MISSION: THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH

By definition, the purpose of the church is to serve. From its on-going activities, programs, and specific projects, Community Presbyterian Church seeks to express and share the love of Christ with others. Through its open and caring fellowship to its special focused programs, this community of faith takes its calling to service seriously.

“THE COMMUNITY CLOTHES CLOSET”

A Special Clothing Ministry

The “Community Clothes Closet” represents an effort to meet some of the community’s need for clothing. Situated in a special location inside the church facility, it provides free clothing for those needing the service. It is open each Thursday Morning from 9:00 AM to Noon for individuals and families. There is used and recycled clothing available for children and adults. A Spanish speaking interpreter is available as needed. This service is personal and confidential. And, since it is located within the church building, it provides privacy and an opportunity to explore other areas of need of the individual or family.

Though the “Community Clothes Closet” is primarily a clothing center, we occasionally have household items, kitchen supplies, sheets, blankets and occasionally furniture. By recycling items we no longer use or need, we can help others who are not as fortunate as we are. Though we seldom have large items on hand, when we have donations of such things, we can usually find a need to be met. Likewise, we can often find needed items by letting members and friends know of the need. Items not usable or needed here occasionally find their way to other developing countries in Central America thereby making this ministry International in scope.

If you have a need or know someone who does, please contact Community Presbyterian Church at (520)723-5141.

Addressing Immigration Issues

Illegal immigration continues to be a thorny issue across the nation and particularly in the border states of the Southwest. Until a comprehensive solution comes from Congress, we are confronted with short sighted and limited approaches to resolve this problem, ranging from strong law enforcement to amnesty. Unless and until our nations elected officials take comprehensive action, we will continue to be embroiled in this ongoing controversy. The lives of families will continue to be decimated as they are torn by the desire for adequate financial support, and health care, and their desire for a stable family life in their country of origin.

      While there is no simplistic solution to the issue of illegal immigration, one primary reason for the influx of illegal border crossing is the opportunity for economic improvement. Many leave families and risk their lives to enter this country so they and their families may improve their impoverished life style. If those individuals were able to remain in their countries of origin and be able to adequately support their families, there would be little need to take the risks of illegal entry into the United States.
     Through a small, but very successful project, many churches in Arizona and the southwest are addressing this situation through a program known as “Café Justo” or “Just Coffee”. The program, was formed in 2002 by members of the Lily of the Valley Church in Agua Prieta , and it provides an economic stimulus to local coffee growers in Mexico and Hondurus. By providing a fair price for coffee growers and enabling them to share cooperatively in the roasting and distribution of the coffee they produce, the cooperatives are able to provide a living wage for the workers and also provide medical benefits and a pension plan. Growers are paid $1.33 or more a pound, even more than Fair Trade Standards and far more than 35 to 50 cents that growers are typically paid by standard commercial operations.
     Coffee is distributed through many local churches and through some larger vendors. As this project expands and is used as a business model for other products, the individual producers can flourish and remain in their native communities. Community Presbyterian is proud of its mission outreach through “Café Justo”.
                In addition to this very limited program, Community Presbyterian Church is an active partner with Presbytery de Cristo and its Border Ministries programs where Presbyterian congregations in both northern Mexico and Arizona work cooperatively to meet human needs among churches and communities.