The church we partner with is in need of finances. I am hosting this letter and link on my blog to get the letter out to our partners of some of the great stuff that is going on in KCK. Please prayerfully consider this:
______________________________________________________________________
Grandview Park Presbyterian Church
1613 Wilson Boulevard
Kansas City, Kansas 66102
Dearest congregation, community leaders, and partners,
On October 20th 2015, Grandview Park Presbyterian Church (GPPC) celebrated 126 years! Now is your opportunity to help contribute to the amazing accomplishments and plans for the next year as we continue to live our mission:
We seek to serve as a community of faith,
spiritually connected to the community around us,
reflecting the diversity of neighborhood
in a church that is full!
The Prescott neighborhood, where GPPC resides, is a multi-cultural neighborhood that embodies the diversity and inclusion inherent in the Gospel.
Two years ago, in an effort to reach out to our community and the neighborhoods connected to Grandview Park Presbyterian Church, we wanted to follow Jesus’s commands to love our neighbors and to invest in children.
Some of our efforts have resulted in the successes of La Paz House, La Paz Kids Club Summer Program, youth group, and opportunities for youth from other communities to serve in our neighborhood through the YouthWorks program.
We started with forming a bicycle club for kids. Soon after, we cleaned up the neglected education wing of the church and opened it up every school day for 2 hours after school. We call it La Paz House (House of Peace). La Paz House has a main room with computers, couches, and a craft table. There is a game room, a bicycle repair shop, a recreation area, and a library. Every school day, there are 15-20 neighborhood kids at La Paz House. The neighborhood kids that are attracted to La Paz House are typically non-churched, and economically and socially challenged. Many are struggling with school and disciplinary issues. We work on helping kids with homework, learn to play together, and accept other kids from different economic and racial background based on the principles in God’s Word.
Once the school year ended, we recognized the need for options for the neighborhood kids during the summer. Our La Paz Kids Summer program continues to grow and change. Over the last few years, we have provided a safe place for kids to come for three hours each morning for 4-6 weeks during the summer.
Included in the summer program was a day camp for three days at Heartland Center with swimming, hiking, nature studies, Bible study, and outdoor sports. Transportation each day was provided by bus to and from the camp site and meals are served outdoors at the Lone Pine Shelter.
During the summer of 2015, a total of 65 children age 18 and under were provided 1,811 meals. This was made possible with support from Harvesters and numerous volunteers and staff who provided over 100 hours of supervised enrichment activities throughout the La Paz Kids Summer Program. Free breakfast and lunch was prepared in-house. The meals were served by our middle and high school students who also help with clean up.
We have been hiring and training teenagers who grew up in the program to be group leaders. These young people learn skills necessary for the workforce and enjoy leading other neighborhood kids. They lead the kids in Bible study, recreation, crafts, community service projects, and book clubs. A great joy of this program is seeing kids grow from energetic 2nd graders to group leaders when they are in high school!
We also welcomed the YouthWorks program which has involved more than 2,500 youth and adult leaders from other communities who have served in spiritual, social and physical ways in our community.
Through our investment in the children of our community we are investing in the future of our church, our community, and our world.
We are currently facing a shortfall of $3000 to meet our year-end budget. In addition, we are in need of approximately $20,000 for HVAC and roof replacements. The need is great, but our mission and ministry is greater and we are confident that God will provide.
Your support of GPPC will help us continue to live our mission and serve others! Year-end donations can be made directly to GPPC or through your debit or credit card donation through.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Rick Behrens and the Stewardship & Finance Team
(816-807-6931 - Please feel free to call Pastor Rick on his cell if you have questions or concerns.)
