In the News
Foundry’s New Home!
After a year of meeting people in Eastlake and Otay Ranch, Foundry has opened its doors at 861 Harold Place. It is an exciting and busy time for us as we watch this former warehouse transformed into a welcoming church home and place of social service. There’s a new faith-life community in East Chula Vista and all are invited to participate!
Posted on: March 23, 2012
Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?
- In 2010, the average American family spent $1,000 on Christmas gifts for friends and family.
- 33 percent of people polled estimate it will take them more than six months to pay off their Christmas debt.
- The pressures to create the “perfect holiday” push many couples to the brink. Filings for divorce soar in the three weeks following Christmas – peaking in early January.
What if we all said, “ENOUGH!” to the current voices telling us to spend, consume and waste more this holiday?
What if we decided to “ReThink” Christmas by remembering whose birthday we are celebrating? And then asking ourselves what Jesus would like for his birthday gift?
What if we made the commitment to spend as much time and money on God’s top priorities as we do on Christmas gifts for family and friends?
We don’t have to guess what God values. The Bible contains more than 300 verses on the poor, social justice and environmental stewardship. In the Book of John, Jesus clearly tells Peter, “If you love me, feed my sheep.” Proverbs says “He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD.” The Old and New Testaments are full of references to God’s creation of the earth and humanity’s responsibility to protect its natural resources.
There are many needs in this hurting world. If you know of a family in need or a community organization that is struggling to survive, that’s a great place to start. If you would like some other ideas, Foundry UMC is pleased to offer these specific suggestions.
Local, National and International Organizations That Need Your Help
The Chula Vista Public Library Foundation – Foundry is already helping CVPFL to raise funds for a much-needed public library our home community in Eastern Chula Vista. 95 cents of every dollar donated go directly to library support.
South Bay Community Services – Providing social services to Chula Vista residents since 1971, this dynamic organization provides child abuse prevention and intervention; shelter and support for homeless families; first-time homebuyer assistance; parenting classes; and housing for families living with AIDS/HIV.
Stomp Out Bullying – One in four teens report being bullied and ninety percent of LGBT students experience harassment at school and online. Stomp Out Bullying emphasizes education and public awareness to address this issue. So far, 1.3 million people have taken their online pledge to stomp our bullying in their communities.
Feeding America – One in six Americans relies on Feeding America’s network of food banks to adequately support their family’s diet. 37 million Americans receive 3 billion pounds of food each year thanks to the efforts of this organization
Surfrider Foundation – 80 grassroots chapters throughout the United States work to protect our oceans, waves and beaches. Money donated to Surfrider goes a long way — $25 is enough to provide bags and gloves to remove 500 pounds of beach trash!
Imagine No Malaria – Every 45 seconds a child in Africa dies of Malaria, a totally preventable mosquito-borne disease. This outreach of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) works to provide nets as well as treatment and infrastructure improvements that will end this scourge.
Wateraid – 2.6 billion people live without safe sanitation and 884 million people lack access to drinking water. Wateraid works in 27 countries to provide clean water, safe sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest populations.
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Posted on: November 3, 2011