MCC updates. December 2017
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches that shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. Circle of Hope partners with the MCC, and our Circle Thrift stores raise money for their work.
Here are a few updates from our ally regarding advocacy work, resources, and disaster relief both nationally and internationally:
Christmas giving
► MCC—Share the joy of giving: Honor your friends and family with gifts that change lives.
Rabbits, cows and goats, oh my! This Christmas give a goat, not a gift card. Honor friends and family with gifts that change lives—we’ve got something for everyone! Browse the Christmas catalog.
► Current disaster responses: eight locations
From hurricanes and flooding, to conflict and drought, MCC is responding to many disasters around the world. Learn more about our relief projects and give today to help provide assistance and to support communities as they rebuild.
Advocacy stories and events
► Faithful Advocacy for Criminal Justice Reform (Lancaster BIC)—Jan. 13
Why you should attend? Come and learn why, as people of faith, we engage in advocacy. Come to learn more about “Clean Slate” legislation passed by the PA Senate and why it is so important that people of faith support a bill that opens doors for our brothers and sisters who have served time.
► Washington Office: Urge Congress to support the Dream Act
On Sept. 5, U.S. Attorney General announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be terminated in six months. The DACA program has provided protection from deportation and work permits to nearly 800,000 youth and young adults who were brought to the U.S. as children.
► Washington Office “I will not forget you”
Amidst all the headlines these days, little attention is being paid to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). In August 2016, violence broke out in the Kasai region, the birthplace of the Mennonite Church in DR Congo.
► Women and girls’ health around the world
Around the world, women and girls have complex health needs. MCC partners with organizations and church groups from Tanzania to Syria to Colombia to ensure women and girls have access to hygiene products when they’re menstruating, sexual education, training on safe birthing techniques, and mental health supports.
Sunday School Curriculums
► “Returning Veterans. Returning hope.” Sunday school curriculum
These six Sunday school lessons are designed to help congregations think both theologically and practically about healing from the trauma of war, and learning the meaning of Jesus’ way of peace.