Below is an excellent
electronic newsletter produced by the Family and Children
Faith Coalition, which is based in Miami but also announces
events and news of broader interest for other Faith-Based
and Community-based organizations (FBO/CBO) around the
state. Yvonne Sawyer is a lead contact for the Coalition.
If there are other similar newsletters produced by local
or state-level organizations, we would be glad to distribute
sample copies to the network of "umbrella" FBO/CBO
and post it on this website.
Note also the recent announcement by the
Governor’s office of a plan to establish a "portal" as
part of MyFlorida.com to
provide CBOs and FBOS with more customized and more easily
accessible information about state agency services and
grant/funding opportunities for CBOs/FBOs.
FAMILY & CHILDREN FAITH COALITION
What's Happening is a regular information feature from the
Family & Children Faith Coalition. It provides news of
events, training seminars, opportunities and announcements
within the FCFC, South Florida 's communities and beyond.
SUMMARY OF WHAT'S HAPPENING
I. FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY - Association of Christian Community
Computer Centers, Discount Microsoft Software Program, Help
for mapping out a technology plan, Lawndale Legacies Community
Tech Center, Technology resources for non-profits
II. CONFERENCES & EVENTS - CDC Workshop, Youth - related
- LOCAL - The Probe Ministries Mind Games , Youth Gang Summit,
Youth Entrepreneurship Instructor Course, presentations from
Miami - Dade Juvenile Assessment Center,
OUT OF TOWN - Lakeland, FL Juvenile Justice Ministry Workshop,
OTHER EVENTS - LOCAL - Beachfest with Luis Palau, news from
South Florida Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice
FOR BROWARD FAITH GROUPS "An Interfaith Workshop on
Solving Hunger in Broward County."
OUT OF TOWN - "A Call to Action: Identifying Resources
to Respond to the Needs of Distressed Neighborhoods" Tallahassee
III. FAITH - BASED INSTITUTIONS AND HIGH - RISK YOUTH, Our
At-risk Youth Are Now More At-risk
IV. PASTORAL HELPS - All kinds of Resources, National Pastors'
Prayer Network, Seek God for the City 2003, a prayer guide,
City Reaching Mission America, Forministry.com
V. GRANT - RELATED INFO - Funding for HIV/Aids Programs
,Detailed information on an array of available grants, grants
of computer equipment and software to schools and community-based
organizations, Economic Justice/Economic Development grants,
Free Online Strategies to Help Non Profits Cope with Cutbacks,
VI. YOUTH MINISTRY - National Urban Youth Workers Conference
coming up in Philly & Chicago http://www.compassionworks.compassion.com,
Urban Youth Worker's Institute.
VII. HELPFUL INFO - U.S. Senate reinvigorates funding for
Faith-Based Initiatives, Greater Miami Prosperity Campaign,
Earned Income Credit - The Rest of the Story, Center for
Research on Religion & Urban Civil Society
VIII. VOLUNTEERS Looking for Service Opportunities
IX. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING - Peacemaking Can Preserve Staff,
Money and Mission
And now, here's What's Happening........
I. FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY
Note to Readers: FCFC participated in the Annual Conference
of the Christian Community Development Association, Nov '02
(www.CCDA.org) And as always,
we met folks who are making a difference in their communities.
One of these "best practice" groups is Association
of Christian Community Computer Centers (AC4) We were most
impressed with their efforts and commend them to you. Take
advantage of the solid resources outlined below. To quote
Andrew Sears of AC4,
" It is a summary of what we believe to be some the best resources out there
for Christian computer centers."
