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Isaiah 58 Ministries
2149 S. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63104
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Isaiah 58 Ministries
Pew &
Pavement
February, 2012
Volume 39, Number 1
Pancake Supper
and
FAT
Isaiah 58 Ministries and local congregations will be
hosting our fifth annual Pancake Supper on February 21st
beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Pancakes, sausage and eggs will be served with all the
toppings to make this a feast to be remembered!
Fun will be available for all ages.
Inside This Issue
The event will be held at Oak
Hill Presbyterian Church,
4111 Connecticut St.,
in South Tower Grove Park
Neighborhood.
Mark your calendars for this annual fun and
entertaining evening to benefit the food
pantry.
Come and Kick-off the Lenten Season with
Isaiah 58 Ministries
For more information call (314) 776-1410
From the Director’s
Chair
Annual Mtg.
2
3
Y98 Interview
4
Food Pantry Tax
Credit
Thanksgiving &
Christmas
Healthy Lifestyles
4
5
6
Lunch and Learn
6
New Parish Nurse
7
Lifted in Prayer
8
Meal a Month Menu
9
Helping the Homeless 10
Black History
11
Isaiah 58 Ministries
Page 2
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR
The Advent season came and went and we are quickly
moving into 2012. But for me, this year is different. I
continue to reflect on this past Advent’s blessing—the
Light of the World coming to us in the form of a tiny
baby, born to two refugees with nowhere to turn but a cold
stable. As I go through my day, working at Isaiah 58
Ministries, I am constantly reminded of the many people
today who face similar circumstances—lack of jobs, unemployment
running out, bills accumulating, and no food on the table, with the
threat of their electricity being shut off any day.
We receive approximately 50 calls a day from people looking for
assistance on their utility bills, many who already have a disconnection
notice and only days to find help. Unfortunately, because of our
limited resources, we are only able to help a small portion of those
individuals, referring others on to sister organizations. And sadly, far
too often it seems, whenever we refer them on, the story is the same.
Everyone is out of funds.
We recognize the immense importance of our Utility Assistance
Program to the lives of those we serve. During 2011, by providing $25
to $50 grants, we were able to assist a total of 267 families (660
individuals).
While we are proud of what we were able to do in 2011, we want to do
more. When individuals call looking for help, we want to be able to
tell them we have funds available and are ready and able to assist them.
As we seek to celebrate and live out the light of the world coming to
earth in the form of a tiny baby, we hope you will consider a donation
to Isaiah 58 Ministries “Light of the World” Campaign. All funds will
be used to assist our clients with either their gas or electric bill.
Consider a donation of $25, $50 or $100 dollars so that our clients will
be able to find hope in the generosity of others and in the warmth and
comfort of a well-heated and well-lit home.
Isaiah 58 Ministries
Page 11
IN CELEBRATION OF
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
A Black Man Talks of Reaping ~ Arna
Bontemps
I have sown beside waters in my day.
I planted deep, within my heart the fear
that wind or fowl would take the grain away.
I planted safe against this stark, lean year.
I scattered seed enough to plan the land
in rows from Canada to Mexico
but for my reaping only what the hand
can hold at once is all that I can show.
Yet what I sowed and what the orchard yields
my brother’s sons are gathering stalk and root;
small wonder then my children glean the fields
they have not sown, and feed on bitter fruit.
Won’t You
Celebrate With Me ~ Lucille Clifton
Won’t you celebrate with me
what I have shaped
into a kind of life? I had no model.
born in Babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did I see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my other hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
Isaiah 58 Ministries
Page 10
HELPING THE HOMELESS
A wonderful event will be held on February 19th at 2:30 p.m. at
Compton Heights Christian Church (2149 S. Grand Blvd.). I encourage
anyone and everyone who is concerned about the issue of homelessness
to attend.
Rev. Dr. Jacque Foster of Compton Heights Christian Church writes:
All of our congregations encounter men, women, and families who are
homeless and seeking help of some kind. Very often we struggle to
know how to respond in ways that are ultimately helpful and will
address the core issues. Recently I had a lengthy conversation with
Rev. Martin Rafanan who is the Director of Gateway 180 Shelter in St.
Louis. I came out of that conversation with knowledge and hope about
the direction of St. Louis City's approach to getting people out of
shelters and into stable housing and addressing the multi-layered lifeissues that perpetuate homelessness. Over the last 3 years a significant
change of direction has taken place.
Compton Heights CC will host Martin (pronounced Marteen) on
Sunday, February 19 at 2:30 PM. to talk about networking and
processes in place to help us address homelessness. We want this
event to reach as many people and congregations as possible. We are
inviting our ecumenical neighbors and other Disciples congregations.
Isaiah 58 Ministries
Page 3
ANNUAL MEETING/AWARDS DINNER
When:
Where
Cost:
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Isaiah 58 Ministries
2149 S. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63104
$20.00 per person
J.I.M. Award
(Joined in Ministry)
You shall be called the
Repairer of the breach, the
Restorer of streets to live in.
