AuthorElder Jim Fairchild |
The Community of Christ Abolish Poverty & End Suffering (APES) Mission Initiative — Christ’s Mission of Compassion — invites us to restore dignity and hope by helping people move from dependence to productive, meaningful lives.
In Topeka we translate that vision into practical, ongoing ministries that let each member give time, talent, testimony and treasure in ways that fit their gifts. |
“You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives.”
D&C 151:9
D&C 151:9
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Community of Christ's efforts to realize this ambitious goal. By partnering with other faith communities and organizations, the initiative amplifies its impact, pooling resources and expertise to tackle the complex, multifaceted challenges that underpin poverty and suffering.
These partnerships enable a more holistic approach to service, ensuring that interventions not only address immediate needs but are also working to dismantle the systemic barriers that keep people in cycles of poverty. It's about creating a synergy that transcends individual efforts, fostering a collective movement towards a world where everyone can live with dignity and hope.
These partnerships enable a more holistic approach to service, ensuring that interventions not only address immediate needs but are also working to dismantle the systemic barriers that keep people in cycles of poverty. It's about creating a synergy that transcends individual efforts, fostering a collective movement towards a world where everyone can live with dignity and hope.
How Topeka Congregation Lives the Mission
Rather than one grand gesture, our congregation focuses on steady, sustainable action. Four ongoing projects make the APES mission tangible here in Topeka. Each offers a clear way to serve our neighbors, partner with other faith communities, and respond to needs close to home and around the world.
Community of Christ Oblation Ministry
What it is: On the first Sunday of each month, all undesignated Communion offerings are forwarded to Community of Christ Headquarters for APES ministries. Members may also designate gifts for this purpose at any time.
Why it matters: Oblation is rooted in our commitment to care for the poor and needy and continues a practice that has shaped our church’s response to suffering for more than a century.
Why it matters: Oblation is rooted in our commitment to care for the poor and needy and continues a practice that has shaped our church’s response to suffering for more than a century.
Doorstep Topeka
What it is: Doorstep provides essential services that help Topekans become more self-sufficient — from food assistance to resources that support independent living.
How we help: The Topeka congregation partners with other faith communities and charities to provide volunteers, tangible goods and financial support, extending a helping hand to neighbors in crisis.
How we help: The Topeka congregation partners with other faith communities and charities to provide volunteers, tangible goods and financial support, extending a helping hand to neighbors in crisis.
Pennies for Africa Special Offering
What it is: On the third Sunday of each month, we collect loose change for the Community of Christ Africa Mission Centers. Small coins add up to big impact.
Impact to date: Since 1997, our congregation has raised more than $25,000 through this special offering.
Impact to date: Since 1997, our congregation has raised more than $25,000 through this special offering.
Beth Marolf - Pennies for Africa
|
Extra ways to give:
Beth Marolf collects aluminum beverage cans for recycling; proceeds go to Pennies for Africa. A collection bin is in the church kitchen — please rinse cans before donating. |
|
If you miss the Pennies for Africa Offering you can place your offering in the Pennies for Africa Jar in the back of the sanctuary.
|
Pennies for Africa Offering Jar
|
Outreach International
What it is: Community of Christ partners with Outreach International to support projects that reduce poverty and end suffering worldwide.
Advent Stable Children's Ministry
|
Seasonal focus: During Advent, our congregation participates in Outreach International’s Advent Stable Children’s activities. This special Advent offering replaces our usual Pennies for Africa collection in December and is accepted each Sunday during Advent in addition to our Disciples Generous Response offering.
|
|
|
“God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare.” D&C 163:4a
RSS Feed
