On Sunday, October 30, we announced a new mission outreach approach called "Compassion 365", where the church will be organizing small missions opportunities on a monthly basis. Small Groups, as well as individuals, are invited to jump in on these opportunities, by completing a Connection Card, letting us know of your interest in a particular project. We will largely be focusing on our missions partners: Imani Christian Adademy, Urban Impact, and Pine Valley Bible Camp; however we'll partner with other organizations in order to be the hands and feet of Jesus each month to our community.
This will not replace Compassion Day, but will be an extension of it, providing opportunities to serve year round, not just one day a year. We will begin by offering two opportunities per month and add more as demand dictates.
Projects for May 2012:
Compassion 365 is a way for you to plug in to different organizations in the Pittsburgh area that are committed to Kingdom building. Check out this worthy opportunity to help!
World Vision receives donated items from large companies and then repacks them to go to countries in need overseas. Their packing center in Sewickley could use a few more volunteers (11+ years old) on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. If you are able to help pack boxes on any Wednesday in May, please contact Laura Kennedy at World Vision at 412-259-6026.
Projeccts for June 2012:
We have several wonderful opportunities this month to give our Mission Partners a hand with their summer programing. Nearly all of them are family-friendly (ages 5+) and a great way to serve others together. Please consider weaving one of these into your summer and show your kids the joy of serving!
Urban Impact Foundation (Northside ministry for inner-city youth) has several opportunities to help with their Soccer Banquet (June 2), Football Camp featuring Steelers players (June 5), and providing meals for groups from 15 to 120 people throughout the summer for their performing arts program and small groups. The main number at UI is 412-321-3811. You can also visit our website to find out the details on all these opportunities.
Pine Valley Bible Camp (Ellwood City, about 1/2 hr. from NCC) is also a ministry primarily for inner-city youth. They would love for you to come to the camp and help serve dinner or a snack any Monday, Wednesday or Thursday throughout the summer. Grab a few friends or neighbors to help you (they recommend 6-10 helpers, ages 8+). You are invited to bring your suit and swim in their pool afterwards! You are also invited to stay for their chapel time. This is a great way to see the camp in action. Call Amy the camp office 724-752-1661 to sign up for a date.
Pine Valley also needs help daily in their camp store. Kids as young as 10 can be a big help here! Who doesn't love to give out candy and see the bright smiles of the campers? A volunteer named Emily is handling the store this summer and can be reached at 412-944-8139 for details.