Please RSVP by March 21, 2012
Isaiah 58 Ministries
Join us at our Annual Meeting/Awards Dinner where we will celebrate
the many wonderful ways we are serving those in need in South St.
Louis City.
This event provides an opportunity to share with our supporters the
many things that are going on at Isaiah 58 Ministries, and also
recognize individuals and organizations who have given of their time
and resources throughout the year.
An incredible organization will be
presented with the J.I.M. Award (Joined
in Ministry), and an individual will be
recognized with the Mildred Slack
Award.
This is vital for all of us: First, because it puts the tools in our hands to
respond to those who come to us seeking help - both those who are
homeless AND those who are on the verge of becoming homeless! And
second, because there are creative ways our congregations can be
involved in outreach.
Come celebrate with us the power of a
giving heart, and learn what is
happening at Isaiah 58 Ministries.
SAVE THE DATE
On June 9, 2012 we will host our 3rd Annual Wine
Tasting/Silent Auction Event. It will be held at The
Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive, (off of Skinker and
Wydown). More information is to come. Save the
date for this wonderful event!
BECOME A FAN THROUGH FACEBOOK
f
Isaiah 58 Ministries has a Fan Page on Facebook
where we share stories, provide inspirational quotes
and share upcoming events. Search us out and
become a fan.
Isaiah 58 Ministries
Page 4
Y98 INTERVIEWS ISAIAH 58 MINISTRIES
Isaiah 58 Ministries had the privilege of
participating in a radio interview on Y98’s
“Insight on St. Louis” on February 22nd. We
spent the time talking about the many programs
Isaiah 58 Ministries offers and the issues that we
address on a daily basis.
If you didn’t get a chance to hear the interview,
it’s not too late. Go to http://
y98.radio.com/2012/01/22/insight-on-st-louis-isaiah-58ministries/ and you can hear the program in its entirety. It might
just give you a little more “insight” into what we do and who we
serve.
MISSOURI FOOD PANTRY TAX CREDIT
Did you make a donation to Isaiah 58
Ministries during 2011. If so, you can
claim any donation made before August 28,
2011 on your Missouri taxes.
Unfortunately, this is the last year you will
be able to do so, as the bill was not renewed for 2012. Per the
Missouri Department of Revenue, “. . .the food pantry tax credit
sunsets on August 28, 2011. All food pantry tax credit claimants
must make contributions to an eligible food pantry on or before
August 28, 2011.”
Isaiah 58 Ministries will be happy to mail any donors the
appropriate form that needs to be filed with your taxes. If you are
interested in this credit, please call Brenda at (314) 776-1410.
For more information regarding this credit, you can check out the
website at http://dor.mo.gov/taxcredit/fpt.php.
Isaiah 58 Ministries
Page 9
MEAL A MONTH MENUS
If your church or organization would like to participate in the Meal-AMonth program for Isaiah 58 Ministries, below is a suggested menu for
each month.
All fruit and vegetable suggestions are to be canned and, if possible,
low sodium and/or in their own juice.
January
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Pears
Spaghetti-O’s
Carrots
Pancake Mix
(Toilet Paper)
May
Tuna
Hamburger or Tuna Helper
Carrots
Fruit Cocktail
Cereal
(Shampoo)
September
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Pears
Spaghetti-O’s
Carrots
Pancake Mix
(Toilet Paper)
February
Canned Chicken
Boxed Rice Mix
Corn
Fruit Cocktail
(Toothpaste and
Toothbrush)
June
Spam or Canned Ham
Baked Beans
Applesauce
Corn
Cornbread Mix
(Deodorant)
October
Canned Chicken
Boxed Rice Mix
Corn
Fruit Cocktail
(Toothpaste and
Toothbrush)
March
Chicken and Dumplings
Peaches
Soup
Carrots
Green Beans
Graham Crackers or Nilla
Wafers
(Shampoo)
July
Soup
Macaroni & Cheese
Peaches
Green Beans
Jello
Cereal
(Laundry Detergent)
November
Chicken and Dumplings
Peaches
Soup
Carrots
Green Beans
Crackers
(Shampoo)
August
Tuna
Boxed Potato Mox
Corn
Pineapple
Graham Crackers or Nilla
Wafers
(Bar Soap)
December
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Peas
Biscuit/Baking Mix
Syrup
Applesauce
(Laundry Detergent)
April
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Peas
Biscuit/Baking Mix
Syrup
Applesauce
(Laundry Detergent)
Isaiah 58 Ministries
Page 8
LIFTED IN PRAYER
A prayer board is available at Isaiah 58
Ministries, allowing individuals to be
lifted in prayer, and also lift up others in
prayer. We are sharing these prayers
within our newsletter to provide our
readers an opportunity to also lift up
those in need during your own talks
with God. Following are the current
prayers being lifted up.
