Mission and Justice
December 2016
Every December, PACC gets involved with several important outreach projects to serve our neighbors in Arlington, Boston and beyond.
Adopt-A-Family – Dec 4
Organized by the Town of Arlington, gifts go to Arlington families in need. Each year we receive the “Wish Lists” children and families. Church members have been signing up since November 20 to help make Christmas special for four boys ages 4, 8, 11, and 17. Using the tags you were provided when you signed up, please bring your NEW and UNWRAPPED gifts to Parish Hall on Sunday, December 4. Please leave on all tags and include a gift receipt. And, please, no personal notes. You may also contribute by writing a check payable to PACC with “Adopt-A-Family” on the memo line. (Donations of wrapping paper, tape and gift bags are also welcome.) Contact Lauren Evans for details.
City Mission Society Christmas Shop – Dec 11
Like Adopt-A-Family, the City Mission Society also provides gifts for needy families but serves the entire metropolitan Boston area. (https://citymissionboston.org/engage/christmas-shop/) Bring new unwrapped gifts to church by Sunday, December 11th. Gifts should be left under the Christmas tree in the Narthex. Gift Suggestions: Winter coats, sweaters and sweatshirts (large sizes especially); hats, mittens, gloves and scarves; socks and underwear; blankets; backpacks; toys, games, and books for all ages; Boston area store gift cards.
Germaine Lawrence/Youth Villages Holiday Heroes– Dec 11
If you signed up to provide gifts for girls at the Germaine Lawrence/Youth Villages School (right around the corner from PACC), please bring to church by December 11.
UCC Christmas Fund
The UCC Pensions Boards organizes a special offering each Christmas (The Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund) to help provide pension and health premium supplements to lower-income retired church workers, emergency assistance to clergy or lay church employees in need, as well as Christmas “Thank You” gift checks to hundreds of annuitants. Donations may be made using the blue pew envelopes or by check payable to PACC with “UCC Christmas Fund” on the memo line.
In addition, our regular monthly food collection for the Arlington Food Pantry will be Sunday, December 4. For a list of recommended and high need items visit http://arlingtonfoodpantry.org. For distribution dates or to learn how to register to receive food see:
arlingtonfoodpantry.org. We are also looking for regular or occasional volunteers to deliver to the AFP. Speak with Betty Rich if you are interested.
Annual Spending Meeting – Dec 7
Interested in directing our Mission and Justice, Christian Outreach and Hayes Fund donations? Join us Dec 7 at 7:30 pm in the Fellowship Room. (Please hold Saturday, December 10, 10:30 in case we need more time!)
Betty Gitlin-Rich, Deacon for PACC’s Mission and Justice Ministry