Siesta Key Chapel is committed to doing all it can to bring the good news of God’s love to all the world. Our efforts have ranged from responding to global events like the Tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia to on-going efforts to feed the hungry in our own backyard. The following lists our current efforts.

GLOBAL MISSIONS

Southeast Asia : Financial contributions were collected for Tsunami relief efforts through the Presbyterian Church (USA) and partner churches in Southeast Asia.

Brazil: The Chapel helps support missionaries Gordon and Dorothy Gartrell. The family, including three children, first arrived in Salvador , Bahia in January 2002 to help “plant” churches with the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil.

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering is taken every Easter. An ecumenical effort, it allows the church to provide emergency disaster assistance, food, medical supplies and pastoral support to victims of natural and man-made disasters.

LOCAL MISSIONS

Beth-El Farmworkers Ministry is an exciting outreach to local migrant and year-round farmworkers in Wimauma and Immokkolee , Florida . The Chapel has a growing relationship with this ministry of Peace River and Tampa Bay Presbyteries. www.beth-el.info

Caritas is a joint effort by Sarasota churches to collect and distribute food staples to hungry and homeless people in our city. The Chapel collects canned goods and staples the first Sunday of every month. www.caritas.org

First Step offers a multifaceted approach to fighting addictions. Their Mothers and Infants program provides pre- and post-natal support, enabling participating mothers to give birth to babies free of alcohol or drug effects. www.firststepofsarasota.org

Jordan Prison Ministry is a family effort to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to inmates of men’s and women’s prisons in Florida . The Chapel hopes to expand its involvement with this important ministry in the year ahead.

Resurrection House provides services such as laundry facilities, showers, hygiene items, job search assistance and counseling, as well as a nursing station for basic health needs.

Sarasota Council of Concern raises funds through the Mustard Seed Thrift Shop. SCC provides layettes sufficient for the first year for babies of needy families, and pays for swimming instruction for Sarasota second graders.

Southeastern Guide Dogs provides blind persons with highly trained guide dogs, enabling them to live with greater confidence, safety, and dignity. The Florida-based center breeds dogs suited to the southern environment. www.guidedogs.org

The 3¢-A-Meal offering is taken the 5th Sunday of every month to meet the needs of hunger programs at the local, national, and international levels.

COLLEGE MINISTRY

The Navigators is a worldwide, interdenominational mission committed to knowing Christ and making Him known to others. SKC helps support Andy Farina as he ministers with the Navigators at Florida State University .