Greetings!
This Sunday morning, we gather in all of the gifts from the tags on the Advent Angel Tree for the children that Episcopal Community Services serves throughout the Philadelphia region. Please have your gifts back to the Angel Tree by 12:30 PM. I am grateful, and in awe, that our parish took on more than 100 gifts for needy families.
The Advent and Christmas season is a time many make extra gifts to good charities, often as a gift for a person who already has everything. While there are many excellent charities to support, here are some that I am giving to for gifts this year. I know that each is effective, with reasonable fund-raising and administrative expenses.
Nets for Life has proven its effectiveness in getting anti-malarial mosquito nets distributed through rural Africa. Stopping malaria at the source remains a critical part of the strategy to fight endemic poverty. Christ Church parishioners William White and Benjamin Rush knew that mosquito nets were key to Philadelphia's health during the yellow fever epidemics of the 1790's, and they are still a fast and cheap way to make a difference. Their website here.
Philabundance: Hunger is epidemic in our region, and food insecurity a reality for way too many. Philabundance not only delivers food to those in need, but helps teach about nutrition and managing family budgets to get good food on few resources. Their website is here.
The perfect gift for me, or anyone concerned about the AIDS pandemic? A donation to the Global Interfaith AIDS Alliance (GAIA) which works exclusively in the small African nation of Malawi to prevent the transmission of AIDS from one generation to another by training local nurse practitioners to be health educators and administers of critical anti-viral medications. Run by a friend and former colleague of mine, the Rev. William Rankin, this small organization's effectiveness has been recognized by the Gates Foundation and USAID. Their website here.
Of course, it goes without saying that Christ Church is always on the "nice list." A $10 Christmas Memorial Flower Donation decorates the church for Christmas, and a $100 Christmas Memorial Music Donation fills the church with glorious music on Christmas Eve. Send in a check, or give online here. Be in touch with Cecilia Wagner with questions about Christmas Memorials.
See you Sunday morning, and for the beautiful, transcendent Lessons and Carols service at 5 PM.
Timothy Safford
P.S. Have you completed your 2011 pledge to the operating budget? You may do so here.
