Liberian Connection – Lifting Up Liberia

Read More About Milleium Development Goals Activities in the Diocese here.

The first Episcopal election in the Diocese of Liberia since the 30+ years of civil strife ended was held on November 17, 2007.

He is the Very Rev. Jonathan B. B. Hart, Dean of Trinity Cathedral in Monrovia. Bishop Elect Hart is a graduate of EDS in Cambridge, MA.

Bishop Scruton is calling the entire community of congregations and people that live together as the Diocese of Western Massachusetts to be in prayer for the Diocese of Liberia.

God Willing, the Consecration of the New Bishop will be on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, 2008.

At Diocesan Convention 2005, we approved, by acclamation, two methods of assistance for our brothers and sisters in Liberia:

• Sending a financial donation to help purchase a Toyota Truck, with a goal of $25,000.
• Sending a donation of goods.

Here’s how you can help with the first initiative:

Send check to the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, 37 Chestnut St,, Springfield, MA, 01103. Please make the check payable to the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, with “Liberia Connection” written on the memo line.

Check this page on the Diocesan Web site for progress.

Remember: Many small and large amounts add up to $25,000.

In terms of the offering of goods to Liberia, these are some easy steps to get started:

♣ Buy a “dish barrel” or sturdy container/box/tub – for best prices, buy at a UHaul Store, Charlton Box Store, etc.
♣ Pack it FULL with your items. Shipping rate is by size of container you use, not weight. If you can’t fill the container, join with a neighbor parish. Don’t put books in a huge container, as no one will be able to lift it. See below for book ideas.
♣ Get everyone involved! For instance, ask kids “what do you think other kids need” – have them collect those items. Ask Episcopal Church Women (ECW), Altar Guild, Choir, Christian Ed Director, etc., the same question. See below for suggested ideas
♣ Type or write four manifests of contents -put one inside the container, tape one to outside of container, send one to Liberia Connections member (S. Jane Griesbach, 183 Gould Road, Charlton, MA, 01507, (508) 885-7023) and keep one for your own files.
♣ Secure container carefully with strong packing tape.
♣ Set a goal date for in-gathering and blessing of boxes.
♣ We are researching one centralized pick-up location in May. We will let you know when and where.
♣ You will pay upon pick-up of barrel/boxes.
♣ Save copy of your bill to Jane (a Diocesan Second Mile grant will match half via reimbursement – but you need to send a copy of the bill to have this happen).

Suggestions for getting folks involved. Ask the following groups (and others in your parish) to identify items they will be able to collect:

ECW - can partner with the powerful Mother’s Union in Liberia – sewing kits, mechanical sewing machines, light weight knitting yarn, needlepoint kits for prayer kneelers, flat twin size sheets etc.

Church School kids: school supplies, art supplies, educational games, flashlights with spare batteries (or the shake and use type), etc.

Altar Guild: altar dressings, wine and wafers, vestments, candles, etc.

Choir: hymnals (in English), choir vestments, organist hymnal, etc.

Books: should be packed in small book boxes. Any and all books in English will be acceptable … texts, novels, paperback, reference, nursing and medical, theological study, dictionaries, childrens books of all ages, etc.

Health Kits: First Aid supplies packed in Zip Lock bags

Check back on this page for more ideas. These collections can be an ongoing activity. The pick up can be once every three months.