DORCAS HOUSE

“SERVING GOD’S PEOPLE”

 Dorcas House has been operational since November 2003. Its purpose is to help the poor and needy of our Parish and the community at large, through the distribution of clothing and household items.  These items are donated by the parishioners and well wishers within the community.

Dorcas House is open on Mondays and Fridays 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, with the exception of holidays. Additionally, during the month of August, the centre is closed to allow the staff to enjoy their annual holiday.

Previously, items were given free of charge and persons were allowed no more than five to seven items monthly.   The decision was made to introduce a small fee system ranging from $0 .50 to $5.00. This took effect from January 2009. The payment system allows frequent customers to visit more than once per month and deters those customers who seek to take advantage of the good graces of the Ministry.

 

BIG BROTHER BIG SISTER PROGRAMME (BBBS)

 The Big Brother Big Sister Programme provided an excellent opportunity for a rewarding experience in molding the lives of the young people in our community.

Currently it is in hiatus and hopefully will be reactivated in the near future.

 

SOUP KITCHEN

 The Soup Kitchen is presently the largest source of Outreach to members of our church family and surrounding community.  Soup is provided to a minimum of three hundred (300) people on a weekly basis, except during the month of August.  The faithful kitchen workers prepare and package meals on Wednesday mornings, between the hours of 6:30am-11:00am.  Songs and prayers are offered to God prior to the commencement of food preparation. There are thirteen (13) cooks/assistants, two (2) bakers and eight (8) drivers who deliver the meals. However, more volunteers are required.

 

EVANGELISM

 There are exciting plans for the Evangelism arm of the Ministry.  As evangelism involves taking the gospel to the un-churched, innovative ways to encourage members of the community to become involved spiritually are being explored.

 To date, an interview sheet has been compiled for use when visiting members of the community.  This would provide the Ministry with a record of names and addresses as well as the specific needs within each family.  However, basic physical needs must be met first.  “For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me……….” (Matt. 25: 35-36).  Once people receive practical application of the gospel, by being fed and clothed, it is expected that they would be more inclined to hear the word.  As a result, it is envisioned that these individuals would become more interested in church attendance.

Additional plans are in progress to further develop the Ministry outside the four walls of the church’s edifice into the community.

There is a dire need for more members of our church’s family to volunteer their assistance in one or more areas of the Outreach and Evangelism Ministry.  “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.  So pray the Lord of the harvest and ask him to send more workers into his field.” (Matt. 9:37-38).

An invitation is cordially extended to any and all who are interested in serving in one or more of the areas of this exciting Ministry!