Church Periodical Club:
National Books Fund and Miles of Pennies Fund

(From Apr 2000 Nativity newsletter)

Share with God's people in need.
Romans 12:13a

At Nativity, we are committed to sharing with people in need. Contributions to the National Books Fund and the Miles of Pennies Fund constitute one way we share with them, enlighten them, encourage them and spread the Word of God to them. Not only Christians but also non-Christians in America and throughout the earth experience the love and the power of the Holy Spirit when they are assisted in broadening their awareness of God and his creation. NBF and MOP provide books, magazines, Bibles, hymnals, tapes and videotapes to children, college students, schools, seminarians, missionaries, libraries, hospitals, prisons, alcohol/drug abuse centers, seafarers institutes and companion dioceses.

In January, many of the books you brought for our sale were purchased. In only three weeks, your participation in Bring a Book, Buy a Book netted $191.00 for the NBF. Books that were not sold were either retained for our library and our Children's Education Department or given to The Mustard Seed and Sarasota Social Services for Underprivileged Children. On CPC Sunday, you shared $297.50 for beneficiaries of NBF. A grand total of $488.50 has been sent to the administrators of NBF for grants.

On a sadder note, you may have already heard that our penny jar and its contents were recently taken by outsiders for the THIRD time. ( The jar has been replaced; look for the bright red basket in the Narthex the next time you bring pennies for MOP) Feeling a bit dismayed, I rather reluctantly sent up a prayer for the culprits. The following Sunday, a parishioner approached me saying, "I heard the penny jar was stolen. This is for the Miles of Pennies. " As the words were spoken, a twenty dollar bill was presented and placed in my hand. What a thoughtful, generous act! A gift for recipients of grants and a gift for my spirit.

When we share with those in need, whether it is with cash or kindness or both, we all feel God's loving touch.