602-244-0089.
streetlight phoenix
www.streetlightphx.com
The mission of StreetLight Phoenix is to eradicate child sex slavery.
Streetlight has many resources for educating people about this serious issue and
is opening a new facility to help victims heal and return to society.
church world service www.churchworldservice.org/
Church World Service (CWS)
works with partners to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and
justice around the world.
Each February, Orangewood holds an event called Blanket Sunday in support of the
CWS Blankets+ program.
For
over 60 years, Church World Service has worked in partnership with local
communities to identify their needs and access the resources they need to build
the foundation for a more viable future, including:
|
Blankets, tents, food
and other emergency supplies in the wake of a disaster | |
|
Tools and seeds
for refugees returning home to replant their fields | |
|
Wells
for families living in drought prone areas to provide clean, safe water to
drink and to irrigate crops and gardens | |
|
Literacy training and microcredit
for women struggling to realize their potential. |
In the
fall Orangewood youth participate in the annual
CROP Hunger Walk
to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world.
agua fria food and clothing bank
Orangewood holds an annual school uniform drive in May to help children who live
in the Avondale school district.
The Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank serve families and individuals in the
Southwest Valley by providing food, clothing, counseling, and pastoral care for
those facing a crisis. Communities
served include Arlington, Avondale, Buckeye, Cashion, Goodyear, Litchfield Park,
Tolleson, and Tonopah.
To make donations or volunteer, call 623-932-9135.
angel tree ministries
Each
Christmas season we decorate an Angel Tree with the names of Arizona resident
children of prison inmates. We purchase
gifts requested by the children, wrap them, and deliver them on behalf of the
absent parent. For more information
about Angel Tree Ministries, visit www.angeltree.org
habitat for humanity www.habitatcaz.org
As part of a coalition of metro Phoenix Presbyterian churches, Orangewood helps
finance and build a Habitat for Humanity home for a family each spring.
Volunteers are encouraged to help in the building process with
Orangewood. Contact the church
office for more information.
A list of all current construction projects and
volunteer information can be found on the Habitat for Humanity Arizona website.
Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) Mission Trips
Orangewood works with AMOR Ministries building simple homes for families in
Mexico. Our youth and adults participate in these mission trips on a long
weekend in the spring and fall and bring together people from all walks of life
to help the poorest of the poor in Rocky Point.
While workers are always needed to help build a house for an impoverished
Mexican family, there are several other ways you can participate in the Rocky
Point Mission. Did you know that the materials to build a house cost nearly
$4,000? You can contribute tax deductible donations for building materials,
tools or to help defray workers’ fees; provide food to keep the workers fed; or
participate as a prayer partner, the foundation for effective mission work.
Our next trip will be November 10-13,
2011.
honduras mission work trips
Since 2008, Orangewood has sent workgroups to Western Honduras.
These groups have included members of the congregation, members of the
community, and volunteers from Washington, California, Colorado and North
Carolina. Under the care of The
Presbyterian Church/USA and Heifer Project International, the 2-week
trips have included building block
houses, providing medical clinics and nutrition education, constructing
furniture, and teaching craft projects.
The underlying mission of the trips is to accompany people in the process
of self-development. This is a
transformational experience for the volunteers as well!
alternative gifts
Late fall brings opportunities to purchase alternative gifts that support the
self-development of people. We
currently support the following during our annual alternative gift season:
|
Heifer Project International
www.heifer.org |
Heifer Project was founded on the simple idea of giving families a source of
food rather than short-term relief. This idea has been in practice for over 65
years. Today, millions of families in 128 countries have been given the gifts of
self-reliance and hope.
Emphasizing community involvement distinguishes Heifer’s work from that of
global relief organizations. When Heifer steps in, communities are provided with
a values-based planning and management model to guide their development
projects.
This model has its foundation in Heifer’s 12 Cornerstones for Just and
Sustainable Development. The Cornerstones stimulate group wisdom and personal
insights, and they keep the group’s actions balanced, focused and productive.
The model is highly participatory and emphasizes:
·
Local ownership of the decision making process
·
Commitment of local resources
·
Participation of all people regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion
·
Inclusion of traditional, indigenous knowledge
·
Understanding that community development is a process
·
Outsiders as facilitators of change
|
Medical Benevolence Foundation
www.mbfoundation.org/ |
Since 1963,
The Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF) has worked to provide hope and healing
to those most in need. Working with our international church partners, MBF
supports healing ministries in more than 100 hospitals and clinics throughout
the world. The work of MBF includes:
funding to give medical care to the needy, fund medical mission works and
build, maintain and operate hospitals; provide medical supplies; staff the
mission service program with healthcare professionals and others; community
development, including training and education; awareness and education of
donors.
|
Bead For Life
www.beadforlife.org |
Bead for Life eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding
between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens.
Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into
beautiful beads. Women in Northern Uganda gather shea nuts and press them
into shea butter for cosmetics and soaps.
trans world radio
www.twr.org
TWR broadcasts the Good News in countries around the world. Orangewood supports
the Paul Cox family who are missionaries with TWR in Benin, Africa.
