Christian Action Ministry Continues our Mission of Service
Our world has changed so much since we were last able to worship together. The coronavirus has hit us in ways we couldn’t imagine. Many people are hurting whether it be through health issues, unemployment, or loss of friends or loved ones. Harbor Interfaith Services (HIS) and Family Promise have continued to be a lifeline to many vulnerable people living in the South Bay.Demand for services is greater than ever. However, fundraising and volunteer activity have decreased as fallout from the pandemic. Your generosity through the Easter Offering allowed us to donate $5000 to each of these essential organizations.
The Children’s Center at Harbor Interfaith provides crucial childcare services to families.
Harbor Interfaith clients rely on the organization to provide essential services that include food, shelter, hygiene items and clothing.Their programs are intended to go beyond the immediate needs and empower the homeless and working poor to become more self-reliant. Funds from the Christian Action Ministry budget, as well as those received from the Easter offering, were given to assist the HIS Children’s Center. It has remained open and active during the pandemic to provide care and education for ages 6 weeks through 17 years.Our additional funds are helping the Center extend its services to school age youth, assisting them with remote learning.
Children will be continuing remote schooling at the Family Promise offices through the Fall.
The Neighborhood Church has also invested in the mission of Family Promise of the South Bay.Our support allows families to exit the cycle of poverty and work towards financial independence. We are helping to positively impact the lives of children and families in our community. The Easter offering funds donated will be put towards assisting struggling families in transition and Christian Action budget funds will contribute to the hiring of an additional case manager for Family Promise. We have also continued to serve as a support congregation, with volunteers providing grocery store gift cards and donations that have allowed families staying at Family Promise’s main office at First Christian Church in Torrance to purchase groceries and cook meals.
Pilgrim Pines Camp and Conference Center, a ministry of the UCC, has been greatly impacted by COVID 19. This summer camp was not able to provide its typical outdoor camping program. Funds were donated from Christian Action to help Pilgrim Pines maintain facilities in the absence of onsite participants.
Many thanks to all of you for making a difference in the lives of so many.
Mary Ann Friedrich
Chair, Christian Action Ministry