The Gift of Food and Friendship at the Laytner House

Greetings!

Thank you all so very much for ministering to the Laytner House residents.

I feel one of the most caring and meaningful service opportunities is preparing food and breaking bread together. In this very personal, yet basic function, we share who we are, our stories and are given the grace to learn about ourselves. It is so much more than simply food, it is food made with love for those individuals who have not felt loved or cared about.

As you all know, those at Laytner house are medically fragile. Hopefully, with 90 days of support, they can become strong enough to move onto transitional housing. A good handful have moved onto Multifaith housing, and are doing extremely well! A few will be receiving their permanent housing vouchers in early January. For that we are thankful!

Unfortunately, sometimes residents do not recover. Please keep in your prayers the family of Kelee, who died last week at a nursing facility. She had been at the house between long stays in the hospital for about six months, so some of you may have had the chance to meet her.

It is your caring spirits that help the residents feel cared about and important. Know that what you do is a true labor of God’s love.

Christmas blessings to you all!
Peace,

Stephanie Pietras
Care Team Coordinator
Multifaith Works

Last night, HS Rock had the joy of our monthly visit to Plymouth on Stewart and the Simons Apartments.

Normally, we go and bring a treat of some baked goods and play the ever loved, ever favorite, Bingo.

But last night, through the generosity of the Missions department, we were able to provide 45-50 people with a steaming hot bowl (or two) of Chili with trimmings followed by some dessert and of course, Bingo.

It was, and always is such a joy to partner with PHG during 2009 and we look forward to 2010. The tenants of both residences are always so excited to see us every month and welcome us with such friendship and joy. In fact, one of our high schoolers calls our visit the "highlight of the month".

This partnership between the ROCK and PHG is life giving, and we are so thankful for it. It is amazing how God works and establishes relationships between the two groups.

I'll finish with a statement that sums up last night 'O62 - BINGO!!!!!!!!"

Nicola Davidson
Rock Worship Intern

Student from Warm Family School for the Blind Graduates

Our family has supported student Nguyen Viet Trong at the MATA
(Warm Family School for the Blind) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for
several years now. THIS IS THE GOOD NEWS! Nguyen Viet Trong
graduated this year from Pedagogy University with a grade A Plus.

He decided to stay at MATA to teach elementary students and help all MATA members in their studying. He has moved forward from
receiving and using a gift well to giving a gift to others who also
experience visual impairment. I am thankful to God for Nguyen's
faithful heart.

The new student we will support is 26 years old in her first year of
school at the Warm Family School. My prayer for her is the development of strong living skills, vocational and educational skills; to live independently and become a part of the greater community around her, and to know how much God loves and cares for her.

Linda Fowler

Update on The Straley House, a teen emergency shelter

Some of us will prepare and deliver our last meal of 2009 for the Straley House next Tuesday night, Dec. 15. In addition to a home cooked meal we will also deliver Christmas gifts of thermal coffee mugs and hot chocolate. I’m currently planning our dinners for 2010 and need some more volunteers.

For those of you not familiar with the Straley House, they are part of a larger organization called Youth Care, which provides shelter, social services, education and much more to homeless teens and young adults. The Straley House is located in the Ravenna Park area of Seattle and houses approx. 12 young adults aged 18-21. They are a part of a program that Youth Care started in the Spring called Catalyst. Catalyst provides emergency housing and programs that help homeless young adults stabilize, set goals and transition towards independence and permanent housing.

M.I.P.C. volunteers have been delivering home-cooked meals each month since last March.

Feel free to contact me for more information and/or sign up to deliver a meal for a month in 2010. Currently, I have several months open.

Blessings,

Elaine Bolger, bolger8166@comcast.net

Our Abundance Can Supply What Another Needs

Abundance Sunday Team Leader, Elizabeth Nichol reports that from January through October 2009, MIPC has provided World Relief with 1800 vouchers for a value of $9,000 to help their clients.