You can also support Project Hannah, a
radio ministry geared toward women in oppression, with prayers for women around
the world. You can sign up to
receive the monthly prayer list at
www.projecthannah.org/prayer/team.html
orangewood friendship garden
The Orangewood Friendship Garden was founded in an unused corner of the church
parking lot in 2009. Participation is
open to all in the community, with a small fee to rent a garden plot.
pRAYER sHAWL mINISTRY
www.shawlministry.com
A dedicated group of people at Orangewood participate in the ministry originated
in 1998 by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's
Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut.
Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting were combined into a prayerful
ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort
and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Whether
they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc.,
the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The
intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion,
a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Some recipients
have continued the kindness by making a shawl and passing it onto someone in
need.
duet
Volunteers from area congregations provide support services at no cost to
homebound and/or disabled individuals in the community. These volunteer
services can include: friendly visiting, phoning, shopping, business help,
transportation within 10-12 miles of your home, in-home respite care or handy
person for minor home repairs. Orangewood is always in need of individuals
willing to become a DUET volunteer. A trained volunteer can be assigned to
people in need in our congregation.
sky harbor Interfaith CHaplaincy, Inc. www.skyharbor.com/community/interfaithchaplaincy.html
Orangewood supports the work of the Sky Harbor Interfaith Chaplaincy to provide
a place of comfort and aid to travelers at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
·
All-Faiths chapel on level 3 in Terminal 4
·
Emergency assistance through Travelers Aid
·
Hosting of A.A. meetings every Friday in the chapel conference room
·
Interfaith Chaplaincy (602) 244-1346
phoenix interfaith counseling
www.phx-interfaith.org
Orangewood supports the work of the Phoenix Interfaith Counseling organization
that provides:
·
Mental Health Services that Empower and Strengthen Individuals and Families
·
Professional Training
·
Public Outreach and Education
2011 Orangewood Mission Calendar
|
Day |
Project/Activity |
|
|
1/13-1/24 |
Honduras Trip |
|
|
1/8/2011 |
Saturday |
Habitat for Humanity Build Day |
|
1/15/2011 |
Saturday |
Desert Mission Work Day |
|
1/29/2011 |
Saturday |
Habitat for Humanity Build Day |
|
2/6/2011 |
Sunday |
Souper Sunday |
|
2/18-2/21 |
Rocky Point Trip |
|
|
2/21/2011 |
Monday |
Desert Mission Work Night |
|
2/27/2011 |
Sunday |
Blanket Sunday |
|
3/8/2011 |
Tuesday |
Mardi Gras Pancake Supper |
|
3/12/2011 |
Saturday |
Habitat for Humanity Build Day |
|
3/13/2010 |
Sunday |
Mission Lunch |
|
4/3-4/10 |
Family Promise |
|
|
4/2/2011 |
Saturday |
Habitat for Humanity Build Day |
|
4/16/2011 |
Saturday |
Habitat for Humanity Build Day |
|
4/17/2011 |
Sunday |
Grocery Bag Handout for ICM |
|
4/18/2011 |
Monday |
Desert Mission Work Night |
|
4/24/2011 |
Sunday |
Grocery Bag Collection for ICM |
|
4/24/2011 |
Sunday |
One Great Hour of Sharing |
|
4/29-4/30 |
Fri-Sat |
30-Hour Famine |
|
5/14/2011 |
Saturday |
Desert Mission/Post Office Drive |
|
5/15/2010 |
Sunday |
Agua Fria School Uniform Drive |
|
5/21/2011 |
Saturday |
Talent Show |
|
6/13-6/19 |
Youth Conference |
|
|
6/12/2011 |
Sunday |
Pentecost Offering |
|
6/20/2011 |
Monday |
Desert Mission Work Night |
|
7/9/2011 |
Saturday |
Desert Mission Work Day |
|
July ?? |
San Francisco Urban Ministry |
|
|
8/15/2011 |
Monday |
Desert Mission Work Night |
|
8/28-9/4 |
Family Promise Host Week |
|
|
9/11/2011 |
Sunday |
Undie Sunday and Cleanup Sunday |
|
10/2/2011 |
Sunday |
Peacemaking Offering |
|
10/16/2010 |
Sunday |
Mission Lunch |
|
10/17/2011 |
Monday |
Desert Mission Work Night |
|
10/23/2011 |
Sunday |
Crop Walk |
|
To Be Announced |
Fall Festival |
|
|
11/6/2011 |
Sunday |
Bead for Life |
|
11/13/2011 |
Sunday |
Bead for Life |
|
11/20/2011 |
Sunday |
Bead for Life |
|
11/27/2011 |
Sunday |
Bead for Life |
|
Nov 10-13 |
Rocky Point Trip |
|
|
11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/4 |
Sunday |
Angel Tree Prison Ministries |
|
11/27-12/4 |
Family Promise Host Week |
|
|
12/6/2011 |
Tuesday |
Angel Tree Wrapping |
|
12/11, 12/18 |
Sunday |
Alternate Giving Bazaar (Heifer) |
|
12/18/2011 |
Sunday |
Christmas Joy Offering |
|
12/19/2011 |
Monday |
Desert Mission Work Night |
|
Ongoing |
Water Mission |