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| Ministries :: Mission :: Local Mission |
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| The Mission Team has prayerfully discerned that God is calling us to have a greater impact by concentrating in several key areas. We believe God is calling us to significant local ministry with four partners in South Norwalk, our “Norwalk Neighbors.” Those ministries are the Carver Center, Pivot Ministries, the Norwalk Emergency Shelter, and Macedonia Church.We have also developed relationships with other local and national ministries that love and serve our Lord. Serving locally gives us the opportunity to understand the pressing needs right in our backyard, develop long-term relationships, and meet practical needs on a continuing basis.It is our deepest privilege to be used by God as we seek to live out our purpose. |
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FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN
Noroton Presbyterian Church will once again partner with the other churches of Darien to host the 4th annual Darien FMSC MobilePack™ Event at Middlesex Middle School on October 20 & 21. The event is being co-hosted by the Darien churches and co-sponsored by the Council of Darien School Parents. Each year, it is estimated that 18,000 children die of starvation, worldwide. The goal for this year’s event is to pack 240,000 lifesaving meals over the weekend. The fundraising goal for this year’s event is $52,800.
For more information on how to make donations or volunteer for the Darien FMSC MobilePack™ Event, contact Stella Clarke(stellaclarke@msn.com). Donations can be made by cash or check (to “Feed My Starving Children,” please include reference # 1210-88 on the memo line). Donations can be sent to: Darien FMSC MobilePack™ Event, Noroton Presbyterian Church c/o Sallie Schmidt, 2011 Post Road Darien, CT 06820. Online donations can be made by visiting www.fmsc.org. Be sure to click on “donate to a specific MobilePack Event” and include the reference #1210-588 for the Darien event. . Donations are tax deductible.
FMSC is a Minnesota-based, Christian non-profit organization with 501(c) 3 status. The organization distributes meals to people in life-threatening situations around the world. The meals are scientifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of starving children. In 2010, FMSC enabled 560,000 volunteers across the United States to pack 126 million meals for children around the world. Visit the FMSC website:www.FMSC.org for more information.
“Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.” Proverbs 22:9
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THE OPEN DOOR SHELTER http://www.opendoorshelter.org/
The Open Door Shelter provides an open door for safe, sanitary shelter 365 days a year. In addition the Shelter operates Manna House which serves more than 14,000 meals per month. The Shelter also distributes quality pre-owned clothing and offers interim and permanent housing. Through its counseling services, the Shelter provides a path into a new productive life.
Service Opportunities
- NPC serves at the Manna House Soup Kitchen on the 1st Saturday of the month, as well as two additional Saturdays, five Sundays, and two Thursdays throughout the year. The only qualifications are an open heart and a desire to serve others. We make a tremendous difference in people’s lives as we open our hearts and begin to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission.
- Opportunities for Children and adults include clothing drives, food drives, making decorative pillows, and making holiday baskets. There is also a periodic sandwich-making opportunity. These are wonderful, safe ways that our children can share Christ’s love.
- The NES Annual Dinner and Silent Auction and Make a Difference Day. The older youth are often involved in these events as well.
NES is located at 4 Merritt Street in Norwalk:
Google Maps: 4 Merritt Street, Norwalk, CT
Take a look at this Word file for detailed instructions for serving at the Manna House soup kitchen:
Serving Instructions
Contact: Chuck Richardson at 655-2286 or chukr@optonline.net. To serve at Manna House, contact Shepard Halsh(scheduling coordinator) at skcakes@mac.com |
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THE GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER CENTER
http://www.carvercenterct.org/
The Carver Center in Norwalk serves at-risk children and their families. Its mission is to build lifetime achievers. The Carver Center provides after-school educational, social, and recreational programs to motivate and support youths in grades K-12. The focus is on academic achievement, a key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Last year, 100% of Carver’s graduates attended college. Check out their website at www.carvercenterct.org.
Service Opportunities
- Program Volunteers work directly with Carver youth on a one-time or ongoing basis. Help with academics, reading, computers, college applications, sports and games, crafts and celebrations.
