Vineyard USA Haiti Relief

Did you know that 3% of our total offerings go to the Vineyard USA? Did you know that this is common practice among Vineyards throughout the U.S.? And did you know that almost all of this then gets redistributed for acts of mercy, church planting and seed money for conferences? And did you know that the glorious “National Office” in Sugar Land TX is smaller than many people’s homes and has a staff of fewer than a dozen mostly overworked people? (Think low overhead.) That’s right.

By the way, our offerings, along with those of others, funded a huge relief effort in the country of Haiti following the devastating earthqakes earlier this year. If you’d like to contribute directly with you dollars you can do that here. If you’d like instead offer your time and presence in Haiti, the need is still great, especially for skilled laborers. Spread the word to electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and contractors of all sorts. The contact person for the camp is Diane Jacobson.

Upcoming: Formed Kick-off

Kevin Rains sent in the following invitation:

Formed is the outgrowth of several friends working together to flesh out a new curriculum for Christlikeness. Together we developed a year long curriculum based around 12 vows, in the form of a prayer book that immerses us in the Psalms and Gospels. Each month is a different module based around a vow that kicks-off with a guest lecturer.

Our first lecturer is Dave Nixon, who will be teaching on Soul-keeping. Please join us for two hours of teaching and discussion around this important subject. You’ll leave with the knowledge and inspiration to develop healthy habits and rhythms in your life. You’ll also be given a pdf of September’s curriculum that includes daily prayers, readings, and reflections on the vow of soul-keeping…. All that and a belly full of home-made tamales (made by our dear neighbor Maria).

All are welcome.

Cost:
$15 (including tamales) …$10 with a student ID

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Prison Ministry Update

Vineyard Central’s Janet McNeel, Laura Menze, Nathan Myers and Joshua Hanauer attended the training session provided by StepUp Prison Mentoring. On Tuesday August 10th they will be paired with residents of River City Correctional Center located in Camp Washington. After that initial introduction, each mentor will meet with their resident for three months while they are still in River City and for three additional months post release.

Our community was selected by Don Whittaker after he noticed many of those released from River City were living in Norwood and they had no church with which to connect those individuals. We are in a unique position to be a near constant presence to these men and women in need of a community who will care for them, provide a positive example to follow and assist in transitioning back into society.

Please take a moment and pray for each of these by name and for the relationships they will attempt to foster over the coming months. If you find yourself interested and wanting to assist in this specific ministry please contact Joshua Hanauer :: joshuahanauer@me.com

Prison Ministry Opportunity

Vineyard Central is welcoming Don Whitaker from Step Up Prison Mentoring for an evening of training. Together we will learn what it takes to create of positive mentoring relationship with someone at the River City Correctional Center in Camp Washington. In order to attend the training, please send Joshua Hanauer an email (joshuahanauer@me.com) and he will send you a volunteer application and provide further details.

When: July 29th from 5-8 pm
Where: St Es

Light snacks/refreshments provided.

link to step up’s website: http://www.jobsplusnetwork.org/jmla/stepup.html