What Our Congregation Can Learn About Power and Privilege

Tali Hairston, Director of the John Perkins Center for Reconciliation at Seattle Pacific University, was back in class on Sunday, 12/6, teaching about power and privilege in the Christian Education class called Pressing Issues of Our Time. Below are a couple of key points he made as he addressed what he would like our congregation to know about poverty and privilege.

Tali described poverty as not just the lack of economic resources, but the lack of family or community support as well. Some people may have plenty of economic resources, but lack a family or community to support them. These people are also poor.

As we become aware of our privilege, our awareness should create a willingness to be advocates for those who are left out. Being ashamed of our privilege is not helpful because it is debilitating. Instead, we should find ways to empower those who are “under-privileged.” This is the work of a congregation like ours as we seek to be agents of reconciliation in the world. Or, put more simply, to be a follower of Jesus.

It is right to lament that things are the way they are in the world, its injustice to those who have no power or voice or community. It is right to lament the things that break God’s heart. And out of our lament may come a love for all people, a desire for them to lead a full and whole life, which is what God wants for them as well. And out of that love, will come action that leads to empowerment.

Thanks to all the Plymouth Volunteers

We couldn’t have done it without you! This year we fed over 50 people at Plymouth on Stewart and about 100 at Ann Simons. More importantly we provided a home-like setting and a platform for folks, who recently were living on the streets, to make healthy connections with their neighbors and begin their own holiday traditions.

Each of you contributed to what became a Thanksgiving feast and your generosity touched many lives.

Check some of the photos from the luncheon at both Plymouth on Stewart and Ann Simons that are on the blog.

With Gratitude,

Elaine Bolger

Thanksgiving at Plymouth

Thanksgiving Dinner at Simons Senior Apartments

The Kitchen Crew at Simons

Signing our names at the church at the end of our Mexico Missions Trip

Inside the church-Mexico Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Trip to Mexico-We're done!

Mexico Thanksgiving

Susan Williamson and Kelly Ferrell hammin' it up. Brett Mills reviewing plans.

Mexico Thanksgiving

The foundation of church is the shape of a cross from an aerial view.

Mexico Thanksgiving

Walls are going up.

Thanksgiving Trip to Mexico

The church is in a small valley surrounded by homes we've built on previous trips.

Thanksgiving dinner for First Place

Thanksgiving Food Baskets for 65 Families of the First Place School were delivered today.

Earlier this month MIPC Missions & Children’s Ministry entered into a partnership with The First Place School in Seattle.

First Place is a service agency devoted to educating and nourishing children whose families struggle with the risk or reality of homelessness. They not only offer classroom education to children in K-6th grade but also housing and support services to the children and their families enabling them to achieve permanent stability.

Our first project was to provide a Thanksgiving food bag to 65 First Place families. M.I.P.C.’s children were asked to donate non-perishable food items such as canned cranberry sauce, yams and pie filling and other items such as stuffing mix and gravy. Cash donations were encouraged so turkeys could be purchased. Other turkeys were donated by M.I.P.C.’s congregation members and their friends. M.I.P.C.’s children decorated notes to the First Place families that were included in the food bags.

Today M.I.P.C.’s staff, families and friends assembled 65 bags of food and loaded the bags along with 65 turkeys into a church van and delivered them to the First Place School. The plan is to hand them out to families as they attend parent/teacher meetings this week. We were greeted at the school by several staff members who helped us unload and expressed their appreciation. We were even lucky enough to watch a couple of families receive their Thanksgiving surprise. An early Thanksgiving gift to us!

Elaine Bolger, Missions Committee

Reconciliation: Poverty, Privilege, Race, Religion, Power

If you have time or inclination, please come to the 9:15 Pressing Issues CE classes at MIPC. I just picked up the book by John Perkins, "Let Justice Roll Down" after hearing Tali Hairston, Director of the John Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Leadership training, and Community Development (at SPU) speak today. He will be speaking here at MIPC again on December 6th -- the Poverty & Privilege series is Dec. 6th, 13th, and 20th.

