St Andrew's, Tucson, AZ
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Tucson, Arizona Enthusiastically Welcomes the Return of the Change 4 Children Program
On Sunday, February 27, 2005, Change 4 Children was presented for the second year in a row to the St. Andrew's congregation at each of its four worship services. After the sermon Sandra Levinson gave examples of how 2004 change donations helped Zambian children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Baskets were given to attendees as they left worship. People choose from a variety of patterns and sizes, and where awed by the beautiful handiwork of the Zambian women. The supply dwindled quickly as members excitedly picked over the tables full of black and brown woven reed containers to take them home and start filling them like they did last spring. Our pastor's sermon this day, was a Godly coincidence that helped spur interest. He spoke on entering someone else's world as ministers for Christ. As several mentioned after the service, Change 4 Children certainly allows us to use our station in life to influence others for God.
Last year the congregation brought over $10,000 in coins and bills during the three months that collections were taken. Each Sunday, members including children, brought to church the loose change they'd placed in their beautiful hand-made Change 4 Children baskets. Volunteers counted and wrapped coins each Monday before they were taken to the bank. Over 500 families and individuals took part in the offerings and another couple dozen or so members were involved in basket distribution, Sunday collections and counting and banking.
"Change4Children has helped us achieve one of the church's objectives in missions, in that it involves so many in outreach to the poor and the neglected outside our country."
Dick Kampa Missions Elder
He also pointed out that several folks from the church have indicated an interest in going on a mission trip to Zambia this summer. Such trips further the St. Andrew's pursuit of the purpose of active evangelism and broader use of member ministry gifts.
Dick Kampa
Mission Elder
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church