1.
Pray for me to get a job and get a new apartment.
2.
Pray for me and my kids to get a place to stay and for me to get a job and
my grandbabies. We are all homeless at this time.
3.
Pray for my family please—single mom of four and husband in jail.
4.
My names is Mrs. Davis. Pray for me to find a good paying job and take
care of my three boys.
5.
Pray for my kids to be alright.
6.
Pray for Bridget, that God opens the door for me to get a job and get my
tuition paid.
7.
Pray for Robert, Gary, and Mary Miller family.
8.
My name is Matthew. I’d love for the “church” to pray that I get my own
apartment and also that my family stay blessed and prayed up.
9.
Pray for healing and my health and for a better apartment. Dorothy.
10. Pray for me to get a job and a place of my own finally (one that I can
afford). Also pray for my continuous success in school. Tenisha.
11. Pray for my family. My marriage to stay together, my house to come back
a home, to stay healthy. Thank you, Amen.
Prayer by a Client
Father, in the name of Jesus, reach down and touch and bless all on this board.
Grant peace, and healing for all here Jesus. Bless this ministry Lord. And
allow your glory to settle on all here in need of you Jesus. Continue to provide
for your children here Lord. We thank you Jesus for all you have done, are
doing and will do Lord. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Isaiah 58 Ministries
Page 5
THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS FOOD
DISTRIBUTION A SUCCESS
Our Thanksgiving and Christmas “When Pigs Fly”
Buy-A-Bird fundraiser was a success this year.
With the help of caring individuals and churches we
were able to raise $11,608.40 for our Thanksgiving and
Christmas distribution. This allowed us to provide 400 gift cards
towards the purchase of a turkey for Thanksgiving and over 300
hams for Christmas. Thank you everyone for your continuing
support as we helped those in need have a fulfilling holiday
experience.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR EVERYONE!
This year, for the third year in a row, Isaiah 58 Ministries held a
Christmas sale for our clients during the month of December.
With the generous support of St. John’s UCC Church, BRO
(Board of Religious Organizations), Circle of Concern, and many
individuals, a Christmas sale was held during the weeks of
December 12th-16th and 19th-22nd.
Toys and other gifts were provided at an extremely reduced rate,
allowing those on a fixed income or
struggling to make ends meet have a
wonderful Christmas. For those who
couldn’t afford even the reduced rates, we
offered vouchers that allowed them to pick
up gifts for their loved ones.
Thank you everyone for making this a
wonderful Christmas season for our clients.
Isaiah 58 Ministries
Page 6
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES HAPPENINGS
In November we had to say goodbye to our Parish Nurse of two
years, Kathi Pondoff, as she resigned to pursue better
opportunities. While we are sad to see her go, we wish her well
in her new endeavors. Below is a message she left for all those
she served.
To all my brothers and sisters in Christ,
I want to thank each of you for touching my life in your own
special way. I have learned from you. I have grown as a person
because of you. I will hold you all close in my heart and in my
prayers. I feel so blessed to have had you all in my life.
I wish you God’s love, peace and abundance. Until we meet
again. . .
With much love,
Kathi
Kathi!
,
d
e
e
p
God S
LUNCH AND LEARN PROGRAM
Isaiah 58 Ministries will host a Lunch
and Learn Program on February 15th at
12:00 noon focused on managing your
assets and budget planning. While
many may think, I have no money to
manage, the truth is, no matter what
one’s financial status is, it is important
to manage carefully that which we do have. And as many receive
refunds from their taxes this time of year, it is important to learn
how to manage the extra income.
If you know of someone who could benefit from this program,
please encourage them to attend. Lunch will be provided for all.
Isaiah 58 Ministries
Page 7
MEET OUR NEW PARISH NURSE
My name is Barbara O’Connell. I am the
new parish nurse, which is a position that
utilizes everything I have ever learned as
a registered nurse, plus all of my life’s
experience. It is as if my entire life has
led me to serve the uninsured and
underserved in the inner city.
For the past four years I have worked in
the communities surrounding St. Cronan
Catholic Church on S. Boyle and Christ
Church, UCC in Maplewood. The people who I have served have
taught me many things and I feel called to continue to work to
help people obtain good medical care , advocate on their behalf in
all areas of need, and to minister to the whole person---body,
mind, and spirit.
I truly believe in Jesus’ social teachings and that each one of us is
His eyes, hands, and feet. My hope is that I can better the lives of
those who God has put along my path. I am very happy to join the
dedicated people at Isaiah 58 Ministries.
DONATE TO ISAIAH 58 MINISTRIES
THROUGH OUR WEBSITE
Did you know you can now make donations
to Isaiah 58 Ministries online? Go to
www.i58ministries.org, click on “Donate”
and make a donation through our secure
PayPal option.