Don't miss this opportunity!

Susan Stanley, IJM Team Leader

World Wide Movement to End Modern Day Slavery

Just today we received word from Int'l Justice Mission that they have thus far distributed 2,478 "At the End of Slavery: The Battle for Justice in Our Time" kits for screenings of this documentary. Of the 2,478, nearly 700 individuals, churches, or organizations have registered their screenings, and nearly 41,000 people are expected to attend (or have attended).

Thus, MIPC is one of the first to participate in this world-wide movement to end the scourge of modern-day slavery and sex trafficking.

Susan Stanley (IJM-MIPC Team Leader and IJM Justice Advocate)

Ten Thousand Villages Sale Results

MIPC's Ten Thousand Villages Sale, November 5-8, raised $25,500 to support crafts people in Asia, Africa, and South America. In addition, $2,422 in Washington state tax went to fund schools and infrastructure in Washington state.

A special thank you to Rand & Judy Ginn, Carol Fielding, and Marnie Holen who successfully led this major event.

Receive the Thankfulness Plymouth Housing has Given Us

Kelly Nelson, Plymouth Team Leader, reported today that Plymouth Housing is so thankful for our partnership with them. Since MIPC adopted Plymouth on Stewart and Simons Senior Apartments, Plymouth has created a new staff position to be in charge of recruiting other churches and community organizations to adopt one of their houses. When a new organization offers to participate, they are trained using MIPC as a model Plymouth told us.

I think this speaks to the commitment and compassion of our Plymouth volunteers and to the way they care for the people at Plymouth and want the best for them. And for that, all of us can be thankful.

Sixty Six Million is Too Many

“In 2007, nearly 66 million girls did not have access to education in communities across the world. As these girls grow up, they join the ranks of illiterate girls, increasing the gender gap between men and women...Girls who are denied access to education are more likely to be trapped in a cycle of poverty and disease, forced into child marriage and prostitution, become victims of sex trafficking, domestic violence, and so-called honor killings.”

Jordano Confino, Girls Learn International
As quoted in Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn

Our Mission Partner in Cambodia

Servants to Asia's Urban Poor and TASK, the localized Cambodian organization, is our mission partner in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. In addition to administering our scholarship program, TASK works in many ministries in the slums of Phnom Penh. For example, through their HIV/AIDS Education Program they provided quality education to 6,495 young people who are students, garment factory workers, taxi drivers, or unemployed. The 16 hour class also teaches about sexually transmitted diseases, reproductive health, drug impact and prevention, and gender issues and domestic violence. They are truly a blessing to the poor in Phnom Penh.

Is Education Too Expensive?

"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."

-Derek Bok, former president of Harvard University, as quoted in Half the Sky

The Impact of School Uniforms

"One way to reduce pregnancies is to subsidize school uniforms for girls. That keeps them in school longer, which means that they delay marriage and pregnancy until they are better able to deliver babies. A South African study found that giving girls a $6 uniform every eighteen months increases the chance that they would stay in school and consequently significantly reduced the number of pregnancies they experienced."

-From Half the Sky, Nicholas Kristoff & Sheryl WuDun

The Child Academy, in Tembisa South Africa, just began purchasing uniforms for their students.

More on Educating Girls

"The single most important way to encourage women and girls to stand up for their rights is education, and we can do far more to promote universal education in poor countries."

-From Half the Sky, Nicholas Kristoff & Sheryl WuDun

The New Afterschool Tutoring Center in Tijuana

As part of the scholarship program in Mexico, students attend an afterschool tutoring center for help with their homework. Although there are twenty scholarship students, almost 40 children go to the center for homework help. The following pictures were taken at the center during MIPC's recent Mens' Housebuilding Trip. Rosa, pictured above, runs the tutoring center for the children.

