Alderson, West Virginia  - June 2008

Last summer, 38 Forks church members mounted a nine car/van caravan and headed to West Virginia to participate in a week-long mission trip opportunity.

Gathered in prayer	Caravan in line

The mission crew included the skilled and experineced, as well as "construction ingénues "... ages 6 to over 60.  There was plenty of work when they got to their destination, some 400 miles from home.

Young and old go to work	Loaded with gear and gifts

Somewhere off Interstate 64, along the banks of the Greenbriar River, lies a small town named Alderson.  It is an old town built by Baptists in the hayday of coal mining. 

Alderson and its nearby neighboring town, Palestine, have total population of under 2000.  The median income for the area is about $24,000, roughly half that of the rest of the US combined.

The team's mission was to build, both new construction and renovation that provides needed shelter to families in this poverty stricken area.  In the process  the "crew" learned much and returned feeling as rewarded as those for whom they worked.

Mounting up	Movin' Out

Even as they reflect on and celebrate this year's mission trip, planning has begun for the next mission trip adventure. 

 Miles of Quarters Bring Smiles 

Joshua	Diana

Sunday's Mile of Quarters Offering (the LOUD one!), is being used to sponsor two children - Diana, a 14 year old girl from Mexico and... Joshua, an 8 year old boy who resides in the Philippines.  Our donations help provide food, clothing, safe shelter, basic health care and transportation to school for the children. These sponsorships have been set up throught the UCC Global Ministries. Your gifts are appreciated

Food Bank Needs We all are aware that the current economic challenges have heightened demands on our local Food Banks. Trouble is that with a 25%  increase in need has come a 40%drop in donations.

How to help is quite simple. Please plan on bringing with you to worship a can or three of meats, vegetable, other non perishables. We will make sure gifts get to the Food Bank pronto!

Soup Kitchen Mission & Action next service date will be November 14.  If you wish to assist with food preparation and serving, or supply foodstuffs, including deserts, please check in on Mission and Actions's sign up on the 'Big Board' adjoining the Sanctuary. This ministry is a simple way to support many who, through no fault of their own, now find themselves needing our care.

Soup Cook Off and Bake Sale - October 25 (proceeds benefit ingredients for the Soup Kitchen above)  Sign up in September!

KNITTING and STITCHING for ALL

Forks Knitters & Stitchers usually gather 2nd & 4th Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 8:00p.m. Knitting and nattering abound for seasoned and novice knitters and stitchers. The group always has a mission project in mind along with the fun. Judging by the images this looks like a time of fun for all. 

Some teach and others learn... everyone is welcome regardless of their knitting or other "seamingly undersewn" skills. The group will resume in September.

Helping Hands

  Our Youth Groups offer their time and services to Church family and friends. 

• Helping with chores in the home too difficult for you to do
• Providing a meal to someone in need
• Bringing cheer into lives with a dessert, a greeting card or a smile

If you know of any opportunities or have any questions on this program, please contact Denise Polkowski. Her phone # is in our church directory.