Top Ten Tips for Computer Centers
1. Computer Grant. AC4 is collaborating with the Beaumont Foundation
of America, which will provide grants of new Toshiba-branded computers
and other hardware to existing community technology programs. More
at: www.ac4.org/resources/grant.html
2. Software donations. AC4's software donations page provides
information on how to get Microsoft Office for $30 as well
as other Microsoft, Adobe, Symantec products. We also have
letters you can download which were successful in getting
software donated from Macromedia, Knowledge Adventure and
the Learning Company. More at: www.ac4.org/resources/software.html
3. Free Curriculum for Computer Classes and Lesson Plans
for Youth. AC4 provides curriculum and lesson plans for Intro
to Computers, Intro to Internet, Typing, Microsoft Word,
Excel, Databases, Graphic Design, and Web Page Design. This
page is regularly updated, and you can now download all the
files together in a zipped format. AC4 also provides lesson
plans computers with youth and links to other great resources.
More at www.ac4.org/curricula/curriculum.htmland www.ac4.org/curricula/youth_lesson_plans.html
4. Grant Information. We have links to a technology grants
newsletter, lists of technology grants and information on
how to find grants for your center. More info at: www.ac4.org/resources/grants.html
5. "Using Theology to Teach Technology" Workbook
by Clemmie Perry. This workbook provides a great approach
of how to integrate the Gospel into computer classes. It
includes a course in Microsoft Word integrated with Bible
Teachings. More at: www.etrainingconsult.com/products.htm
NOTE: This is a local ministry
6. Other Information Networks. We have links to other information
networks like CTCNet (www.ctcnet.org),
Computing in Missions and Christian Computing Magazine (www.ccmag.com)
that have great information on computer centers and other
topics of interest. More info at: www.ac4.org/resources/inforesources.html
7. AC4 Workshop Presentations. You can find downloadable
presentations on How to Start and Grow a Computer Center,
Technology in Youth Ministry, Technology in Gospel Missions
and Resources for Computer Centers. More at www.ac4.org/conferences/conferences.html
8. AC4 E-mail List Archives. You can both browse and search
our complete archives online at: www.ac4.org/resources/mailarchives.html
9. AC4 List of Christian Computer Centers. You can find
a list of Christian computer centers in your area. Contact
them, develop relationships and share ideas! More at: www.ac4.org/resources/center_list.html
10. AC4 Membership. Provides our curriculum manual, an upcoming
capacity building manual, and enables you to apply for our
Computer Grants program and many other benefits. Find more
at: www.ac4.org/get_involved/memberbenefits.html
Association of Christian Community Computer Centers http://www.ac4.org
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WHAT: Discount Microsoft Software Program
WHO: DiscounTech is the technology product distribution
service just for nonprofits. For a small administrative fee,
nonprofits can order software and other essential technology
products. DiscounTech is a service of TechSoup, the technology
website for nonprofits.
More details about the enhanced Microsoft Software Donation
Program are available at this link: http://www.techsoup.org/discountech.cfm?id=334
Questions ? Visit discountech_microsoft@techsoup.org.
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TechAtlas helps nonprofits map out a technology plan that
includes guides to successful implementation. http://www.techatlas.org/tools/
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Lawndale Legacy Community Tech Center - These are friends
of FCFC in Chicago who offer us a solid ministry model for
putting a church-based tech center in place.
CHECKITOUT - http://miracle.lcdc.net
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Charity Advantage: Founded in 1997, and working with thousands
of non-profit organizations, our mission is to provide technology
assistance to non-profit organizations through web site development,
computer donations, and computer purchase assistance programs. www.Charityadvantage.com
II. CONFERENCES & EVENTS
WHAT: "Mom & Pop" Small Business Economic Summit.
WHEN: Wed March 5, 6-8 p.m.WHERE: Joseph Caleb Center, 5400
NW 22nd Ave
SPONSORS : Neighbors And Neighbors Association (NANA), Tools
For Change, Inc., Tacolcy Economic Development Corporation,
Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation
MORE INFO OR TO RSVP Call Sebrina Johnson at 305-756-0605
YOUTH RELATED EVENTS -
What: The Probe Ministries Mind Games
Details: Presented by Greater Miami Youth for Christ, this
event is designed for students (at least 16 years old) and
adults who want to learn to love God with their minds through
the development of a Christian world view.
