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The name Church and Community Connection was chosen for the District outreach ministry because we see our purpose as being a bridge between church and community. We want to support local congregations as they seek to know their neighborhoods, develop outreach ministries and find community partners. It is also our goal to be involved in the community in ways that witness for Christ and work for justice. As our work is seen and trust is built, we win right to share about Jesus. The circle is completed as the community learns about our churches and knows they are welcome to join us for worship, witness and service.
Mary Lee Downey, a Church and Community Connection Board member, created this new logo for us. For us it symbolizes how our diverse people and churches are united by Christ for service in the world.
Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON) is a faith-driven ministry, welcoming immigrants into our churches and communities by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy. Immigration laws are a confusing web of rules and immigrants are often not aware of their rights under the law or the documents needed or process to follow to assure continuing residency. JFON volunteers coordinate a free monthly legal clinic and provide hospitality. Clients have a consultation with our immigration attorney who advises them and when possible takes their case and works with them to the end of their process.
Volunteers Can Help in Many Ways
Volunteers with many different skills make a clinic succeed! We are currently recruiting new volunteers for training in January 2010. Jobs include helping clients fill out the intake form, providing refreshments for the clinics, setting appointments with clients, translating, child care and more. You do not need to be bi-lingual to be a part! When we welcome sojourners, it is as if we are receiving Christ, and our doing so becomes a sign of our faithfulness. [Click Here] for the JFON Volunteer Brochure.
Visit the JFON website at www.jfonfl.org
Families in Transition: this program in Seminole County Schools featured on 60 Minutes needs the following:
- Birthday kits - packets with cake mix, icing, candles and a small toy
- Personal Hygene kits - toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shampoo
- Gift cards
- Clothing - especially underwear and socks
For more info: http://www.scps.k12.fl.us/title1/Home/FamiliesinTransition.aspx
A documentary on Protecting the Rights of Homeless Children & Students [Watch Video]
(Produced by Seminole County Public Schools)
50 Ways You Can Help Children in Poverty: this brochure lists connections in Seminole County, but the ideas can work anywhere. www.scps.k12.fl.us/Portals/34/assets/pdf/50_Ways.pdf
Be a Summer Feeding Site for Children and Youth: Your church can feed children for a short period of time or for the whole summer. The food is provided and already prepared. You need the space, a refrigerator and a few volunteers. Go to www.summerfoodflorida.org and click the "Site Interest Form". Fill it out and your form will be forwarded to the provider in your area. They will send you information about the program. The final application deadline is May 6 for Summer 2011 so you will want to follow up soon for this year. If you have questions, you can contact Lynette Fields LFields@St.Lukes.org or Marilyn Beecher mbeecher@flumc.org.
Support the Food Pantries in your area: The area food pantries are the first stop for families in crisis. Sponsor food drives or send volunteers. Check with your local schools to see if they provide food for children to take home on the weekends.
Prayer and fasting: Aloma UMC is raising extra funds by asking every family in their church to fast for one meal per week and give savings to a special fund to use in ministry to homeless families.
Learn about Homelessness in Central Florida: read the annual reports on homelessness, go to:
Lake County [Click Here] :: Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties [Click Here] :: Volusia/Flagler Counties: [Click Here]
The Gleaning Network is a project of the Society of St. Andrew that coordinates volunteers, growers, and distribution agencies to salvage food for the needy. Tens of thousands of volunteers participate each year and tens of millions of pounds of produce are salvaged and given to the poor at no cost to them. Gleaners are people of all ages and income levels who want to give of themselves. Within 48 hours of picking the produce, hungry Americans are usually eating the gleaned food.
To Donate or Volunteer:
Orlando Area Citrus Harvest 407-650-1956
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