Another reason why MIPC focuses on educating girls in the world

"Traffickers tend to prey on uneducated peasant girls precisely because they are the ones most likely to obey orders and resign themselves to their fate."

-from Half the Sky, Nicholas Kristof & Sheryl WuDun

Missions focus on educating girls

"It appears that more girls have been killed in the last 50 years, precisely because they were girls, than men were killed in all the wars of the 20th century."

From Half the Sky, Nicholas Kristoff & Sheryl WuDun

Why MIPC focuses on educating girls in the world

"Every year at least another 2 million girls worldwide disappear because of gender discrimination."

-from Half the Sky, Nicholas Kristof & Sheryl WuDun

Interested in a medical mission to Vietnam?

Dr. Graham Nichol and Dr. Carter Hill from MIPC continue to work to improve emergency medicine in Vietnam with a team of doctors and nurses from California, New York, Denver and Boston. The team will be taking its eighth trip to Vietnam to the Hue Medical College in March, 2010. Carter says that the team is continually amazed at the warmth and friendliness of their Vietnamese counterparts. The March trip will be set up to teach the teachers in Vietnam, sharing a quality emergency medicine curriculum.

As for future trips, the team has leased a home three blocks from the Hue Medical College where “sabbatical opportunities abound for interested medical missionaries.” The current focus is in emergency medicine, but this could easily expand in the future. Contact Carter Hill, CarterHill@Comcast.net for more information.

Friday night Fiesta at the orphanage

Paul delivers popsicles on a hot day.

The walls go up!

This is one of our houses at the end of day 2.5. We are having a
great trip. God amazes me each year with the miracles of walls going
up on our houses so quickly, but walls coming down just as quickly
between our group. The intimacy and vulnerability in being real with
one another and relationships being strengthened with each other and
with God remind me of how important this trip is. Thanks for your
prayerful support. We had a great fiesta with children and staff of
orphanage tonight with taco bar, mariachis and piñata. Last day of
construction is tomorrow. Can hardly believe we'll be heading home
in 36 hours. See you all soon!

Paul

Asa Mercer: It's great to be back!

It was good to get back to Mercer Tuesday. I thought the school looked very good - new quotations on the walls, a huge student mural in one hall and student artwork on display in the library. It felt no more crowded and the registrar told Craig there are only 50 more students than last year.

I saw Susan only as she introduced me to my students - Wenpei from China who told me she doesn't like "A"s - only "A+". Christen is an 8th grader who came in looking as if there was no way she was going to be happy with a tutor. I was amazed that after a short time she poured out her life story and indicated she will continue with me.

A quick story: One question on Susan's get acquainted list was "What memorable moment from elementary school stands out for you?" Wenpei thought for a few seconds then her face lit up and she said "Martin Luther King - I have a dream." She's a little hard to under stand but apparently her class had to write out that speech and either read or memorize it. We talked about it briefly then she said, "I have a dream too!" When I asked her what that is, she said, "To make a difference." I'm sure she will and what a privilege for me to have even a tiny part of that. It is great to be back!

Linda Fetters

At the End of Slavery-IJM film at MIPC

am happy to report that nearly 70 compassionate individuals showed up at MIPC on Oct. 20th for the screening of International Justice Mission's documentary, "At the End of Slavery: The Battle for Justice in our Time."

Many signed postcards, urging passage of federal anti-trafficking legislation (HR 2737). Many gave what they had. One attendee initially gave $1, but when he realized he actually had $5 he could give, he gave that. Many expressed a desire to do something to stop the exploitation of children and put an end to modern day slavery, of which over 27 million are victims. The attendees asked excellent questions. I give thanks to God that so many people showed they care for those who are most vulnerable.

