Central Congregational United Church of Christ

In partnership with our Church World Service agency, RRISA, we have welcomed Shadia Bitangaca and her six children with a meal and stocking of both fridge and pantry.  We have joined in furnishing their apartment – and making sure they have been warm.  Compared to Rwanda and Congo, even this mild winter could be difficult, but generous members have provided linens and blankets; now one member has knit a cap for each of the seven.

When we signed up for this mission effort during Advent, we did not know the family, nor did we know that we would have a “parallel” partnership that is different from our 2011 experience.  This large family has different needs, so it is time to REGROUP.

To do that, a new signup sheet is posted in the sanctuary for volunteers for the FOUR AREAS OF CONTINUING RELATIONSHIP.

The following are the areas in which you may sign up for one-time or ongoing projects. Some are obviously overlapping.   We will continue one project at a time as we have volunteers AND, very important:  a chair person to take the lead.

CONTINUING FRIENDSHIP involves visits coordinated with RRISA’s case manager. 

In general, the goal would be cultural contact with the wider American culture and asking the questions of “How are you doing?” and “What do you need? *”

EDUCATION primarily involves “Survival English” visits yet we can help introduce other aspects of our culture and metro area (such as riding MARTA).

BASIC NEEDS -- Through direct visits and/or communication with those who do visit: becoming aware of the basic needs of food and clothing as well as restocking – in due time – the kitchen and other aspects of the household. .

Even if you have volunteered in one way or the other, please put your name on the board again – as a witness and a reminder.

A more detailed description of the tasks is on the sign up board..