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Dear Friends,
There have been years when an early Easter has left me scratching my head and searching for things to round out the program year. This has not been such a year! We have a number of things happening that call for our attention in April, so here goes:
- Most cell phone users tend to “upgrade” every few years and shove the old phones into the corner of a closet somewhere. We have a better idea. Several years ago two Massachusetts teenagers started a program called “Cell Phones for Soldiers” in an attempt to help a soldier in Iraq pay for his cell phone bill of almost $8,000. The program sells old cell phones to recyclers and uses the money to purchase prepaid calling cards for US troops stationed overseas. Each donated phone will provide an hour of talk time for a soldier abroad. Since the program began, well over $1 million has been raised and over 400,000 phone cards have been sent to troops. Starting in April, we will be gathering old cell phones (working or not), in the marked box in the narthex. You may leave the batteries on the phones (although they are not necessary), but please throw away the chargers and manuals at home.
- Don’t forget your pennies! All through April we will be filling the jars so that we can present Tom O’Leary with our annual gift to the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program. The recent economic turndown has dramatically increased the demands place upon SHIP and they, in turn, look to people like us for help.
- Members of the Youth Group recently built benches as a gift for the camping area at Camp Warwick, under the direction of Bob Valinski. Bob is following that up by organizing a special Clover Hill Work Day project at Warwick. The goal is to build an outdoor pavilion in the camp area so that there is shelter for the campers when the rains come. Bob needs to hear from people who would like to spend a day in the beauty of our Church camp, both those who know how to hold a hammer and those who would be willing to haul and help! We also are looking for contributions to offset the cost of the project, the estimate is about $1000 and if you would be willing to contribute, please let us know.
- Speaking of Warwick, this is the month for registration! There is no greater way to enhance your children’s appreciation of God’s love, to allow them to meet what may turn into lifelong friends, and to grow in an appreciation for the diversity of God’s creative work then to send them for a week at Warwick. There are camp programs for children from 2nd grade through HS and there are staff positions available for college students and some volunteer opportunities for HS students and adults. Brochures are available in the Narthex.
Shalom,
Jack
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