The e-pistle
Official electronic newsletter of Associated Churches March 19, 2013 |
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Size 4
A Baby's Closet is in serious need of size 4 diapers. You may drop off your donations at our office during the week. If you need someone to pick up your order, please call our office at 260-422-3528.
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Military Salutes Ministry with Award
Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County was recognized as the Indiana National Guard Families and Service Members Community Organization of the Year. Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, along with Lt. Col. Jeff Hackett, Battalion Commander of 1-293rd, presented the award to Rev. Roger Reece, Executive Pastor of Associated Churches on Saturday, March 9, 2013 in Indianapolis.
 Locally, a large deployment is getting ready to head to Africa for approximately a year. This ministry will be working hard with its partners to support those whose loved ones are away. To donate to this program, click here.>>
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Good Friday Service
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Women at the Cross
Friday, March 29, Noon
Mt. Ararat Baptist Church
2111 Edsall Ave.
All are welcome to join in this community service as we remember Christ crucified for our sake. For more information regarding participants, click here.>>
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 Associated Churches Annual Celebration
Thursday, April 18
5:30 PM - 6:45 PM
Please RSVP by April 12.
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Richard Cummins
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A Holy Land Report
From: Richard Cummins,
Board Member of Associated Churches
It has been an amazing opportunity and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to walk in the places where my beloved savior Jesus walked. I am at the close of a ten day trip with Curtis Smith of Indiana's News Center and my friends at HearCare Audiology. We have seen many of the treasured sites that mark the origins of our faith. My favorites included a night time boat ride on The Galilee, reading the Sermon on the Mount at Mount of the Beatitudes and meeting with the Living Stones, Christians living in Palestine and Israel.
This has been part a pilgrimage and a mission trip, and I can think of no better way to witness the marvel of the Holy Land than to serve others. I have truly been blessed by being here as we approach the season of the death and resurrection of our Lord.
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Note: For some reason a large number of outgoing emails were blocked last week by computer programs. As a result we'd like to run this article one more time.
Why are the food pantries struggling?
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Warehouse shelves are mostly bare as food gets distributed before being stored.
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It's a question we're hearing more often. People are wondering what impact their food drives and dollar donations are making. Some have heard how pantries don't have as much to give, and they're wondering why. To give you an idea, here's some numbers we can share:
- 8,544 lbs. of food delivered to pantries first week of November 2012
- 4,647 lbs. of food delivered to pantries first week of March 2013
- 5,087 lbs. of food donated to warehouse since January 1, 2013
- Spend an average of $8,000-$12,000 per month on perishable items (cheese, eggs, butter, etc.)
- 9% increase from 2011 to 2012 in number of families being served in our Neighborhood Food Network
- 20% decrease in food drive donations in Fall 2012
Chris Alvarez, our warehouse manager, summarizes the situation well when he says, "The food trickles in and pours out."  We really appreciate the donations, but due to the numbers, the food just isn't stretching as far as it did. We continue to be the best stewards we can with all that God gifts to us. Please know that whether you are a donor or a volunteer, your effort in helping the hungry of Allen County through the Neighborhood Food Network is GREATLY appreciated!
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| Concert Presented by Bill Ballenger |
 Love Is All You Got Tour Wednesday, March 20
7 p.m., Doors open at 6 p.m.
Life Bridge Church, 12719 Corbin Rd.
FREE! Tickets required.
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|  3 Heal the Land Services
Saturday, March 23
Beginning at 12:15 p.m.
If you cannot attend in person, please lift up our community in prayer. |
| Please know that we give permission for all the material contained in this email to be reprinted in church newsletters.
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| Thanks to our Care Level Sponsors: | |
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