Susan Stanley
MIPC-IJM Team Leader and IJM Justice Advocate

Sunday's Day of Grooming at Plymouth on Stewart

Key to Hope Luncheon

I've just returned from attending the PHG 'Key to Hope' luncheon, held at the Convention Center, and attended by 1023 supporters. Mayor Nichols was one of several opening speakers, with the Keynote Speaker being Dr. Maya Angelou. Mercer Island Presbyterian Church was one of five Volunteer Groups publicly recognized as making a difference in the lives of their residents. We were also presented with an autographed copy of 'The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou'. It was a humbling and rewarding experience. So, I would like to take this opportunity to say to all of you, that if you think you may not make a difference by what you do for those at both Plymouth and Simons, know that you are giving them the support they need to rebuild their lives and regain their dignity. May God bless all of you.

Kelly Nelson
Team Leader
Plymouth Housing

Thanksgiving at Plymouth

Ok, so I know it seems early to be talking about Thanksgiving, but when you need to feed 160, early discussions are required. This year, we are hosting a Thanksgiving luncheon at Plymouth on Stewart and the Anne Simons Seniors building with residents from Haddon house stopping by. Our 4th year. As most of you know these buildings are a part of the Plymouth Housing Group which provides housing to the poor and formerly homeless.

Last year we fed 150 folks and the atmosphere was magical. We not only fed stomachs but we fed souls (ours and theirs). Imagine what it’s like to be seated at a table setup with white table cloths and handcrafted centerpieces being served a homemade lunch by a 10 year old child and her family when just a couple of years ago or in some cases months ago you were living on the streets. What’s not spiritual about that?

We can’t do this alone, we need your help. If you would like to serve at the event or could roast a turkey, make a side dish or desert or supply bread, drinks or condiments contact Elaine Bolger at 206-275-2654 or by email at bolger8166@comcast.net. The sooner the better – a luncheon this size requires a lot of advance planning. Thank you and God Bless.

Revolutionizing Emergency Medicine in Vietnam

Dr. Vien Doan, a physician in Riverside, California, has been quoted as saying, “Your church needs to know that your doctors are revolutionizing emergency medicine in Vietnam.” Drs. Carter Hill and Graham Nichol have been leading medical teams to Vietnam for about ten years. During that time they have been teaching emergency medicine in the Hue Medical College in Central Vietnam. Because of their efforts, Vietnam is beginning to develop a program of emergency medicine and is changing medical college curriculum to include a residency program, something they have not had before. Dr. Hill and Dr. Nichol told about their ministry in Vietnam in last Sunday’s Christian Education class, called the Power of One. The class gave them a standing ovation for the work they are doing.

Our first lunch at Plymouth on Stewart

During our four years at Plymouth on Stewart, housing for the previously homeless, we have gotten to know and form a special relationship with the residents. Having lunch with them last month after not being there in July and August, felt like coming home to family and friends. As one resident said to me, “I loved summer, but I really missed you guys”!

If you have any desire to participate in this wonderful experience, please contact , Kelly Nelson at kellnels@comcast.net, or 206 275 3013.

At the End of Slavery-IJM film at MIPC

I am very excited to share the great news that Int'l Justice Mission has released a documentary narrated by Danny Glover called "At the End of Slavery: The Battle for Justice in our Time." MIPC is screening the film on Oct. 20th at 7 p.m.--free admission--so that anyone interested in human rights can see first-hand what is happening right now in the brothels and brick kilns across the globe. Children and adults are literally for sale - being bought and sold. But what is most encouraging is to hear from the former slaves themselves and to know that we can be a part of the solution, from rescue and aftercare, to bringing perpetrators to justice. I myself have had the privilege to meet several young women who survived their ordeals. One girl was 13, and her mother had sold her at the age of 7. For the first time in her life, she was in a place where she felt hope and love. Wouldn't it be awesome if we all invited our friends and neighbors to come see this excellent film and decide for themselves where they stand on this issue that affects 27 million people?

