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Millennium Development Goals
In 2000, at the Millennium Summit, 189 nations from the United Nations adopted the Millennium Development Goals which are eight goals meant to reduce world suffering caused by extreme poverty by 2015. The goals are:
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
- Achieve universal primary education for all children.
- Promote gender equality and empower women.
- Reduce child mortality.
- Improve maternal health care.
- Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other preventable diseases.
- Ensure environmental sustainability.
- Develop a global partnership for economic development.
The Anglican Communion has endorsed the MDGs, the 2003 and 2006 General Conventions of the Episcopal Church have endorsed them, the Diocese of North Carolina endorsed them at our 2005 Diocesan Convention, and the MDGs were the focal point of the 2006 Diocesan Convention. The wonderful thing about the MDGs is that they are achievable and every individual can make a difference.
How can we embrace the MDGs at Christ Church? The first commitment is financial. In order to achieve the MDGs, economists and world leaders have calculated that we will need 0.7% of the Gross National Income of the wealthy nations. Our national church and our diocese have built into their budgets 0.7% to go to programs that specifically work toward meeting MDGs. We ask that every member of our parish make a financial commitment of 0.7% of his/her income to go toward meeting these goals through organizations of his/her choice. The second commitment is participation in parish-sponsored collections. On a monthly basis we will highlight one of the MDGs and we will ask for contributions that will be given directly to organizations that help meet the MDGs. Click on the download on the right to see the goal we are focusing on now. The third commitment is spiritual. Pray for the achievement of the MDGs, for those whose lives may be touched by our efforts, for the leaders of nations and of economic power to be committed to bringing about global justice and greater equality.
Costa Rica Partnership
To expand our idea of community to include the wider world, Christ Church hosts regular mission trips to Costa Rica, the companion diocese of the Diocese of North Carolina. Parishioners have, in past trips, worked to paint, refurbish and help renovate Hogar Escuela, a day care center in central San Jose. Christ Church has formed strong ties with students, parents, staff, clergy and with the Bishop of Costa Rica as ideas for continuing outreach projects have been explored. Over 50 Christ Church adults and youth have participated in these mission trips. Marty Andress coordinates this program. Watch the Disciple and the bulletin inserts for future mission trip opportunities. 2008 Costa Rica Mission Trips Scheduled: During the three 2007 trips the work at Hogar Escuela was completed. In 2008 we will be staying at Diocesan House and helping transform that space into a center that will not only house missioners, but also be a theological training center for Costa Rican clergy. Each 2008 trip will be one day longer than in previous years. The dates are July 12-20, 2008 and July 19-27, 2008. The cost per person will increase to $650 due to a longer stay and changes in airline prices. Both of these trips will be for rising 10th graders and up. These are not "youth trips" in the traditional sense. We want interested youth to participate, but we expect both trips to have equal numbers of youth and adults. This is a great opportunity for a parent/teen experience. If you are interested in going on one of the 2008 trips, contact Marty Hedgpeth.
Sports Friends International
The church-centered Sports Ministry Partnership Program facilitated by Sports Friends International (co-founded by two Charlotteans) links Western churches to African church-centered sports ministry programs for the purpose of creating healthy, interdependent relationships that enhance the ongoing movement to reach millions of youth in Africa for the sake of the Gospel through the powerful platform of sports. It connects Western and African churches together in intentional prayer while providing opportunities for cross-cultural missions and strategic giving for Christ Church and its members. Gifts provide Biblical materials, sports equipment, leadership training and support and ministry budget and salary support. The desired outcome of Sports Friends is to develop relationships between African and Western churches that are a blessing and encouragement to both. Bob and Ann Cramer and their family have made multiple mission trips to Ethiopia the past three years with Sports Friends and can attest to all the foregoing and the life-changing impact it has had personally for each of their family. Please contact Bob or Ann if you’re interested in learning more.
www.sports-friends.org
Episcopal Relief & Development
Christ Church adults and youth led by Tom Gallagher have spent a week in El Salvador each summer since 2004 working with Episcopal Relief and Development on housing projects. Several participants have been all three summers. In addition, One in the Spirit and the Outreach Commission each sent $10,000 through ERD after the floods and mudslides in 2005. Katherine Vest and Marty Andress have coordinated this program, and Anne Davant serves as a Diocesan liaison with ERD. Watch the Disciple and bulletin inserts for ERD-related mission trips and other opportunities.
Duff, Tennessee
Duff Christmas Angels have been a tradition at Christ Church for over 25 years. Duff is a small mountain town in one of the poorest counties in Tennessee. Each year our parish "sponsors" children at Christmas with an outfit and stocking items which benefit approximately 150 underpriviledged children in the Duff community. Many in Duff have written to say this is the only new outfit their child has each year. This year volunteers may purchase gifts for children, donate money or donate their time by sorting and wrapping gifts. Wrapping dates are: November 17 (Family Wrap Day) from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., and November 21 and 22 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (nursery provided for all dates). If you have questions or wish to volunteer, please contact Lynn Weller, 704.333.0802 or Caroline Stoneman, 704.553.8856 or cstoneman@bellsouth.net.
Gulf Coast Ministry Begins
November 8-13, Fred and Winston Paschall, Kate Hill, Al Rodgers, Tere Ey, and Marty Hedgpeth will travel down to Bay St. Louis, MS to help with reconstruction in the aftermath of Katrina. This group will spend time doing reconstruction projects and also scouting out ways for our parish to serve in this devastated area. Please keep the people of the Gulf Coast in your prayers and consider joining us on a trip down there. We are tentatively planning on going down on a second trip on January 27-February 2, 2008. If you are interested in coming on that trip, call Marty Hedgpeth, 704-333-0378.
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