Gates Presbyterian Church

Mission


	Mission News Summer Mission Collections *“SWEM”ING all Summer* The mission committee invites you to fill the swimming pool in the hall by room 2 with canned goods for the Southwest Ecumenical Ministries. This ministry supplies emergency food to people in the southwest quadrant of Rochester. Collection from 4th of July until Labor Day. *Undie Sundays* Donations of new children’s underwear and socks for children at Cameron Community Ministries are being collected on August 8th and 15th. Please look for the clothesline in the narthex where your gift can be placed. 2010 WHEEL-A-THON Sunday October 3rd 12:45PM - 7:00PM Fun and fundraiser to support youth mission projects. Start at Henpeck Park (Ridgeway and Elmgrove) and ride along the Erie Canal path for 20 miles to Perinton Park. Snack stops in route and supper and play at Perinton Park. Bring pledge envelope, bike, helmut, water and permission slip. Presbyterian Peacemaking Offering On World Communion Sunday October 3rd An opportunity to support peacemaking ministries at GPC and at Prebytery, Synod and General Assembly levels. Teddy Bear Project Dates GPC will again be collaborating with St. John’s Meadows to dress and distribute teddy bears to Rochester City School District kindergartners. A book and hand knit winter hat are also packaged with the bear. The bears to be dressed will be available for pick up in September or early October. Bottle and Can Drive Support Jamaica Mission Team with the continuing contribution of bottles and cans More News

Mission at GPC

Jamaica Ministries

Since 2001, the congregation has been in partnership with the Negril Charge of the United Church of Jamaica which is composed of Green Island, Negril and Santoy United Churches. GPC has provided financial help to address the needs of these communities. The Negril charge has hosted annual work teams of GPC High School seniors since 2001 and one Young Adult team to do construction and maintenance tasks. In 2007, the congregation committed to a significant contribution of funds and people power to build a new basic school in Green Island. The High School Seniors work teams will work on this project, as well as adult teams starting in 2010.

Guatemala Ministries

The Guatemalan Partners Group discusses issues surrounding Central America, supports an ongoing relationship with the village of Panacal, Guatemala, and plans trips to Guatemala. The congregation has funded a Cow Project in the village. Cows were purchased so that the villagers had a milk source. In subsequent years, the cows have multiplied giving the village both milk and meat options.

The congregation also supports the Randall Shea Ministry, which develops educational opportunities in Guatemala, through monetary donations and administrative services. Randall is a native of Greece, NY.

St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality

Volunteers prepare and serve lunch four times a year to the homeless. Meals are cooked at GPC on the Friday evening prior to the Saturday on which they are served.

Southwest Ecumenical Ministries (SWEM)

A Lenten Wall of Food (Canned and boxed foods) is collected in the Narthex and donated to SWEM.

Christmas Dinners are packaged and donated by members of the congregation to SWEM in December.

Youth Summer Work Projects

During a week in late July or early August, Junior High Youth (entering 7th and 8th grade) provide assistance during datetime activities at Rochester area organizations that help people in need.

During a week in August, Senior High Youth (entering 9th thru 12th grade) are involved in construction, rehab, and service projects away from home in the Northeast United States. Experiences alternate between urban and rural environments.

Cameron Street Ministries

The Congregation provides Christmas gifts to the children in the Cameron Street Ministries programs.

Teddy Bear Project

A winter project in collaboration with St. John’s Meadows –
Teddy Bears are dressed and given to kindergarten children in two Rochester City Schools along with a book and a knit winter hat. Over 120 teddy bears have been given each year.