Because we are blessed with so much, when Christmas comes around, we encounter a huge challenge selecting gifts for family and friends. Finding the perfect gift for someone who has many wonderful possessions is a difficult task! With this in mind, in 2001 the newly formed Mission Committee at St. Mark created “Christmas Alternatives.”
While we are not able to have information displays in the narthex this year, you will find a “shopping list” for Christmas Alternatives along with a brief summary of supported mission partners in the newsletter. NEW this year is a drive through donation drop-off of your shopping list and checks. This will be held in the St. Mark parking lot on Sunday, December 13th from 1-3PM. Of course, you are welcome to drop your completed shopping list and check (Christmas Alternatives in the memo line) in the Mission Committee mail slot in the church office or via mail.
Here is some information on two of our missions supported by your generous Christmas Alternatives donations.
Marion Medical Mission 1412 Shawnee Drive, Marion, IL 62959 Kimberly Richey, Director of Development (Clarice Hutchens and Chris Polak, St. Mark Liaisons) mmmwater.org • Since 1990, MMM has helped over 38,000 villages in rural Africa gain a sustainable source of safe drinking water. Each well costs $450 and supports 125 people, reducing disease, increasing productivity, and allowing children to attend school. MMM is a PCUSA mission partner and the beneficiary of the annual St. Mark Lent Water Challenge.
Medical Benevolence Foundation 9555 W. Sam Houston Pkwy South, Suite 170, Houston, TX 77099 PCUSA Mission Coordinates Relationship with MBF (Chris Polak, St. Mark Liaison) www.MBFoundation.org • Medical Benevolence Foundation has supported healing ministries and programs in over 100 hospitals and clinics throughout the world since 1964. Funds continue to be needed to support medical ministries in developing countries. MBF works in partnership with PCUSA, congregations, and mission networks.
With gratitude for your generosity,
St. Mark Mission Committee
Chris Polak and Joyce Blackwell, Co-Chairs
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