Gifts From the Heart is celebrating its 6th year here at First Presbyterian Church. Over that time, we have made a big difference in many ministries. This years select three are:
1.We are building the New Hope Volunteer Village on Old Cherry Point Rd. THOUSANDS of man hours have been logged by members of our church family, as well as others in the community, to build this village. Upon completion, the facility will house up to 66 volunteers at one time. The city and county have required enormous safeguards and regulations to be met, all of which have cost money. We are in the home stretch, but still need volunteer time, talent, and treasure to finalize preparations to house volunteer teams that come to help out after natural disasters. New Hope Volunteer Village is a collaborative mission of six area Presbyterian and Christian Churches that will provide accommodations for volunteer work teams coming to New Bern. Teams will typically stay a week in the 6800 square foot facility while they work to help families rebuild homes and lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. The Village will host up to 60 volunteers. The building is being completely renovated with showers, ADA bathrooms, sleeping space, access to a kitchen and wi-fi access. Gifts of the Heart
contributions will help the Village finish the needed work and provide operating funds for the future. You can be a part of the exciting new mission with your Gifts of the Heart.
2.Interfaith Refugee Ministry We have folks waiting in refugee camps for 10-20 years in order to come legally...and many will die in those same camps while waiting to come. Those fortunate few who gain admittance face a host of challenges once they arrive. Interfaith Refugee Ministry helps with that all important transition. Over the past year Interfaith Refugee Support has resettled 120 individuals from Burma, Afghanistan, Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, because they have funding to assist those who have been here for up to five years and in some instances beyond that, the total for the year probably approaches nearly 300 people. Funds are used to purchase new shoes, socks and underwear and other items if those other items have not been donated. So, depending on donations, they may use funds for furniture such as sofas, beds, dining tables and chairs, etc. They also purchase clothing if refugees come with none or just a little, as well as purchase work clothing such as steel toed boots. In addition, they purchase washing machines, help with rent and utilities, car repairs and school supplies. The need continues for volunteers to teach individuals or classes such as English as a Second Language, cultural orientation, civics, parenting and anything else to assist refugees to learn how to live independently in their new home.
3. Camp Albemarle is a choice this congregation has supported for many years. Did you know one of our church members attended Camp Albemarle the first year it opened in about 1954? Our pastor at the time took him there as his mom was working. His son went there also, and this summer his grandson will attend. Your gift will help to build the new Chapel at Camp Albemarle and to provide opportunities for children, families and guests of Camp Albemarle to worship and sense God's presence in this special place.
As always, ALL our past Gifts From the Heart ministries, as well as our three current ones, will be available for purchase. Children's cards remain $5 and are a wonderful gift for teachers, coaches, and family members. Adult cards are $10 and are suitable for all 'gifting' occasions.
Cards will be sold between services and after the 10:55 am service on all Sundays leading up to Christmas.
And they are always available throughout the year in the church office.
Past Year Ministries: MERCI Clinic, Backpack Blessings, RCS, Hope Clinic, Craven Literacy Council, Presbyterian Mission Agency, Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, Heifer International, First Presbyterian Preschool, Relay for Life, Heeling our World, & Coastal Women's Shelter.
1.We are building the New Hope Volunteer Village on Old Cherry Point Rd. THOUSANDS of man hours have been logged by members of our church family, as well as others in the community, to build this village. Upon completion, the facility will house up to 66 volunteers at one time. The city and county have required enormous safeguards and regulations to be met, all of which have cost money. We are in the home stretch, but still need volunteer time, talent, and treasure to finalize preparations to house volunteer teams that come to help out after natural disasters. New Hope Volunteer Village is a collaborative mission of six area Presbyterian and Christian Churches that will provide accommodations for volunteer work teams coming to New Bern. Teams will typically stay a week in the 6800 square foot facility while they work to help families rebuild homes and lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. The Village will host up to 60 volunteers. The building is being completely renovated with showers, ADA bathrooms, sleeping space, access to a kitchen and wi-fi access. Gifts of the Heart
contributions will help the Village finish the needed work and provide operating funds for the future. You can be a part of the exciting new mission with your Gifts of the Heart.
2.Interfaith Refugee Ministry We have folks waiting in refugee camps for 10-20 years in order to come legally...and many will die in those same camps while waiting to come. Those fortunate few who gain admittance face a host of challenges once they arrive. Interfaith Refugee Ministry helps with that all important transition. Over the past year Interfaith Refugee Support has resettled 120 individuals from Burma, Afghanistan, Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, because they have funding to assist those who have been here for up to five years and in some instances beyond that, the total for the year probably approaches nearly 300 people. Funds are used to purchase new shoes, socks and underwear and other items if those other items have not been donated. So, depending on donations, they may use funds for furniture such as sofas, beds, dining tables and chairs, etc. They also purchase clothing if refugees come with none or just a little, as well as purchase work clothing such as steel toed boots. In addition, they purchase washing machines, help with rent and utilities, car repairs and school supplies. The need continues for volunteers to teach individuals or classes such as English as a Second Language, cultural orientation, civics, parenting and anything else to assist refugees to learn how to live independently in their new home.
3. Camp Albemarle is a choice this congregation has supported for many years. Did you know one of our church members attended Camp Albemarle the first year it opened in about 1954? Our pastor at the time took him there as his mom was working. His son went there also, and this summer his grandson will attend. Your gift will help to build the new Chapel at Camp Albemarle and to provide opportunities for children, families and guests of Camp Albemarle to worship and sense God's presence in this special place.
As always, ALL our past Gifts From the Heart ministries, as well as our three current ones, will be available for purchase. Children's cards remain $5 and are a wonderful gift for teachers, coaches, and family members. Adult cards are $10 and are suitable for all 'gifting' occasions.
Cards will be sold between services and after the 10:55 am service on all Sundays leading up to Christmas.
And they are always available throughout the year in the church office.
Past Year Ministries: MERCI Clinic, Backpack Blessings, RCS, Hope Clinic, Craven Literacy Council, Presbyterian Mission Agency, Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, Heifer International, First Presbyterian Preschool, Relay for Life, Heeling our World, & Coastal Women's Shelter.