2016-crop-walk-3
On this recent Sunday, Oct. 16, the Canastota Area Association of Churches participated in the National CROP Walk to combat global and local hunger, raising over $2,000 dollars. While the group of 25 walkers and the amount raised was down somewhat compared to recent years, CAAC treasurer Anita Thibado and CROP Walk chairman Pastor Tom Burgess still rate the event a success: “Any time you can accomplish some positive good for people needing reliable food and water, it’s a good day!”

Pastor Burgess went on to explain that the Canastota CROP Walk is just one annual event of 1,100 community walks nationally organized by Church World Services. More than $11 million has been raised so far this year among those events. Twenty-five percent of each local walk’s proceeds are returned to that community to apply to need-focused community efforts, the balance being applied to global initiatives. In the case of Canastota that money will be divided among these 3 programs:

  • Loaves & Fishes Hospitality Center, a soup kitchen that serves hot meals and bag lunches for anyone in need during the last full week of each month. It is based in the basement Fellowship Hall of the United Church on Center Street.
  • The Compassion Connection Food Pantry based at Believers Chapel on Rte. 5.
  • The Opportunity Shop (food pantry with household goods provided free or at very low prices), also located on Center Street.

By carrying CROP signs and walking through Canastota, participants who raised funds through pledges also raise awareness of the needs of so many while demonstrating the love of Christ to the village. A number of people driving by honked or shouted approval from their porches. At the end of the walk everyone enjoyed cider and donuts (donated by the local Tops Market) plus a pleasant time of conversation and camaraderie at the U-C Fellowship Hall.

Canastota church association sets Fall Event Line-up

At the October 19 meeting of the CAAC, times and dates for autumn events through year’s end were finalized as follows:

  • The final Concert of Prayer for 2016 will be held Thursday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. at Believers Chapel on Route 5. Everyone with a heart to pray for our nation ahead of the General Election is invited to participate.
  • The Annual Harvest Dinner to raise funds for the Opportunity Shop will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Agatha’s R-C Church on N. Peterboro Street. (Contact the Church Office or Op Shop for details.)
  • Men from several area churches will be attending the annual Iron Sharpens Iron one-day Men’s Equipping Conference at N. Syracuse Baptist Church Saturday, Nov. 12.
  • Collection week for any Operation Christmas Child gift boxes will begin Mon. 11/14 at the United Church on Center St. and conclude on Sunday Nov. 20 at the Community Thanksgiving Celebration at 3 PM, also at the church. (Contact the Church office for daily collection hours, or bring yours to the service on Sunday!)
  • The Annual Community Christmas Advent Celebration will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 at St. Agatha’s R-C Church. It will feature musical offerings from several churches, as well as Scripture readings and congregational singing. (A joyful way to tune-up your holiday priorities!)

By martha

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