Shout Out of thanks
Helping Hands/Mission Team Workers-George Reese, Matt Bader, Kevin Wooldridge, Bruce Stanas, Chip Hagy, Audrey Stanas, Ellis Bouchard — Our Partner from Caregivers. Inc
Dear Church Family and Friends,
I have a "shout out" about some great news that I can't wait to share with everyone! Bedford Presbyterian Church's very own "Helping Hands" has received a $12,000 grant from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) and the Synod of the Northeast for their snow storm aid this past winter and for their future work in the mission field! Isn't it wonderful to know that the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering that we take on Easter morning not only benefits Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, but this year our church received a huge blessing from that very same offering through the PDA ministry of our denomination!
As you might know, The Helping Hands ministry team provides crisis relief and recovery, and repair and maintenance services to homes in Bedford, Southern New Hampshire and beyond. The Helping Hands ministry grew out of Bedford Presbyterian Church's (BPC) experience serving on yearly week-long mission trips to Louisiana, West Virginia, Maine, and New York. People wanted to work both regionally and locally so the formation of Helping Hands enabled us to reach out and partner with our local community. Through Helping Hands work, we have enjoyed partnerships with other non-profits, churches, individuals, local businesses, and civic groups. This in turn, has empowered us to live out one our Ministry Goals, "Mission Outpost" which states, "We are a 'mission outpost' in greater Manchester working through interfaith partnerships and non-profit organizations in providing programs and resources that support and minister to our community and individual needs through personal relationships and service."
Having received this huge blessing, we are going to get to work on some projects that include finishing the work on the roof of the home in Rochester that was worked on during the "603" Mission trip that must be done before the snow flies. We also have in the "pipeline" a new rubber roof for a mobile home in Milford, and at least two other major renovation projects.
Join me in a "shout out" and a big Woo-Hoo and Hallelujah for this incredible gift! I am so thankful to be part of the PCUSA and our connectional church system that places a priority on mission work! I am also so thankful to be part of BPC and I am grateful that we deeply care about "serving the least of these" in the mission field!
Still Shouting for Joy,
Karen Hagy, Co-Pastor
Bedford Presbyterian Church
Bedford New Hampshire