- Career Fair Volunteers answer questions about their careers and/or help organize the event for Middle and High School students. (January)
- Speakers discuss topics with students such as careers, financial education, and preparation for college. (Friday afternoons)
- Mother and Others Volunteers help organize and/or serve dinner to celebrate Carver families. (May)
- In addition to working with the children, NPC members can serve in areas such as grant-writing, administrative support, shopping for snacks, and helping assemble Carver mailings.
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PIVOT HOUSE
http://www.pivotministries.org/
Pivot Ministries is a Christ-centered, Bible-based, residential ministry for men. Its mission is to treat drug and alcohol addiction as a spiritual problem and return men to their family whole. Pivot welcomes men from every background. The program offers a structured, supportive environment where the men learn acceptance, discipline, and love through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Service Opportunities
- Participate in a Small Group that meets at Pivot House in Norwalk most Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Contact: David Norman at 203-834-0066 or drnorm@us.ibm.com |
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MACEDONIA CHURCH http://www.macedonia-church.com/
Macedonia Church in Norwalk is a multiracial Pentecostal congregation serving South Norwalk for over 20 years. This community of faith boldly serves those that too often are lost and forgotten. The church ministers to prisoners, troubled youths, men and women struggling with addiction, those living with HIV/AIDS, and many others. In 2004, the Cornerstone Corporation was founded and has launched the Youth Leadership Advocacy and Life Skills Development Center to assist court-involved youth and prisoners preparing to reenter their community. Join this vibrant ministry which seeks to promote unity in the body of Christ by building bridges between our communities.
Contact: Chuck Richardson at chukr@optonline.net or David Norman at dnorm@us.ibm.com |
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INSPIRICA (Formerly known as ST. LUKE'S LIFEWORKS)
Inspirica mission is to break the cycle of homelessness by helping people achieve and maintain permanent housing and stability in their lives. To this end the participants must obtain and maintain employment. We need volunteers to help in this process.
- Tutoring in the Computer Lab - our volunteers help participants refine resumes and cover letters. Also they assist with setting up e-mail accounts and searching for job. In addition, they teach general basic Word skills.
- Job Developer - our volunteers will assist the assigned participant in locating potential jobs through Internet searches, newspapers, etc. The work will be done on a one-on-one basis with the volunteer and the participant. The volunteer can do much of the work for the participant from their home computers and contacting the participant via phone. The volunteer will also keep a log of actions and report progress to the Inspirica's staff. If an interview is obtained, Inspirica and/or the volunteer will help the participant prepare for the same.
Inspirica will provide the volunteer an introduction to the participant and background, written and verbal, on Inspirica resume and cover letter format; and computer job search basics. They will also provide ongoing support at the volunteer's request. If you are interested in becoming involved with the Inspirica, please contact Jerre Skeats, jskeats@optonline.net, or 203-216-5236. |
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YOUNG LIFE OF DARIEN AND ROWAYTON
 Young Life provides opportunities for high school and middle school students to experience incredible fun, unforgettable adventures and dynamic friendship with friends and leaders. Along the way, teens hear information about God in a comfortable and respectful way. Regardless of their beliefs, all are invited to enjoy Young Life. If you have a heart for reaching out to teenagers in this community please contact Brandon Neike ( Brandon@darienyounglife.org). For more information about Young Life go to http://www.darienyounglife.org/ |
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ANGEL TREE
Angel Tree is “a ministry that reaches out to the children of inmates and their families with the love of Christ.” Each Christmas season, church members purchase gifts and deliver them to the children of incarcerated men and women in their parent’s name. Through this ministry, children feel their parent’s love, as well at their Father in Heaven’s abounding love for them. Deliverers are given the opportunity to minister to the children by sharing the Gospel message about Christ’s love.
Service Opportunities
- Purchase a Gift in a parent’s name for a child. Names and gift requests are available during the Christmas season.
- Deliver a Gift and share the love of Christ with a child
Contact: Lori Nelson at lori.nelson@norotonchurch.org |
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