Each year we receive the PCUSA One Great Hour of Sharing offering at Palm Sunday and Easter. This offering goes to support three areas of ministry in the national PCUSA:

• The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
• The Presbyterian Hunger Program
• The Self-Development of People program.

At the end of March 2020, the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program set aside over two million dollars to be used in response to the current pandemic.  Our support of this offering goes to continuing this good work.  Find out more and donate here:  https://specialofferings.pcusa.org/offering/oghs/

The Grace Christian Discipleship Team met virtually this week.  We brainstormed ways to connect with the congregation in this time.  Right now, Martin Burch’s Tuesday Zoom class is the primary Christian Education offering.  We’re considering what else we might offer virtually, and we have a request.

What are you doing at home right now?  Are you reading the daily lectionary?  Do you have a favorite devotional practice?  Is there a website or blog that you find particularly helpful?  Maybe you most connect with God on your long walks or while listening to music.

Will you email catherine@mgypc.org and share what you’re doing?  We’ll then share your ideas with the congregation.

The Grace Refugee Team met online last Friday.  In addition to Grace, the meeting included a member of First Presbyterian and two staff members from the International Rescue Committee (IRC).  The team and IRC are grateful for the wonderful response to the March Yellow Bag drive.  All of the items donated were delivered to the IRC.

IRC has now closed their office, but the staff continues to work with clients. Like other vulnerable groups, the refugee community has unique challenges related to the Coronavirus.  In particular there are challenges for students in the USD 259 system related to getting their “at home” packets.  Many of the parents do not speak English or have computer access.

A current need is for English speakers. As IRC works to get tablets and internet access to families, English speaking volunteers are needed to speak with children to help them practice their English.  Volunteers can also read books online.  To volunteer call 316-351-5495.  IRC is now receiving mail at: IRC, Attn: Megan Webb, P.O. Box 21107, Wichita 67208.

First Presbyterian and Grace continue to plan for the annual back to school event for refugee families.

Are you starting seedlings at your house?  Once they grow to the point of planting, will you consider sharing?

Jacob’s Learning Ladder will start its spring summer garden soon, and your contributions are a fun way to connect the church with JLL.  Contact Emily Stoltz emily@mygpc.org or Nancy Morrow nancy@mygpc.org to set up a time to drop off plants.  Thanks!

Are you interested in reading books that offer perspectives different from traditional, mainstream Christian authors? Join us for a new reading and discussion experience!

Inspired by author Sarah Bessey’s 2020 Field Notes Book Club, we read “books that help to form us more into the image of Jesus for the sake of the world written by exclusively BIPOC (black, indigenous, and/or people of colour) authors.”

You may choose to read each book and come to all six meetings, or pick the ones that interest you and fit with your schedule.

We started in February and meet again in April.  In April we meet via Zoom.

• You may video in:  https://zoom.us/j/797677140
• Or you may call in: +1 346 248 7799
• The Meeting ID is: 797 677 140

The book for April is Defiant: What the Women of Exodus Teach Us About Freedom by Kelly Nikondeha.

Everyone is welcome! Questions? See Melissa Buteyn (englishteachmb@gmail.com). Find out more about Sarah Bessy at sarahbessey.com.