Local Mission Funding

Local Mission Contributions to our Community
Thank you for your pledges and anonymous contributions so that we can help meet the growing need for our struggling community. The following agencies have received a total of $35,000 as of April 30, 2009:

· Rebuilding Together · Montgomery Housing Partner · Crossway Community · Miriam’s Kitchen · KHI, Inc. · Bethesda Help · Bethesda Cares · Friends in Action · Manna Food Center  · Interfaith Clothing Centers · Church Women United ·

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Saint Mark Supports Scotland Leadership Development

Accepting the recommendation of Local Mission Elder Kay Haynes and Elder Bill Reinsch, Chair of the Saint Mark House Fund Committee, Session approved $20,000 from the Saint Mark House funds to be awarded to Action in Montgomery. The funds match a $20,000 grant from the Methodist church and are to develop leaders in Scotland and three other historic African American Communities where community centers are scheduled to be renovated by the County government. Saint Markers were heavily involved in AIM's successful effort to win $30 million of dedicated funds to renovate and rebuild the four community centers, including the community center at Scotland. Leaders are needed in Scotland to oversee and monitor the County's efforts, since only 47% of projects undertaken by the Housing and Community Development Department are actually completed. The vote by Session was unanimous.

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Mentors Needed for Friends in Action!

Saint Mark’s Friends in Action mentoring team needs several new members in order to mentor one Montgomery County family for a one-year period, starting in September or October, 2008. The commitment needed by mentors is an average of two hours per month mentoring members of the family and one hour per month attending a team meeting, usually held after church on a Sunday. Our next team meeting will be held in early September and the date will be announced closer to that time. Saint Mark has been involved with Friends in Action for many years – let us work together to keep this local ministry alive!

Founded by Interfaith Works (formerly Community Ministries of Montgomery County), in 1986, Friends in Action – Amigos En Accion (FIA) recruits and trains a network of people from all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, whose common interest is to provide caring outreach to struggling families in our community.  Volunteer mentoring teams are linked for one year in a supportive relationship to a family in Montgomery County. The goal of the program is to help the family identify their strengths and develop attainable and manageable goals that guide them towards financial independence and personal well-being. Please contact Jon Davol at 301-230-2607 if you have any questions.

Macdonell Scotland Scholarship

Application

Members of the Scholarship Committee have met with Churchill seniors and have four applications in process. This is an exciting but time-consuming process. We encourage anyone interested in helping a senior negotiate the college application process to join us.  Please call Caroline Touchton to express your interest.

Local Mission Ministry Grant Information

Three teams carry out the work of Local Mission Ministry and are focused on engaging the congregation in the work of local non-profit agencies providing critical services to the poor, the homeless and the disabled. Nathan Brown chairs the Advocacy Team, Chad Salganik chairs the Hands on Support Team and Ray Mountain chairs the Grants Awards Team.

Tina Moulton has organized and coordinates the Habitat for Humanity-Montgomery (HfH-MC) County build project. Caroline Touchton heads the Macdonell-Scotland Community Scholarship program as well as the Crossway Community, Inc. grant. Bill Reinsch and Caroline assist with KHI, Inc. (formerly Karma House). Bill Reinsch chairs the Saint Mark House Fund subcommittee. Welcome to Ray Hodges for his support to the Scotland Community and to the LM committee!

Contact Dick Pavlin, the Local Mission Chair, pav9@verizon.net if you want to have a rewarding experience in helping others. Your participation is always welcomed!