As a sending church, we believe not only that each member of the body is called
to live a sent life right here in Gloucester and the North Shore, but also that
our local body is called to partnership with missionaries sent to minister cross-culturally
around the globe.
We put this belief into action by communicating the gospel in relevant ways
to people in our community. We periodically serve the Open Door dinner at the
Cape Ann Food Pantry and saw our relationship with them grow as church members
and community groups began to serve in capacities beyond our official catering
slots. We are excited to see how God will use this partnership in the future.
And we collected money for A Woman’s Concern, a ministry to expecting mothers.
Globally we continue our partnership with Compassion International and with
Operation Christmas Child with church members committing to sponser children
during the Compassion drive in May. And each November church members donate
gift boxes for needy children all over the world through Operation Christmas
Child.
And we partner with missionaries working in Quito, Ecuador (Paul and Beth Reichert),
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (Kayle and Mat Pelletier) Durban, South Africa (John and
Mary Jean Templehoff), and in Asia and around the world through the Lausanne
Committee for World Evangelization (Tammy
Wise).
One of our current goals is to enhance our church’s partnership with our
global missionaries and with local partnering organizations. Members of the
team have all adopted a missionary or organization in order to be a personal
advocate for them. Being an advocate means connecting the missionary/organization
with individuals and community groups; coordinating two months a year in which
that missionary/organization is the subject of our missions focus during the
Sunday service; and personally praying for and maintaining contact with the
missionary/organization.
Global Outreach Partners
It is important for every church member to know, pray for, and participate
in the ministries of those with whom we are in partnership. Below are the names
and a brief description of each of the missionaries/organizations that we partner
with, and we encourage you to pray for and encourage them.
Kayle and Mathiew Pelletier. Kayle and Mat are involved in theological
education at the Theological College of Zimbabwe, where they teach Bible, biblical
languages, and ministry courses. For updates on their life and ministry, visit
their website: www.sybergnosis.com/Zimbabwe.
Paul and Beth Reichert. Paul and Beth serve with Youth World in Quito,
Ecuador. Paul is the program director of Hacienda El Refugio, a retreat and
training center which facilitates a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through
nature and outdoor adventure. Paul is involved in
leadership training and evangelism through outdoor adventure at El Refugio (The
Refuge). Beth works with youth in various different capacities in and around
Quito.
John and Mary Jean Templehoff. John and Mary Jean are missionaries with
Campus Crusade for Christ in South Africa. Their ministry includes an abstinence-based
character development curriculum for HIV/AIDS prevention in government schools,
evangelism and discipleship training for local leaders, and ministry to businessmen.
Tammy Wise. Tammy serves as the executive secretary for Doug Birdsall,
the Executive Chairman for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization.
Her role includes missionary care and correspondence, administrative support,
fund raising, public relations, and occasional overseas travel. Tammy is a member
of Community Church and participates in our Women’s Ministry.
Open Door Dinner. Periodically our church participates in the Open Door
Dinner, an opportunity to share Christ through providing a meal for those in
need of food and/or companionship at the Cape Ann Food Pantry in Gloucester.
We anticipate preparing and serving meals for up to 100 people on at least six
Mondays this year.