When: Friday, Feb. 28 6:30pm- 10pm & Saturday , March
1, 8:45am- 12:30pm
Where: Florida International University, South Campus, Room GC 243
Cost: $35 (Includes notebook. Meals not included.)
Please RSVP to: Youth for Christ (305) 271-2442 or direct
questions to Steve Lantz (786) 306-618 Seating is limited
to the first 100 paid registrants.
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What: Youth Gang Summit 2003 "Saving the Next Generation"
Goal: To bring youth and professionals involved with youth
and /or youth gangs together to discuss problems related
to gangs, how to reduce their numbers and impact on society.
Details: Participants: Law enforcement, judicial system,
area schools, human & social services, concerned citizens,
parents, youth
When: Friday, February 28, 2003 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Where: City of North Miami Beach Mc Donald Center, 17051
NE 19 Ave ( adjacent to the NMB City Hall, North Side. Directions:
call 305 948-2957
More Info: Contact Jack Marshall 305 375-4448 email: Jmarsh@miamidade.gov
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What: Entrenuity's Youth Entrepreneurship Instructor Course
for Instructors Teaching Entrepreneurship to Youth Aged 12
to 25
Details: Learn a new interactive approach to teaching entrepreneurship
skills and spiritual development to youth that uses a fun,
experiential and group-work approach! (includes optional
faith-based programming component!!
When: Thursday and Friday, March 27 & 28, 2003, 9:00
am - 4:00 pm
Where: Broward County Ext. Div. 3245 College Avenue Davie, Florida
More Info: contact Jacques Leblanc, (305) 495-5938 email: eyesontheenterprise@yahoo.comSee: http://www.franchise.org/edufound/report/oct01.pdf & www.entrenuity.com
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A Series of presentations from Miami - Dade Juvenile Assessment
Center
NOTE: All presentations are at the Wolfe University Center,
Room 155 , FIU North Campus, NW 151 Street and Biscayne Blvd.
To RSVP any event, contact Sabrina Burch at 305 755-6201
#1 When: Wednesday, March 12, 8:30 am - noon & 3 -7
pm
Topic: "Understanding the Cycle of Retraumatization
for Female Offenders" Areas discussed: needs of female
youthful offenders in juvenile corrections facilities, various
treatment strategies.
Speaker: Dr. Bonnita Veysey - Professor at Rutgers U and
consultant.
#2 When: Wednesday, March 26, 8:30 am - noon & 3 -7
pm
Topic: "Cultural Competency: Understanding the Underlying
Issues" Areas discussed: culturally sensitive interviewing
techniques, commonly used screening and assessment tools,
appropriate interpretation of various instruments.
Speaker: Dr. Portia Rawles - Professor of Psychology at
Regent University
OUT OF TOWN - YOUTH RELATED
What: Juvenile Justice Ministry Workshop
Details: Training by Straight Ahead Ministries. This is
a national level juvenile justice ministry Visit: www. straightahead.org
Who Should Attend ? Anyone interested in a ministry to juvenile
offenders and their families.
What Will You Learn ? The workshop will provide an in-depth
overview of the world of high at - risk youth/ experienced
ahd highly trained Straight Ahead staff will teach ways Christians
can more effectively minister to kids in the juvenile justice
system.
When: March 14, 15, 2003 Where: Carpenter's Home Church,
Lakeland, FL
Costs: $40 / $50 for display booth Registration Deadline:
March 1
More Conference Info: Call Pam Garrison 888-718-8111 Registration
info - contact Vanessa Mayo 508 - 616-9286 ext. 105 Straight
Ahead Ministries Phone: 508 - 616-9286 email: info@straightahead.org
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MORE LOCAL EVENTS
What: Beachfest with Luis Palau : B- Music, Message, kid's
activities, food,
Where: Ft. Lauderdale Beach When: March 22,23
More Info: www.beachfest.org or
call 954-489-7490
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What: The First Interfaith Worker Justice Conference: Decent
Employment - A
Window of Hope and Dignity for the Working Poor.
