Kitchen Team for January 14: Lolla Ballard, Tom Best, Rose Trimble, Sheila Wilson

Theme:  Welcome Back!

Many thanks to the members of our congregation who gave gifts to others throughout the world through the Tree of Hope project. There were 35 gifts given that have been hung on the tree, some from individuals and some from groups. Some gave gifts because they are farmers and understand the importance of farm tools and the value of crops. Others chose gifts to honor the special interests of a loved one studying a foreign language or a child who loves animals:

1   Young Adult Volunteer Spanish Lesson to help alleviate the challenges that come with communication barriers when serving in Spanish-speaking countries

6   Bags of Seeds filled with rice, corn, millet, or sorghum to give communities sustenance and hope

10  Families of Chickens for eggs and more chickens to provide a continuous source of  food and nourishment

6   Sets of Farming Tools to make it possible to grow and harvest a fruitful crop

1   Bag of 225 tilapia fingerlings to start a fish farm

1   bag of Moringa tree seeds (5.5 lb) with enough seeds to start a small nursery

2  shares of a Community Water Well to provide clean water for drinking, bathing, washing, and irrigation to an entire community, giving them a reliable and convenient source of water

7  School Kits - for children who have had their lives disrupted by war or natural disaster to enhance their sense of stability and to keep up with their education

1 Community Garden - For many urban areas, healthy and affordable produce is hard to find.  Educating individuals on cultivating their own neighborhood gardens can provide balanced nutrition, income, meaningful employment, and a sense of community. 

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It's easy to see that Faith United Presbyterian Church cares about and been making a real impact on the world community outside its doors. 

                                                              --  Vision Statement of Faith United Presbyterian Church, 2013                                                                             

1. Examine and explore the significance of their personal faith to their call to ministry. 
2. Examine the core beliefs of the PCUSA through the confessions of the church.
3. Look at each part of the Book of Order and how each applies to their work, and spend some time learning just how amendments and overtures, creeds and confessions become part of the Constitution.
4. In addition, attendees will tiptoe through the minefield of decision-making and the various ways decisions can be made
5. Give special attention to addressing controversial issues and conflicts when they arise within the life of the congregation.
6. Time will be given to help both ruling elders and deacons understand the ministry and role deacons play in the life of the church as well as consider the breadth of the deacons' ministry
7. Ruling elders will be introduced to the many facets of their office as they seek to lead their congregations and shape their ministries.