BECOME A CARD CARING CHRISTIAN

There is a new ministry at St. Andrew.  It is a vitally important ministry·one that says He Cares and We Care.  It is a simple ministry.  Nothing to read.  No study time, no meetings.  Just "caring."  God's commandment to us was to love God above all things and our neighbors as ourselves.  This is not difficult when we are members of a family -- the family of St. Andrew, and have purpose-driven lives.

This ministry distributes Because He Cares cards.  What are they?  They are gift cards and gift certificates.  There are gift cards for groceries, telephone calling cards, gasoline cards, Longâs drug cards for drugs and other purchase, hotel and motel cards, cards for Red Lobster, Olive Garden and major department stores, book stores, coffee shops and more.  We need a bunch of these cards to help folks keep going.

The purposes are many.  Many people fall on hard times and need assistance.  Many are cancer patients and children with cancer, whose families are crumbling under the financial burdens that accompany major illness.  There are also thank you cards·a means of saying thanks to those who go the extra mile.  Maybe a diner out, or assistance with expenses of those who drive patients back and forth. 

People say, "Well, don't the sick have insurance?"  Some do·and some don't.  When you pay 20% of a $500,000 medical bill, that is still $100,000.  Not many of us have that kind of money and in order for treatments to continue, medical bills must be paid.  People may say, we have a Deacons' Fund.  We do, but the Deacons' Fund generally writes checks for rent, utilities and other bills.  Because He Cares cards are ideal because we have something for every need and can help supplement the Deacons' Fund.

We are sure to run out.  What then?  You can help.  People can purchase these cards at any time and mail them to Nancy Laird, 1270 Brockman Lane, Sonoma, CA 95476.  They may also drop them in the collection plate.  Every other month, there will be an envelope in the pews for those who wish to make a cash contribution to help buy more cards.  No donation is too big·or too small.

There are a lot of problems - and a lot of sheep.  Please become a Card Caring Christian.... Because He Cares!