Past Church News ...
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I know that you care about the tragedy that has taken place in Haiti. And I am sure that you want to do something if you are able. I would like to give you some advice and direction.
There are two websites that you can go to and get evaluations of charities. Not all charities are using donations in a trustworthy manner. Check charities out before you donate. Go to www.ministrywatch.comor www.charitynavigator.org to get some information about how the charity that you are looking at operates.
Some Christian ministries are particularly ready to function quickly. They are already in the region and specialize in needed functions. Mercy Ships and Medical Teams International are two ministries listed by Ministry Watch. They are there NOW. Samaritan's Purse specializes in emergency relief. Compassion International has been in Haiti and is making special efforts there now.
The American Red Cross gets a good rating (though not their top rating) from Charity Navigator. You can expect 90% of your donation to get to the need. That is very good for large charities.
Congress recently passed a bill that allows your donations to Haiti relief to be deducted on your 2009 tax return if you choose. Of course there are details and limits so check it out.
I hope this helps. Be generous, be wise and be prayerful.
Pastor Rob
"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas."
Boy what a snow storm!!
Many of you are wondering, "Are we going to have our very special Children's Christmas Program this week-end?"
The answer is "Yes!"
Everything is back on schedule. Rehearsals, cast party and the play itself - all on schedule, just like we planned it. (Except for a little slush in the parking lot.)
Where: Pioneer School
When: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
As you know Pastor Jim and I went to Africa with Compassion International last summer. Compassion is a ministry that works with poor child throughout the world. We would like to have a Compassion Sunday at Pioneer Bible Church and encourage our families to sponsor needy children. But first, we would like to know if you are currently sponsoring children with Compassion International and in what countries those children live. Would you please email a reply at pastorrob@directcon.net and let me know?
Thank you!"
On October 25 we are going to have a seminar at church to educate people about wills, trusts and probate. Alpha Omega Family Services will present the seminar. The lunch and seminar will begin right after church at or about 12:30 p.m. If you would like to know more about this company you can check them out on the web at www.alphaomegafamily.com . Feel free to invite your friends and neighbors to come, everyone needs this information.
It is Firewood Season! We will be cutting, splitting and delivering firewood on Saturday morning, October 3. Please set that morning aside - there will be plenty of work. Thank you.
Thanksgiving Baskets
November 23 1:00 p.m.
Every year we (the church, the Lions Club and generous individuals) give away all food baskets with all the fixin's for a Thanksgiving dinner to anyone who needs it. Last year we gave dinner baskets to 114 families in our community. We expect that the need/demand will be even greater this year.
Maybe you are in a position to help, you can do so by donating the following items: small boxes of jello, cranberry sauce, evaporated milk, canned pumpkin, chicken broth, turkey gravy mix, bags of sugar (5#), margarine, eggs, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, candied yams, heads of celery, onions, potatoes, bags of flour (5#), turkeys (10-15#), stuffing mix. Just bring your items to the church by November 15. Thank you for your generosity.
It may be that your family could use one of these Thanksgiving baskets. Please just reply to me with your name, phone number, the size of your household and your preference for ham or turkey. We make up these dinner baskets individually according to the size of each family and their preference for ham or turkey. Don't hesitate to let us know your need, we want to help in this small way, please let us. God is good.