Who: South Florida Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice
(SFICWJ)
When: March 9th from 1:30 - 6:30 pm
Where: Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Miami (7701 SW 76 Avenue
Details: This conference will bring together local and national
experts to review our progress and perspectives in making
worker justice part of our social ministries.
More Info: Contact Bruce Jay - BruceJay@compuserve.com
ATTENTION BROWARD COUNTY FAITH GROUPS
HALF-DAY CONFERENCE - "An Interfaith Workshop on Solving
Hunger in Broward County." WHEN: Wednesday, March 26,
2003 8:30 am - Noon
WHERE: Sr. Innocent Conference Center, Holy Cross Hospital,
4725 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale
HOSTED BY: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
and Holy Cross Hospital
GUEST SPEAKERS: Marti Forman - Executive Director of the
Cooperative Feeding Program, Judith Gatti - Executive Director
of Daily Bread Food Bank and Katherine Kassner - Administrator
of Bay Oaks Home for the Aged.
WHO IT IS FOR AND WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: This conference is
for faith based organizations in Broward County. Participants
will learn about the faces behind the hunger statistics,
a collaborative approach to solving hunger in Broward in
5 years, the ABC's of advocacy, a practical model for running
a feeding program at an affordable cost, accessing local
and national resources to assist the hungry in Broward and
what we can do now as individuals and leaders, to eliminate
hunger in Broward.
TOPICS INCLUDE: The Faces of Hunger - Behind the Statistics
, Joining Forces to Solve Hunger, How To Do More With Less
$ ,5-Year Plan for Solving Hunger ,
Where Do We Go From Here?
PLEASE NOTE: We anticipate a heavy response to this event
and seating is limited. This event is for Broward faith based
organizations only.
REGISTRATION: Registration is required. The workshops is
FREE. Registrations are being accepted on a first come, first
served basis until March 15, 2003. For more information contact
Rachel Ramjattan, Catholic Charities Parish Social Ministry
Coordinator for Broward, (954)630-9404 x 202 or rramjattan@catholiccharitiesadm.org.
Please be sure to leave your email address, fax number or
a complete mailing address so that we can send you a regis.
packet.
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OUT - OF - TOWN
WHAT: "A Call to Action: Identifying Resources to Respond
to the Needs of Distressed Neighborhoods" WHERE: Tallahassee
WHEN: Mon, Mar 10 and Tue, Mar 11
SPONSORED BY: Inst. On Urban Policy & Commerce, FL A & M
Univ, FL Federation of Community Development Corporations,
FL Assoc of Comm Action Agency, One Church, One Child
MORE INFO: 805 561-2592 email: IUPC@famu.edu
III. FAITH - BASED INSTITUTIONS AND HIGH - RISK YOUTH
Many of the highest-risk youth in poor communities are not
reached by
traditional youth programs, but are served by churches and other faith-based
institutions that are both well-established and seriously concerned
about the welfare of these vulnerable youth and their families.
This report, the first in a series from P/PV's National
Faith-Based Initiative for High-Risk Youth, provides an initial
overview of strategies employed by faith-based institutions
in 11 cities, including lessons learned about the distinct
contributions of faith-based institutions to the work of
civil society, and the challenges of building partnerships
between faith-based groups and other institutions -- law
enforcement and juvenile justice agencies, foundations and
philanthropy, local government and community organizations.Available
as a PDF document (See link below. PDF file is 232 KB and
requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader)
http://www.ppv.org/pdffiles/faithhighrisk.pdf Source:
Public/Private Ventures
MAKE A CALL, SEND AN EMAIL/FAX Our At-Risk Youth are more
At-Risk
The Florida Legislature needs to make some decisions in
the upcoming Session with regard to services for our at-risk
youth. In the last few years, Miami-Dade County agencies
put together a strong plan to provide services to our youth
which resulted in a measurable decline in youth crime and
other high-risk behaviors (at the same time that the population
of youths increased.) And the Florida Dept. of Juvenile Justice
was one of the first state agencies to recognize (and fund)
effective faith-based based programs. Now these programs
themselves are at-risk.
