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Soup Scoop 2004
With joy and thanksgiving, this newsletter celebrates the good news of 2003 and 2004. A litany of blessings have been poured down on the ministries of the Soup Kitchen. We thank each and everyone of you who has donated your time, energy, talent, and gifts. We ask that you pray for the ministries of the Soup Kitchen as well as our urban ministry partners. May we be open to the workings of the Spirit and the guidance of God as we look to serve and to be served this year and years to come.
Birth Certificate/State ID program
In 2003, First Presbyterian Church celebrated its 175th anniversary. One of our goals: to fill a need and provide 175 birth certificates. This program quickly caught on and grew. From March to December of 2003, we applied for 291 unduplicated birth certificates. In addition, by partnering with Shady Grove Presbyterian Church and Memphis Inner City Outreach Church, 232 individuals received his or her state ID.
2003 Birth Certificates: Financial Summary
Special Offerings/DesignatedDonations $2,017.00
Kroger Income $875.80
Schnucks Income $437.50
Total B.C. Income $3,330.10
Total B.C. Expense (including postage) $3,053.74
Net Income $276.36
This ministry continues to thrive in 2004. Each month we apply for approximately 40 birth certificates. 150 individuals this year have received their state ID, putting the total at over 400! If you would like to support this program consider working with Evelyn Walker and shop at Krogers/ Shnucks (see the following article "Make an Outreach Contribution while Grocery Shopping") or send a donation to the Soup Kitchen designated "birth certificates". We also need volunteers from 2P.M. until 4:30P.M. the first two Sundays of each month to help clients apply for birth certificates. In less than three hours you can be a part of the changing tides of someone's hopes and dreams by guiding them through this crucial and often confusing process. It is both a rewarding and insightful process. Or consider joining us the first or second Tuesday of each month at the Millington DMV (usually a 4 to 6 hour commitment) to assist people in getting their state ID. If you would like to volunteer please contact Ellen Roberds (525-5619, ext. 306).
Souper Bowl 2004
Thank you to the following churches for sharing their Souper Bowl offerings with the Soup Kitchen this past winter: Advent Presbyterian, Evergreen Presbyterian, Eudora Baptist, Faith Presbyterian, Farmington Presbyterian, First Methodist-Memphis, First Methodist- Wynne, AR, First Presbyterian-Memphis, First Presbyterian-West Memphis, Highland Heights Presbyterian, and Shady Grove Presbyterian. A record amount of $3,832 was raised through your super efforts. This offering has become a vital part of our ministries.
Encourage your youth to start planning early for the 2005 Souper Bowl offering and day of service by logging onto www.souperbowl.org. It is a great way to get your youth and entire congregation involved.
Christmas 2003
From Stephanie Wall at Germantown Presbyterian Church
On Sunday, December 21, 2003, 15 college students and advisors from Germantown Presbyterian Church hosted a Christmas party for the children who are served by the First Presbyterian Soup Kitchen. This is the second year of this party and 2003 was bigger and better!
In 2002, some 50 children enjoyed the party and 60 were expected for 2003. However, 80 children came ready to celebrate the Christmas holiday. All of the children were treated to a visit from Santa and a picture with him. Each child then decorated a picture frame for their photo.
The children also decorated homemade sugar cookies, made bead jewelry and candycane reindeer.
Each child also received a new backpack full of an assortment of school and art supplies, small toys, and new socks, hats and gloves.
The Germantown Presbyterian Church 8th & 9th grade Confirmation classes and people from the congregation donated the items to be included in the
backpacks. Three families from Germantown Presbyterian donated the money to purchase the backpacks.
It was a great day and the plans for 2004 are already in the works!
CLOTHES CLOSET FROM HELEN
Is Fashion Your Passion?
This is Helen Melton's burning question. If your passion is fashion she has a position for you. You too could be surrounded by beautiful clothes. Contact Helen to volunteer to sort and care for the many fashions we have available for our clients in the clothes closet. Or you may wish to donate clothes, new or used. Thank for your generosity and hard work over the past year.
Needs:
Women: shoes (large sizes), socks, underwear, bras, shorts, t-shirts, and belts.
Men: shirts (small), pants (small), shoes (esepecially tennis shoes), underwear, shorts, t-shirts, and belts.
Newborn clothes
How to find Helen Melton at home #276-6296 or deep in the clothes closet, cell #233-8542.
CHAIRS
The wear and tear of weekly meals eventually requires us to replace tables and chairs. We replaced several tables two years ago. Soon we will need to replace some of the metal folding chairs. If you have a resource for these supplies to help us purchase them at a discounted price, please contact Ellen D. Roberds at 525-5619 ext. 306.
Have you met Colleen?
Colleen Dunn is a member of Highland Heights Presbyterian Church. She has been volunteering for the Soup Kitchen for many years with her church. She became further involved with the Soup Kitchen by substituting for Jamie Evans once a month on Sunday afternoons.
Three and a half years ago, we wanted to start a newsletter, but were overwhelmed by the time constraints of the process. Colleen called and shared with me what she was thinking: "I would like to spend more time helping with the Soup Kitchen. I feel called to more service. Is there anything I can do, like help start a newsletter?" The first edition of the Soup Scoop was sent out in April 2001.
