In the spirit of Christmas, the loose-plate offering (all donations not designated toward the fulfillment of a 2015 pledge) on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be entirely given away. Inspired by the story of our Lord being born in vulnerable circumstances to a family who is forced to flee as refugees to Egypt, the Vestry has designated three recipient organizations that work with vulnerable orphans, refugees, and the sick. Your generosity will make a tremendous difference.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA )
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate
for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the
overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate
group or foster homes. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and
the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children,
their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.
Gateway of Grace
Gateway of Grace serves refugees moving to the Dallas area. Refugee families have typically fled violence or persecution in their native country, so Gateway seeks to assist them in starting over. In addition to providing basic necessities such as furniture, groceries, job assistance, and language-training, Gateway volunteers seek to offer compassion and love to help these hurting individuals and families heal from their past experiences.
Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza
Al Ahli Arab Hospital is operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, and is one of the only medical centers serving the devastated Gaza region. It’s mission is to provide the finest care possible under adverse circumstances, with special attention given to refugees and the poorest in the area.