Proposed budget cuts threaten the future of emergency shelters
for runaway youth, and many community and faith-based programs
. This means that many of our youth could be transferred
to the adult prison system at a cost ranging from $31,000-$55,000
a year vs. prevention programs which range from $2,000 -
$12,000 per child/year. In addition, if we don't ask our
legislators to restore prevention and intervention services
for our at-risk youth, you can expect higher crime rates,
more homeless teens, more child welfare statistics, more
fractured families, as well higher teen pregnancy and HIV/AIDS
rates among youth. These are consequences we cannot afford
in Florida.
Make your voice heard: Contact legislators by writing, faxing
or e-mailing in the next few weeks. For more information
on who they are and how to contact them, log on to the Florida
website: www.myflorida.comand
go to the "Government" section, then the section(s)
on the Florida Senate and House. The website has e-mail,
phone and mailing addresses for all Senators and Representatives.
IV. PASTORAL HELPS
<>< - http://www.pastors.com/pcom/-
<>< Ministry ToolBox Archives http://www.pastors.com/RWMT/MTArchive.asp
FREE Bible Study software, dozens of versions, classic books, Bible
dictionaries and commentaries. Perhaps $2000 in FREE Bible Study
computer software! http://www.e-sword.net
<>< City Restoration Ministries - exists to facilitate
bringing the whole gospel message to the whole city using
the whole church. Lots of free resources www.cityrestoration.org
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News from the National Pastors' Prayer Network - NPPN http://www.nppn.org/
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City Reaching Mission America - http://www.cityreaching.com/
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Forministry.com -Equipping the Church Online for Ministry www.ForMinistry.com
V. GRANT - RELATED INFO
Funding for HIV/Aids Programs: Dade Community Foundation:
Announces 2003 South Florida Community AIDS Partnership---
Grant Program Guidelines and Grantseekers Workshop. Application
guidelines are now available for the 2003 HIV/AIDS prevention
and education funding program. Proposals are due Monday,
March 24, 2003. To obtain a copy of the guidelines, contact
the Foundation at 305-371-2711 or visit our website at www.dadecommunityfoundation.org.
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What: Detailed information for an array of available grants
is available
Where: Workforce Florida website at: http://www.workforceflorida.com/news/grants.html
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The Oracle Help Us Help Foundation awards - To be eligible,
low-income youth must make up at least 50% of the total population
served annually. The application deadline is February 28.
More information, visit www.helpushelp.org.
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What: Economic Justice/Economic Development grants
Who: The Norman Foundation
Details: Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 to support
the ability of communities to determine their own economic,
environmental and social well-being. Deadline for a 2-3 page
letter of inquiry is March 3. For grant guidelines and other
information, visit www.normanfdn.orgor
contact June Makela, Program Director, at 212.230.9830 or
e-mail info@normanfdn.org
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Free Online Strategies to Help Your Non-profit with Cutbacks
According to the Wilder Foundation, "Devolution - the shifting
of money and decision-making power from federal to local governments
- is here, it's real, and it's big. Estimates are that cuts to nonprofits
may add up to $250 billion by the year 2002." If your organization
has already felt the crunch - or is expecting to soon - then these
free 185 cutback strategies are for you. Click here for a link to the
strategies: http://www.wilder.org/pubs/cutbacks/cutbacks_info.html
VI. YOUTH MINISTRY - 2 KEY CONFERENCES
National Urban Youth Workers Conference
www.compassionworks.compassion.com or call 720.932.7351
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Urban Youth Worker's Institute. Check out the E-mail Newsletter & several
links to information on government funding for faith-based
programs www.uywi.org.
