Ministries
Hospitality to Refugees
This year we have set the lofty goal of raising $4000 dollars to resettle a refugee family in the Chicago area. In addition, we are committed to providing mentorship to three women living in Des Plaines. This is a big task for a small church, but God has worked miracles in much more difficult situations. Our partner, Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries (IRIM) has been showing hospitality to immigrants and refugees for nearly 25 years. For more information go to www.irim.org.
Hospitality to Our Neighbors
For years we have been working with the Self-Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines. In addition toour yearly Souper Bowl Sunday Offering, every week we collect food and household goods to be delivered to the Pantry. Several of our members volunteer at the Pantry, and our congregation is a leader in the annual CROP walk, which raises money for local, national, and international hunger relief. Read more about the Pantry at www.selfhelppantry.org. To learn about the CROP walk visit www.churchworldservice.org/CROP.
Hospitality to Workers
This year we hosted members of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW). We learned of their struggle and joined them in demanding a better wage for the tomatoes they pick for McDonald's. All the hard work paid off and it was with great joy that in April we celebrated their victory. The agreement with McDonald's sets a new standard for the fastfood industry. The CIW is now working to get a similar agreement with Burger King. Information about this great organization is at www.ciw-online.org.