Iglesia ni Cristo, Church of Christ, gives back to neighbours through community partnership event
Thank you is not enough. We want to show our appreciation to our neighbours.
Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) or Church of Christ, one of the fastest growing international Christian organisations, will thank residents of Sydney’s western suburbs on Saturday, Sept. 3 for their continuous support and hospitality throughout the growth of its local establishments, at an inaugural Neighbourhood Appreciation Day hosted at 27 Eskdale St. in Minchinbury from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hundreds of community members are expected to receive FREE services for everyday living sponsored by the Iglesia ni Cristo, including health screenings, consultations and wellness education from licensed medical professionals; children’s center with games and crafts; food and live musical entertainment; and guided tours to welcome residents to the chapel in Minchinbury.
The very first of ongoing initiatives to reach communities across the country, the day of service is a global effort of the INC Giving Project, the organisation’s newly launched philanthropic program to help families and communities during challenging economic times, leveraging the skills and expertise of Church members to implement positive solutions and offer services for the basic needs of their neighbours.
“The services we’re offering our community partners are strategically aligned with the needs of the region to ensure we’re providing children and families everyday resources not often supplied free of cost.” said Iglesia ni Cristo District Minister of Australia-Oceania Emmanuel Era.
“More nonprofits are unfortunately closing their doors with the downturn of the economy, but even after nearly 100 years, the INC is still growing internationally. It’s our way of saying thank you to our neighbours and opening our doors to those who’ve welcomed us on their streets every week for the last 24 years.”
The first congregation of the Iglesia ni Cristo in Australia was formed in Sydney, now known as the establishment in Carlingford. The Minchinbury chapel located along the Great Western Highway, completed in 1996, is just one of nine congregations in the Metro Sydney area alone, and part of 57 congregations and regional extensions in the Australia-Oceania District that spans throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tonga.
Nonprofits and faith-based organisations have long helped fill the gap between those in need and what the government provides in benefits and social services, but the increased cut of programs and the impact of the recession is widening the gap. Studies are showing that cuts to social service programs mean charitable groups and faith-based organisations are expected to service more people with even greater needs.
“We don’t want to just say thank you to our neighbours, we want to show them our appreciation,” said Era.
“Our members are taking a multi-service approach to addressing the issues facing residents of the area while setting the tone for future initiatives that support family and neighbourhood development.”
The mission of the INC Giving Project is to extend the presence of the Iglesia ni Cristo members to its community partners by supporting their efforts to provide solutions to help families succeed and achieve. The Neighbourhood Appreciation Day in Western Sydney is part of a global initiative to share faith through acts of kindness by meeting people’s everyday needs, engaging thousands of members in supporting local neighbourhoods and strengthening the bond with their communities.
For more information on the Neighbourhood Appreciation Day or upcoming INC Giving projects in the region, call 0434 283 656 (Glenn David) or email info [at] incaustralia [dot] com. The Western Sydney local congregation house of worship is located at 27 Eskdale St. in Minchinbury.