VII . HELPFUL INFO
U.S. Senate reinvigorates funding for Faith-Based Initiatives
AP Story
The Senate Finance Committee has voted to create new tax
incentives for charitable donations and increase government
funds available to religious groups that provide social services
as part of an effort by Republicans to re-energize President
Bush's faith-based initiative, the Associated Press reports.
The legislation, which was sent to the full Senate and is
expected to be voted on this week, would allow taxpayers
who don't itemize deductions to write off a portion of their
charitable donations as well as permit tax-free donations
from individual retirement accounts. Other provisions would
encourage the donation of food supplies, books, and used
computer equipment; increase
federal funds for a variety of social programs; and permit faith-based
social service providers to receive federal funding even if their charters
contain religious language or their facilities have religious icons
on the walls. "The proposed legislation creates a more level playing
field for faith-based charities by insuring they can't be discriminated
against in applying for government funds," said Sen. Rick Santorum
(R-PA).
Senators from both parties concerned that the new legislation
could compromise the separation between church and state
have indicated they will work to attach amendments to the
legislation making it illegal for faith-based groups that
receive federal dollars to proselytize or discriminate in
their hiring practices based on religion, gender, or other
categories.
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Greater Miami Prosperity Campaign: Offers free income tax
preparation for low-income families at sites throughout Miami-Dade
County. Please visit www.prosperitycampaign.org to obtain
a listing of addresses and hours of operation. Clients are
screened for eligibility for other benefits such as KidCare
and Food Stamp assistance. For more call 305- 576-5001 Ext.
46.
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Earned Income Credit - The Rest of the Story
Details: Although the earned income tax credit helps lift
lower-income workers and the children out of poverty, a study
by the Brookings Institution's Center on Urban and Metropolitan
Policy shows that a large portion of the benefit ends up
in the pockets of commercial tax preparers. The study, "Rewarding
Work Through the Tax Code," details the benefits and
potential of the tax credit in 27 urban and rural areas It
can be downloaded at www.brookings.edu/urban.
The foundation has published "Earn it, Keep it, Save
it," a guide to executing successful local tax credit
campaigns. www.eitc.info.
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Center for Research on Religion & Urban Civil Society
is a part of the School of Arts and Sciences at the University
of Pennsylvania. Founded in 2000, CRRUCS is dedicated to
producing and disseminating cutting-edge empirical knowledge
about the role of religion in contemporary urban America.
With an interdisciplinary team of Penn-based colleagues,
and in close working partnerships with other major universities,
think tanks, research intermediaries, and news organizations,
CRRUCS focuses on how national and local faith-based organizations
help to solve big-city social problems; how religion relates
to contemporary urban political participation, civic engagement,
and social well-being; and how local congregations, grass
roots ministries, and other communities of faith matter in
the daily lives of disadvantaged urban children, youth, and
families.
Please visit http://www.crrucs.org/
VIII. VOLUNTEERS Looking for Service Opportunities The Viva
Network initiative in Denmark is helping to place young volunteers
(ages 18-25) in U.S. projects working with 'children at risk',
for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. Contact www.viva.org for
the International Office in Oxford, England.
IX. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING - Peacemaking Can Preserve Staff,
Money and Mission
By Ken Sande, President of Peacemaker Ministries Used by
Permission
VISIT: http://www.hispeace.org/html/artic42.htm
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The Family & Children Faith Coalition
Our Purpose - FCFC mobilizes, assists and equips South Florida's
faith community to more effectively minister to the needs
of those within our neighborhoods and to encourage cooperation,
when possible, with local agencies and community-based groups.
Our Plan - We do this by means of networking, information
and resource sharing, capacity building, facilitating the
development of neighborhood ministry centers and helping
provide a positive voice for the churches within various
public venues.
Our Pledge - If you'd like to reach those who are hurting
in your community with God's love in practical ways, we will
try to assist you.
Feel free to contact us.
This Concludes What's Happening for February 26, 2003
