|
We are a small congregation located in a place where there are great needs. Ministry Style Favors Outreach: Because we are served by a ministry team of non-remunerated (volunteer) priests, the little bit of income that we enjoy can be channeled into projects that benefit those around us. Recent Projects: HAITI RELIEF: Following the January 12, 2010 Haiti earthquake (on the island of Hispaniola) we donated the entire Sunday offering to ERD (Episcopal Relief & Development) for inclusion with the assistance offered by the Episcopal Church USA. Our members also manned aid collection stations throughout that weekend. Providing school supplies and uniforms to the five children of an AIDS family with whom we have had contact for a number of years. (This occupied the entire plate offering from May, June, July & August 2009) Previous Social Ministry: Other social ministry work performed by the congregation has included: Before we built this addition, the bathroom was a drafty structure made of plywood with access only from outside of the house. Now the family has indoor plumbing that does not require anyone to go outside. See PHOTOS. FUTURE PROJECTS: Expand Hotel Chaplaincy. So that there may be a more extensive chaplaincy to Cancún's visitors, we are preparing to open a second location within the Cancun Hotel Zone. When we do begin to hold a second service, it will be at such an hour that the priest can also attend the regular Sunday service of St. Michaels. This will have several benefits: (a) We shall have a greater visibility in the local community. (b) We shall be able to provide services to a larger number of people, since most tourists who attend our service in the Hotel Marriott Casa Magna are guests in nearby hotels.[Cancún's Hotel Zone is a narrow 15 mile long island; we are located near mile 10 and most of the tourists attending our services travel less than two miles. Local members travel up to 45 minutes to participate in our services.] (c) There should be an increase in our income, which will be designated for either of the next two projects. Spanish Language Ministry. There is no Mexican Spanish-speaking Anglican congregation within 500 miles of Cancún. We have begun to prepare the way for opening a Spanish language mission here in Cancún. Our judgement is that this should be undertaken in Cancun proper, not the Hotel Zone. Therefore, there will be a need to acquire suitable facilities, both for holding services and for use as a rectory/priest's apartment. Capital Building Fund. During our 19+ years serving Cancun we have been located in facilities that are not our own. Surely there are benefits to being the guests of a host such as the Marriott Casa Magna, but there are also a number of factors which limit our ministry. We are presently looking for an appropriate plot of land upon which we might be able to build our own building. If we are successful in assisting in the establishment of a Spanish-speaking congregation, the facilities might be shared, but since we do not know if or where such a ministry may be established, we can not be certain how our future building might be utilized. |