Soon after Colleen began typesetting, printing, and mailing the Soup Scoop, she was called to do even more. For around 18 months, Colleen has been coming to the church twice a week. She does everything from filling hygiene kits to paying bills. Due to her commitment, the enormous amount of paperwork associated with the Birth Certificate program, is addressed in a prompt and organized manner. Colleen regularly shops at the Food Bank to help keep our Food Pantry stocked while also cutting costs for the Sunday meal. In addition, she counsels our daily walk-ins. While I was on leave last Fall, the ministries of First Presbyterian Church continued to be offered due to the commitment of Colleen and many others. How grateful we are to have Colleen with us. Colleen is usually here on Mondays and Thursdays. She can be reached at 525-5619, ext. 308.
Ellen
GIFTS
In Honor of
June Averyt and Murray McKay
from Cindy Cates Moore and Scott Moore
Ben Adams, Jr. from Jerry Stauffer
Ellen Roberds from Hope Byers, Joe and Angela Byers
In Memory of
Mr. Ray Wiles, & Ms. Tina Wiles
from Mary Wiles, Robert and Linda Wiles, Warner R. Wiles, Jr.
The Rev. Dr. Paul Y. Harlan
from Ann and John Fain
Billie Stepherson
from Phyllis and Tandy Brannon
Etha Shawhan
from Phyllis and Tandy Brannon
Al Beyer
from Jena Beyer
from A.W. Knippa
Walk For the Homeless
Last year at the 2003 Walk for the Homeless, we raised $909.90 for the Soup Kitchen. We had a record number of walkers to join us that day. While most of us were hoping to make the turn back to Mississippi Boulevard at a slow gait, David "Radio" Remus, the Soup Kitchen cook and kitchen coordinator, had run his way to the front of the pack. Ask him some Sunday to show you his medal! The Walk for the Homeless is an annual event sponsored by the Greater Memphis Interagency Coalition for the Homeless. While this walk raises money for agencies serving the homeless, it is also heightens city awareness of the homeless population. Come show you care. Come meet others who care. Learn about groups helping the homeless. This year's walk will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2004. We hope to see you there!
Make an Outreach Contribution while Grocery Shopping
Frequently Asked Questions about Schnuck’s and Kroger’s Fundraising Programs
Kroger and Schnuck's grocery stores offer ways to raise money for various non-profit ventures. Members of First Presbyterian Church have been shopping for a cause for a year and a half. All proceeds raised help fund the Birth Certificate program. The following questions and answers can help you encourage your family, friends, and faith communities to shop with purpose.
How much does it cost to join the program?
NOTHING! The Kroger fundraising card is initially loaded with $5 (the cost of the card) and is ready for you to use in buying groceries. The Schnuck’s cards are loaded with either $25 or $100 depending on which one you purchase.
Can I still use my Kroger card when I pay with the fundraising card?
By all means! In fact, I insist that you do.
Can I use a check or credit card when I go to load my card at Kroger’s Customer Service?
THE stores manager controls the method of payment used by each store. Theoretically, you should be able to use cash, credit/debit card or check when loading the card; however, if that store has had bad experiences with some methods, they may only accept cash.
Which card is “re-useable”?
The Kroger card is reusable. You should go to Kroger Customer service and ask them to “load” the card with whatever amount you wish.
What do I do when I’ve depleted the balance on my Schnuck’s cards?
Throw them away and order more!!!
Where does the money we raise go?
We’re using the funds to purchase birth certificates and other necessary ID’s for the homeless.
How much does the Soup Kitchen get from this program?
5% of whatever you spend!!! That’s HUGE. Did you know that the PW of First Presbyterian Church completely furnished the parlor with funds they received from shopping at Montesi’s? We’re talking big bucks, folks! Just think if 50 families spend $150 per month on groceries using our program, that’s $375 for the church every month or $4500 per year. We might run out of homeless needing ID’s at that rate!!!!
How much money have we already raised?
Schnucks $650
Kroger 2003 $875/// need 2004 numbers - look up, or evelyn
The Shnuck;s program is more complicated and will need a coordinator in your congregation to maintain the system. It has been well worth the work. Evelyn Walker is glad to share her contacts and information on this program.
Evelyn Walker
evie@jdresources.com
Food Pantry
Your donations in addition to food from the Food Bank keep the pantry stocked. Canned meats, pastas, fruits, vegetables, pop-top cans, peanut butter, soups, sauces, cereals, powdered milk, and crackers fill the bags we share with families in need. Remember the Food Pantry during your next visit to the grocery store.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Tuesdays from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Clothes Closet Clean-Up, contact Helen Melton
1st and 2nd Sundays, 2P.M. from 2 - 4:30 P.M.
Birth Certificate Program, contact Ellen Roberds (525-5619 ext. 306)
1st and 2nd Tuesdays, 10 A.M. - until
State Identification Program, contact Jarad Bingham (683-7329)
1st and 3rd Sundays, 2 P.M. - 4 P.M.
Clothes Closet Servic,
for group scheduling: contact Kay Lait
for individual service, come as you are
Sundays from 1:30 - 4:00
Set up, serve, and clean-up meal
group scheduling: contact Kay Lait
Weekdays, M-F, days and hours based on individual/group scheduling organization, clean up, preparation, copying, etc. contact Ellen Roberds or Colleen Dunn
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