Most communities are dotted with several houses of worship, but have you ever wondered what happens outside those walls? Yes, outside the walls!
Places of worship serve their congregations, but also play a key role in many other areas throughout the community.
For example, the Church of God in Moose Jaw recently made several donations to community groups.
Senior Pastor Larry Hasmatali says, ‘It’s important for us to serve our community and help to support others outside of our congregation, and show the love of Christ to others.’ The local congregation budgets between 25 to 30 thousand dollars for local, national and international charities.
This past year, 17 Canadian charities benefited from $26,000. Recent donations were made to the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, Joe’s Place, the Riverside Mission, and Hunger in Moose Jaw. Other donations went to the Christian Counselling Centre and to Briercrest College. The local Youth for Christ program was also given support. COG Moose Jaw also supports summer camp programs at Kedleston Gospel Camp, Katepwa Lake Camp, and the Dallas Valley Ranch Camp.
Joe’s Place, Moose Jaw’s only youth drop-in centre, has weekly contact with up to 200 youth between the ages of 14 and 19.
At the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, Operations Manager Terri Smith says the faith community gives immense support when it comes to collecting food and financial donations. 16% of distributed food comes from the ‘Better Together Food Drive’ in October that is coordinated by the Hillcrest Church. Local faith communities run programs to distribute food on weekends when the Food Bank is closed.
Hunger in Moose Jaw is a program that delivers 400 lunches daily to children in all city schools. Executive Director Sharala Sept says the organization receives consistent donations from the faith-based community, as well as others.
Rachel Mullens, Director of Emergency Services, says the Riverside Mission receives some financial and volunteer support from the faith community. Many in the faith community make individual donations to support the Mission, and the recent donation from COG Moose Jaw is welcome. The mission is located in heart of Moose Jaw and provides hot meals and safe overnight accommodation to those in need. Presently the mission serves about 100 meals between lunch and supper, and has capacity for 10 beds. Riverside Mission is in a building program which will start later this year and take about a year to finish. The new facility, to be located on River Street, will expand services and efficiencies, and create a safer work environment.
The Christian Counselling Centre operates primarily through donations in order to give more people access to its services. The Centre relies heavily on the generous donations of individuals, churches and businesses.
Worship communities in Moose Jaw have a vision beyond the four walls they may call home. Through financial and volunteer support they help provide resources for many non-profit organizations serving in the larger community. Along with other organizations and individuals they are making a difference in Moose Jaw.
