Something That I am Proud of!

[ang1sgt]

Some Churches talk the talk and some walk the walk. I am very proud of the Ministry that this Church provides. This is one of the many reasons that I go to this small little Church.

I got to help out with the latest gathering of clothing and footwear. We were blessed with some Monies that were donated by the Church and a few of us went out and found some fabulous deals.

I am very thankful for the Store Manager at Steve and Barry's. They helped us out by informing us that they had a really good sale coming the next day and that for this effort, they would allow us to shop that day and put behind the articles that we needed and then ring it up the next day.

I went to a few of the local Sam's Clubs and found some close out deals on Reebok Sneakers and Avia Sneakers. These are needed in the Physical rehab centers of the hospitals and they were looking for some specific sizes. Much better to have fresh NEW sneakers in this situation.

This effort is such a blessing for me personally. It gives me the chance to do something for the Troops again. Something I miss so much. During this time of Thanksgiving and Christmas, shouldn't we all stop for a moment and remember those that have needs greater than our own. I challenge all of us to make an effort to either Give of time or money to some local or national effort. Could be for the Troops, or for the Homeless in your area. Share your blessings, give of yourselves and receive that warm glow in your heart that you can make a difference.


http://www.democratandchronicle.com/...4/-1/PITTSFORD

Pittsford church ministry to troops grows

Daniele Loomis Rostan
Southeast Source

With Thanksgiving a little more than a week away, thoughts of roast turkey with all the fixings are on the minds of many.

But for some folks at Pittsford Baptist Church, planning the perfect menu has taken a back seat to the Soldier's Ministry, started about a year ago.

The Soldier's Ministry began as a way to support soldiers and their loved ones through prayer, but it has evolved into so much more.

"We have so much to be grateful for to our soldiers. The Soldier's Ministry has been a wonderful focus. It has become the most important ministry in our church," says Sarah Griffin, a member of the church's ministry.

Although the church is small, hearts are big, and this quiet, little ministry speaks volumes. The congregation prays for each soldier on its Wall of Honor by name every week during the Sunday service, and will do so until all the soldiers return home.

The Wall of Honor is the place where names are posted, and if possible, a picture of the soldier is included as well, so people can see the soldiers they are praying for.

Names are added without regard to religion, rank or race. Though the ministry began with just a handful of local soldiers to remember, as word of the ministry spread, the Wall has "grown to more than 100 active-duty soldiers and their families being remembered each Sunday," says Griffin.

Former residents of the area have heard of the ministry, and they call and ask to have a loved one's name included, says Amy Tausch, coordinator for the Soldier's Ministry. Tausch's brother, Lt. Col. Jim Lechner, returned safely from Iraq just two days before Christmas last year.

Since the ministry began, more than 30 soldiers have returned home. And though these homecomings are joyful, it is also a reminder that the challenges of a military life do not end.

Soldiers return with stories of injured comrades now spending months rehabilitating.

Thus, the next chapter of the Soldier's Ministry begins. A contingent from the church is traveling to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., with clothes, toiletries and other comfort items for soldiers and their families, who have often traveled hundreds of miles to remain nearby while a soldier recovers.

"We also include gift cards to stores," says Tausch, "so soldiers can buy holiday gifts for their family." They are not able to leave the hospital, but they are able to purchase gifts online, Tausch said.

The church also will be sending holiday packages to many of the local soldiers still in Iraq and Afghanistan. Included in the packages will be small toiletries, games, hard candy, DVDs, drink mixes, small snack items and more.

To donate such items, bring them to the church at 507 Thornell Road. For more information on items that can be sent, or to arrange a financial donation to help defray the cost of shipping, call the church at (585) 383-8560.

To add the name of a friend or family member currently deployed in the military, call the church or send an e-mail to pbc@frontiernet.net. Though the Soldier's Ministry is a simple one in many ways, says Griffin, it offers much to soldiers who are far from home, particularly during the holidays.

Soldiers who have returned have said that knowing people back home were praying for them was not just a source of comfort, but of hope.

[SlightlyCatholic]

God bless you and the congregation with whom you gather. This is wonderful work and really great to hear!

[PaulR]

You all are a great bunch of people. Thank you for what you do.