We will have a pot ready to collect money for Souper Bowl of Caring after worship on February 5. 100% of the money collected will go to Agua Fria Food Bank. This is usually a youth project but since we do not have a youth ministry, we feel the need to participate anyway.
 
Hunger and poverty have a negative impact on individuals and the communities in which they live. yet there is joy when we serve and give to those in need. 

Last year $5,220,537.28 was given nationally, along with 1,645,894 lbs. of food. Arizona churches gave $81,800.94 and Westminster’s contribution was $59. In this time of need may we also experience the joy of giving.

Do you have more shoes than you know what to do with? Bring them to Westminster We have a rather large shoe box in Fellowship Hall. When we fill it with shoes, they are collected, then put to good use. Even if they can’t be used as shoes, they can be recycled. Either way, our shoes help to fund the Chaplaincy for the Homeless ministry in downtown Phoenix. This important effort helps people obtained the necessary IDs and documents which are crucial for obtaining any sort of services. 
 

Thank you very much for your support of the Chaplaincy for the Homeless during 2011. Our records indicate that you donated a total of $775.00 for the 2011 tax year. The Ecumenical Chaplaincy for the Homeless has a new name. We now do business as ‘The Chaplaincy for the Homeless’, a change made for clarity and simplicity. Our mission and our status as a 501 ( c ) 3 organization remain unchanged, so donations to us continue to qualify for the Arizona Income Tax Credit that Provides Assistance to the Working Poor. We, of course, still welcome all faiths to join with us in helping the homeless and we still serve those of any faith or none. 

In 2011 there were 5720 client visits to our office. This is less than the 7723 visits in 2010 largely because the cost of duplicate Arizona identification increased from $4 to $12 in March of 2011 and the cost of an Arizona birth certificate doubled in mid-year from $10 to $20. These increases were partially offset by grants from a number of supportive organizations, the re-introduction of our golf tournament and especially the generosity of our supporters.
We have stayed with our plan of being fiscally responsible, but because we would not overspend our income we have had to unfortunately lighten our client load. We have high hopes of changing this in 2012! 

Thank you for your support in 2011 and we welcome you to join us as we journey through 2012 with the continued goal of ending homelessness through providing the foundational necessity of identification. If you haven’t already please take a moment to subscribe to the Chaplaincy’s weekly newsletter at www.azhomeless.org.
With Gratitude,
Tracy L. Geivett,
Chaplain/Executive Director

A No-Cost Way to Help Homebound Elders and Caregivers
Our congregation partners with Duet, a non-profit, interfaith organization, to provide free-of-charge health and aging services.  You may receive a dollar-for-dollar AZ tax credit for your gifts to Duet.  The credit (up to $200 for individuals and $400 for couples) may be claimed in addition to AZ tax credits for public schools and school tuition organizations.  AZ Dept. Of Revenue www.azdor.gov describes this beneficial credit.  You may give to Duet by mail, online, or phone at 555 W. G.endale Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85021, www.duetaz.org, or 602-274-5022.  You may also call 602-274-4055 to ask for help or to explore volunteer opportunities.  Together, we are helping many people in need!