Introduction
At Black Mountain United Church of Christ, our commitment to mission outreach plays a vital role in our church community. We believe in serving those in need, both near and far, as an expression of our faith and love for humanity. Through various initiatives and partnerships, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of others. In this monthly update, we highlight some of the recent activities and ongoing projects that demonstrate our dedication to mission work.
Ties for Mexico: Supporting Asylum Seekers
We would like to express our gratitude to Holly Herman from the East Valley Network for her enlightening presentation on the Centro de Esperanza in Sonoyta, MX, where they serve asylum seekers. We recently presented Holly with approximately 60 blankets and a child's bicycle, which will be put to good use at the refugee center. Our next "Ties for Mexico" blanket gathering will take place on May 17 at 10am in Johnson Hall. Supplies will be provided, so mark your calendars and join us in making a difference.
Expanding Partnerships: Union Congregational UCC Church
During Tina Bechtal's summer absence, the Outreach Ministry of her home church in Green Bay, WI, Union Congregational UCC Church, has graciously agreed to join forces with BMUCC's "Ties for Mexico" project. We are excited about this collaboration and look forward to strengthening our impact through this partnership. Together, we can achieve even greater things.
$500 Water Challenge: Quenching the Thirst of Others
Water is a fundamental necessity of life, and unfortunately, many individuals in our community do not have consistent access to clean water. To address this pressing need, we have launched the $500 Water Challenge. Every dollar we raise will be matched by AFN (Arizona Faith Network), enabling us to purchase and distribute water to cooling stations throughout the valley. Just $500 can provide an entire palate of 78 cases of water, with 48 bottles in each case. You can make a difference by placing your monetary donations in the green watering can in the church atrium. If writing or mailing a check, make it payable to BMUCC, with "water" written on the memo line. Thank you for your generosity!
Ongoing Donations: UMOM, JUSTA, and Foothills Food Bank
Our commitment to ongoing support extends to organizations such as UMOM, JUSTA Center, and Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center. We continue to collect donations for these worthy causes in the bins located in the church lobby or via mail. Your contributions have made a significant impact, and we thank you for your continued generosity.
JUSTA Center: Meeting Urgent Needs
The JUSTA Center is in immediate need of men's and women's underwear of all sizes, long sleeve white t-shirts, and socks. Please ensure that all items are new, as this will greatly benefit the individuals seeking assistance. Your donations will provide them with essential clothing items and help restore their dignity.
Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center: May Wish List
As part of our commitment to alleviating hunger, we encourage you to contribute to the Foothill Food Bank & Resource Center's May Wish List.
Non-perishable food donations especially appreciated are:
- low sodium chili/soup
- mac n cheese
- canned fruit
- peanut butter
- jelly/jam
- canned pasta
- condiments
- tuna
- juices
- toothpaste
- toothbrushes
- tampons
Together, we can ensure that those facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals and essential resources.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the past month's mission activities, we are filled with gratitude for the compassion and generosity displayed by our church community. By engaging in mission outreach,