SPECIAL NEEDS DRIVE
January 27-February 6, 2010
For Westminster’s Doorstep Missions
Our “doorstep missions” are the local charitable projects to whose work our congregation contributes: the Eugene Mission, Hawthorne House, the Interfaith Emergency Shelter System, Sponsors, and Station 7. Each of them has many sources of monetary support—but they also need much clothing and many supplies for the needy people they help, and they depend mainly on church communities for that kind of assistance. Every year, we spend a week collecting our members’ used possessions to donate to the doorstep missions for people in need.
That week—from Friday, January 27 until Monday, February 6—is now approaching. Soon, in church bulletins, we’ll circulate an updated list of the kinds of things the doorstep missions now need. You can be sure that it will include clothing, less-perishable foods, household goods, cleaning supplies, and personal items for men, women, and children of all ages.
John the Baptist teaches us: “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” (Luke 3:11) This is the season to look around you at home, and survey your possessions. Some of them probably are now surplus for you, but are necessities out of reach for many fellow people in our community.
“For,” Paul reminds us, “you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) Whatever worldly advantages we may have, we need God’s mercy and compassion, in Christ, as much as anyone does—and Christ, in his saving work and teaching, directs us to follow him in compassionate service to “the least of these who are members of my family.” (Matthew 25:40, 45) Our Special Needs Drive gives you an opportunity to serve.
On Friday, January 27, we’ll set up tables in the Education Wing lobby and the hallway, to receive the goods that you will donate. We shall attach signs for each mission organization and list the items it requests. Please help us by sorting your items and placing them in the designated areas. You may also volunteer to help us set up and sort. On Monday, February 6, we’ll deliver the collected goods or have the missions pick them up.
If you have questions about this project, please ask Jack Maddex or Dave Holloman.
