Giving Opportunity
Through the advise of Rev. Janet Bower, Bethany's Session has become aware of the great need of Igreja Presbiteriana Brasileira (Iglesias Brasiliana), one of the churches we have been praying for. This church worships in leased space at First Presbyterian Church of San Mateo, as a New Worship Congregation (NWC).
This church is struggling. With a congregation of approximately 140 families and 85% unemployment amongst the congregation, it has been difficult to maintain their households. There have also been new babies born and baby supplies are in short supply. Rev. Bower, on behalf of the Committee on Ministries, has asked that we partner with this church and help in any way we can.
In our discussions with Janet, here are the items needed by the congregation:
• Household goods – Towels, blankets, sheets and pillow cases, kitchenware, dishes, glasses, pots and pans, silverware, etc.
• Baby clothes – Newborn to months, new or clean/used
• Diapers – Newborn to 3 months
• Food – rice, dry beans, canned goods, any items with a shelf-life
• Toiletries – all kinds
• Target gift cards
• Checks payable to Iglesias Braziliana, in any amount. To send a check, make your check
payable to Iglesias Brasiliana and mail it to 194 W. 25th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403
• Continued prayers for the congregation
Due to the generousity of the Memorials fund and the Deacons, Bethany Church will be able to make a significant financial donation to this congrgation in need, in addition to your ongoing gifts.
Looking to the future, you can bring any items to be contributed to Iglesias Braziliana to the chuche, and we will ensure they are delivered to San Mateo. Please call the church if you would like someone to pick up your donation for you. Our first donated items were taken to the congregation on Friday, July 27.
We will keep you informed of the progress of our new friends, the congregation of Igreja Presbiteriana Brasileira and their ongoing needs.
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Bethany's Board of Session recently was presented with information from the San Francisco Presbytery's Finance Committee about churches that are in dire circumstances due to members being unemployed, offerings down to 10% of prior giving levels, and food banks and other services running out of funds, among other causes.
The Session decided to send $300 from Bethany, via Community Action's budget. This represents six months' worth of the suggested donation of $50. Anyone who would like to supplement this fund, can send their check(s) to the following congregations:
194 W 25th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403
Iglesia Braziliana
(a.k.a. Igreja Presbiteriana Brasileira)
194 W. 25th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403
Yes, they both have the same mailing address! Both of these congregations rent from First Presbyterian Church of San Mateo, and are greatly in need as they support their congregants and the neighborhood.
Thank you for whatever you can give!
IGLESIAS BRASILIANA
IGLESIAS BRASILIANA