EFCA ReachGlobal Crisis Response is uniquely positioned to bring the hope of Christ following Hurricane Harvey.
The full extent of the storm’s impact on families and communities served by local EFCA churches across the Texas coast is still unknown. Initial assessments show almost every EFCA church in the Houston region (15 total) has families flooded out of homes, and extensive damage in the communities in which they serve.
More information will be available in the coming days. For updates on our response to Hurricane Harvey, to give online and to volunteer, visit efca.org/hurricaneharvey.
Pray
For peace and provision for the many families experiencing flooding who attend EFCA churches in the Houston area, as well as friends and neighbors. For local EFCA recovery and gospel outreach efforts to reach the hurting and the lost.For effective service and outreach opportunities to the city’s many immigrants and refugees, as Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city of the 10 largest U.S. metropolitan areas. For the Church across the country to mobilize people and resources for a sustained, long-term response.
Serve
Organize a team to serve affected families, invest in relationships, and impact Houston with the gospel. Teams of limited size will be accepted beginning Sunday, September 17. Email
respond@efca.org for more information.
Give
Given the extent of the damage in Houston, and the surrounding area, the EFCA’s goal is to raise $1 million for response efforts.
By Check: EFCA, 901 E 78th St., Minneapolis, MN 55420. Indicate Hurricane Harvey response – 39694.
Online: Give at www.efca.org/hurricaneharvey
Did you know there is a Community Bible Study offered here in Rochester to anyone who is looking for another option to study His word? This is an interdenominational study that is held at the Rochester Christ United Methodist Church every Tuesday night from 7-8:30. This year we will have an indepth study of the book of Isaiah. Please call Rich, CBS coordinator at 507-280-0538 with any questions. For more information go to http://www.communitybiblestudy.org/get-connected/find-a-class/class/?classid=12640
We are hosting a food drive for In His Name on September 24 at Calvary during our Ministry Fair.
Items needed most (not expired, no glass):
- Peanut Butter & Jelly/Jam
- Pasta & Spaghetti Sauce/Canned Tomatoes
- Oatmeal or Cereal
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Pancake Mix & Syrup
- Canned Tuna or Chicken
- Canned Soups, Fruit or Vegetables
- Hamburger, Chicken or Tuna Helper
Partnering with In His Name
One of the ways we serve those in need is through In His Name food distribution. Over a dozen churches partner with us to feed the poor and pray for their needs. You can help:
- Be a servant: find people in need, and bring them food, love and hope in Jesus’ name; or just pass along the ordering a box information. For questions or to order a box of food, please call 507-206-1889.
- Become a prayer partner and pray regularly for TEAM Rochester, In His Name and for those who receive the food boxes. This makes a difference in our community every single month!
- Volunteer and help pack food boxes, load vehicles and pray with the box recipients on the 4th Saturday each month at Hope Summit Christian Church.
- Give financially to further this ministry and the mission God has given to each of us. Give a one-time gift or become a monthly sponsor. Checks should be written to TEAM Rochester.
For more information, visit the TEAM Rochester website: www.teamrochester.org
Mission
TEAM Rochester partners together with volunteers, churches and organizations in the Rochester area to pursue positive spiritual transformation in our social, economic, civic, and life of faith. It’s our desire to encourage followers of Jesus Christ in greater Rochester to serve together in unity and spirit. As the Lord Jesus prayed, “...that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.”(John 17:23)
We will accomplish this significant task by:
• Supporting/Sustaining Prayer for our Area and World
• Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ
• Serving those in Need
Hosting
If you're interested in hosting clinic patients or Children’s Heart Project families, please contact Dianne Orth.
Calvary's Children's Heart Project
Our team is accepting large suitcases in excellent condition for 2018 CHP group take-home. Contact Dianne Orth for drop-off at Pastor Larry's office.
New Life Family Services
Gala and Silent Auction on October 26 at the Mayo Civic Center. Join us for an inspirational evening as we celebrate the Courageous Love of our clients. We are excited to share with you what God has done in the past year and where He is leading us in the year to come! Please register at www.nlfs.org.
Together for Good (TFG)
New ministry in Rochester (started by former staff of Safe Families). TFG is in need of new volunteers to provide overnight care for children, help with transportation, activities, or meals, and develop friendships with parents. We will also be partnering with MN Adult & Teen Challenge to provide long term support for children while parents are completing their programs. For more information, please contact Joy McAfee: joy@tfgood.org.
FCA Fall SUMMIT
Oct. 8, 12:30-3:30 pm, free pizza and pop. Hope Summit Church. Luann Buechler (luannb.com) will be leading a session on finding your passions in life and pointing that towards leadership and career. RSVP Bkoch@fca.org or 507-273-8069 by Friday, Oct. 6.
Global Christian Suffering: How you can help! Around the world, growing numbers of Christians are losing their lives and property daily, simply for following Jesus. Calvary has sent a gift through Send International (www.send.org) to serve Ukrainian refugees. You can help to by donating to the "refuges in crisis fund "online at www.efca.org.
Two other ministries that effectively focus on this issue are Open Doors (www.opendoorsusa.org) and Voice of the Martyrs (www.persecution.com). Please give and pray for relief and perseverance to these dear brothers and sisters (1 John 3:17-18).
