Page 34 - First Churches 2019-20Annual Report.docx

· Supported efforts in the Free Eduardo Campaign. Eduardo is an immigrants’ rights activist who attended Hampshire College and was an intern both at the Pioneer Valley
Workers Center and then with in an Episcopal Church program in the Valley. He was arrested when he went to visit relatives in Georgia, incarcerated and then forced to return to Mexico despite both our local efforts and the efforts of Representative McGovern and both Massachusetts Senators in support of his return to Massachusetts.
Respectfully submitted, Sharon Moulton
Missions Team
Missions Annual Report: 2018-2019 Barbara Parsons death has been a blow to the congregation and to all who have come to know and love her. Her friendship, wisdom and good will have been invaluable contributions to Missions and we miss her deeply.
Missions provides financial assistance to our state and national denominations which have programs throughout our country and worldwide. These programs might be religious, agricultural, medical, educational or involve help during natural disasters.
Our Mission budgets are derived from a percentage of overall pledges and income. In addition to denominational support we also give to local social service groups, food suppliers, homeless shelters and services, and international aid. A breakdown of giving can be found in the budget. Local, national and international needs can be overwhelming, but every donation is important and reflects our generous congregation’s thoughtful Christian concern for others.
We are excited to share the progress of three ongoing mission projects, funded this past year:
· Catholic Charities, with a local office in Springfield, MA has taken the lead nationally in resettlement of refugees. “We have a duty toward our brothers and sisters who, for various reasons, have been forced to leave their homeland: a duty of justice, of civility and of solidarity.” - Pope Francis 2/2017. Catholic Charities is a subcontracted agency to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Migrant and Refugee Services that offers welcome, placement and resettlement services for newly arriving refugees to this country. Even before arrival they prepare for newcomers by identifying possible living arrangements, basic supplies and a circle of volunteers to assist in the resettling process. This circle of care works with case
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