CHURCH UPDATES

COMMUNITY RENEWAL: SAPC MISSION PARTNER

Since the pandemic began, Community Renewal has more than doubled their giving to families needing help with rent and utilities. They see four to five families three weeks out of every month and typically pay off $2000 per week of debt. Families come in needing help, and Randy Reynolds (Community Renewal’s founder) and his assistant, Catherine, take the families through an assessment process as well as a spiritual appraisal to see where they are in their faith. Several people have come to Christ by the grace and forgiveness of Jesus that was shared with them.

Many clients come to Community Renewal being trapped in the title loan scam. Title loans are offered with a percentage rate of 112-204% to which the clients in need can never pay back because of their poverty level. CR just paid off a $3000 title loan for a man and his four children. He and his entire family got COVID, but he continued to pay back the no-interest loan from Community Renewal. Using the grace of Jesus Christ, Community Renewal blessed this family financially by paying off the rest of his loan. Community Renewal is a St. Andrew’s Mission partner and is a 501(c)3 organization.

Donations can be made to: Community Renewal 631 N 2nd Avenue Tucson, AZ 85705

Thank you for your support!

WELCOME DESK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Welcome Table is in need of a new volunteer leader and additional volunteer team members. These are important roles and also a lot of fun! Contact Gretel at gcwags@comcast.net or Amy at agrover@sapctucson.org.

JASPER MELTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Jasper Melton was actively involved in many activities at St. Andrew’s and in volunteer activities in the community. One of his primary interests was volunteering with Tucson Refugee Ministry. He began tutoring programs in math and English for refugee families. One of Jasper’s last efforts in July 2017, was to raise funds to support two students who entered UA and ASU. Many of Jasper’s friends feel that this scholarship fund is a most appropriate way to honor his memory and to continue his efforts to help these students. Several additional refugee family students are now attending universities with the help of this fund. If you need more information, contact Del Rieschick or David Vellenga.

If contributing by check, please make check payable to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and write Melton Scholarship Fund in the check memo line.

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO SERVE

The Bible tells us God blesses each of us with gifts we can use for the good of the church. The 2021 Nominating Committee has begun its work finding new church officers to begin three year terms in January 2022 serving as Elders, Deacons, and Trustees. In the weeks to come, you will be hearing and reading about these opportunities to serve St. Andrew’s. Pastor Mat will be addressing this from the pulpit and the Weekly News email will include information and a link to a nomination form. In a Moment for Mission, a current Elder, Deacon, and Trustee will tell you first hand their experiences serving as a Church Officer. If you presently serve on a church committee, you will have opportunities to brainstorm possible candidates at your meetings. Meanwhile, if you currently know someone you would like to nominate or would like to nominate yourself, please visit sapctucson.org or email markhamjudith@gmail.com. Include your name, the name of your nominee, and the office that would fit your candidate the best.