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“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12
Two of my best friends in high school were Vietnamese refugees who lived in foster families for a time until they could be reunited with their families. I can’t imagine what their lives were like, but they were wonderful friends. One works in industrial technology and the other was just appointed by the Pope to be a Roman Catholic Bishop in San Diego!
This Sunday we’re going to hear from Rosa Torres a little bit about a powerful ministry she serves in called “Better Together” that helps families in our area (www.BetterTogetherUs.org).
This ministry has three branches, Better Families, Better Together, and Better Jobs.
Better Families is a voluntary alternative to foster care—fueled by hundreds of local churches across the state of Florida. We had one family go through an adoption process this past year (apart from Better Together), so we know there is a need for this kind of ministry!
Many children face neglect due to parents suffering from addiction, illness, homelessness, and unemployment. We, as the body of Christ, can play a powerful role in solving the root causes of neglect and reducing the need for foster care by doing what we do best: help those who are hurting or in need.
Last September our church, along with the Light WPB, co-hosted a job fair with Better Jobs. This event served 180 job seekers! We had several members who volunteered with this event.
The scriptures call us to make room in our busy and well-protected lives to care for strangers and welcome one another into our homes and our lives. Biblical hospitality helps us put our faith into action and teaches future generations that serving one another is serving Christ.
What can you do? There are a number of ways:
-- Become a Faith-Based Coordinator: This person will act as a liaison and connector between our church and Better Together
-- Recruit Volunteer Families: (We will see a promotional video on Sunday) share volunteer opportunities with our church.
-- Support Host Families: Provide host families with practical needs such as diapers, formula, and clothes.
-- Financial Support: (not required) This ministry is 100% privately funded and is fueled through churches, individuals, and foundations. You can consider making a gift.
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
· We are welcoming Rosa Torres from Better Together this Sunday morning. This organization partners with churches to help keep families together, empower families to find employment and opportunities that bring stability, hope and success.
· We will be welcoming a wonderful group of New Members next Sunday!
· Help feed a friend with our Food Drive this summer! Dry goods are being collected at the back of the church and given to the Palm Beach County Food Bank. Please, NO GLASS items. Jhadha delivered 92 pounds of food last month, helping to provide over 77 nutritious meals to families, children, seniors and individuals in need throughout Palm Beach County. This mission project will continue through August, keep the food coming! Thank you.
· First Evangelical’s Church Council will meet after worship this Sunday.
· First Evangelical’s Anniversary Committee will meet next Sunday after worship.
· Join us for a delicious lunch following worship this Sunday in the Fellowship Hall