Susan Stanley

Thank you from MI Youth & Family Services

I just wanted to take a moment and thank you and your congregation for the influx of donations coming to the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Food Pantry.
After the summer decrease in donations and the increase in use, the pantry was having difficulty meeting the requests for food.

With the recent donations from your congregation our shelves are filled once again. And with the current regional food drive we anticipate donations increasing over the next month.

We continue to welcome your donations, and if as last year there comes a time when we believe that our pantry is meeting capacity I will once again suggest that the donations be redirected to another larger provider in the area.

Thanks so much choosing to assist low income Mercer Island families through the MIYFS Food Pantry.

Cheryl R. Hudson-Manriquez, B.S.W.
Family Assistance and Employment Coordinator

More about the Straley House

The Straley House is part of a new program called Catalyst, established for kids who have been screened out of other programs because of drug problems or other behavioral issues. So before this, the most troubled kids have had nowhere to go. Catalyst was started as an experiment to see whether this population could be successfully reached.

In the first 150 days Catalyst has had remarkable success, moving several young adults into recovery and needed treatment programs while stabilizing others to move to rental or other housing. Our prayers should continue to go to this amazing staff and to the young people who are struggling with these issues.

So thank you again for our church’s support in preparing meals for them, giving in the truest Christian way since these kids are not really able to give back or adequately show their appreciation.

Karen Jones

A Ministry Partner for Child Academy

Dr. Teresa Harris comes to Seattle

Missions has invited Dr. Teresa Harris from James Madison University to meet with the Child Academy Mission Team here this Friday and Saturday. She is a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, Virginia, a partner with The Child Academy in Tembisa, South Africa. She is here to update us on the status of Child Academy after spending two weeks there last summer. She will return to Tembisa in January for a six month Fullbright Scholarship to work with the Child Academy and the University of Pretoria. MIPC Missions is grateful to partner with Trinity and Dr. Harris in our ongoing ministry in Tembisa.

Glo

Straley House

As part of our feeding program, we have been working with YouthCare to provide meals on a monthly basis to one of their houses “The Straley House”. The Straley House is a pre-transitional housing program that provides emergency housing to homeless young. The house provides shelter for up to 12 kids ages 18-21. A variety of wonderful volunteers through MIPC have provided a home cooked meal once per month since last March. The time commitment is very low with this mission opportunity, it involves preparing a meal in advance and dropping it off at the house in the evening. Since they are trying to create a home-like atmosphere vs. a mission or institution, they have requested that we not stay to serve. A couple of friends and I provided the first meal last March and had a great experience. We were greeted by a couple of the kids, chatted for a few minutes, left our meal, which they were very grateful for, and took the opportunity to have a girls night out and grab dinner ourselves in the University district. What a fun way to serve and be served! The house is located in the Ravenna Park area of Seattle. If you’d like to sign up for a month or need more information, contact me at 206-275-2654 or by email at bolger8166@comcast.net..

Blessings to all,

Elaine Bolger

New tutors at Asa Mercer

5 new tutors have signed up since Sunday to help at Asa Mercer!

Team MIPC | Seattle AIDS Walk Update

Thank you, thank you, one and all. What a day! The sun was out and Team MIPC was also out in force. We had a final total of 60 walkers and raised a total amount close to $15,000 to support the work of LifeLong AIDS Alliance. I am very proud of you all. Once again, Team MIPC has made a difference in the Seattle community. Many of the LifeLong AIDS Alliance staff came up to me to thank us for our participation.

For those of you who came to personally support us, we are grateful for your care and support. I know that Paul and Devon feel the same.

Steve and I have decided that after three years of leading the team, we are going to turn over the reigns to others. Would you prayerfully consider whether you might be one that is being called to lead.

On October 4, during the Christian Education hour, Paul, Devon, Steve and I will be talking about our stories and the opportunities to continue to serve in the local community. Please join us for this offering.

Thank you once again for going the extra miles.

Blessings on your journey,
Carter and Steve Case