Gates Presbyterian Church

Mission


	Mission News 2nd Annual Mystery Night Guatamala Partners Presentation Sat. March 20th 6:30PM GPC Fellowship Hall Join us for a night of fellowship, laughter and mystery. Supports our mission work in Guatamala. $10 plus dessert or appetizer to share. Lenten Mission Opportunities Wall of Food - We will build a wall of food that will be donated to Southwest Ecumenical Ministries (SWEM) after Easter. Watch the wall of non-perishable food items grow during the 6 weeks of Lent (Canned soups, vegetables, fruits & mean, peanut butter, cereal, pasta) One Great Hour of Sharing - The children’s fish banks have been distributed. Children and Adult donations will be collected on Palm Sunday March 28th. This offering makes the love of Christ come alive for individuals and communities around the world that suffer the effects of disaster, conflict, or severe economic hardship. It is collected by multiple denominations. Church World Service Hygiene Kits - Tabitha Circle is coordinating the collection, sorting and delivering of Personal Hygiene Kits to be sent to earthquake victims in Haiti. There will be a collection box in the Narthex on three Sundays in March – the 7th, 14th, and 21st. Please bring one or more items in and we will assemble the kits and deliver them in April. Items needed are very specific: * One hand towel measuring approximately 16” x 28” (no fingertip or bath towels) * One washcloth * One wide-tooth comb * One nail clipper * One bar of soap (bath size in wrapper) * One toothbrush (in original packaging) * Six standard size Band-aids Also accepting cash to apply to shipping costs. Do NOT bring in toothpaste as it has expiration dates. It will be added by CWS. Young Adult Mission Trip *May 27 to June 7th 2010* The core of this trip will be in the village of Magyarzescord, Hungary where we will work with the minister of the Magyarzescord Reformed Church. In addition, we will visit Budapest, Salzburg, and Vienna. For young adults - out of High School to 30 years old. 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.