There are special people who enter our lives and leave a lifelong imprint on our hearts.  Pastor Pamela was just such a person, even though she was only with us a short time.  One of the foundations of her ministry was the belief that she should be available to lend comfort to those in need at all times. 

 

In remembrance and appreciation of her brief but meaningful time with us, we will continue to share her spirit of outreach and community by providing a ministry called “Pamela’s Paws”.  Beginning next Sunday, a large basket of teddy bears will be placed in a comfy corner of the sanctuary.  Each bear will have a tag affixed to his or her paw, bearing our church information on one side, and this statement on the other:  “This bear has been among the congregation of the Middle Island Presbyterian Church.  It has heard the Scriptures read, the prayers prayed, the hymns and anthems sung, and the sermons preached.  It is given to you with a big bear hug and many blessings and love.” 

 

These bears are available, free of charge, to be given to your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers…anyone in need of a big bear hug.  They are especially helpful for those awkward situations where you might not know just what to say, but you know the person is in pain, or going through a difficult time.  Let the bear do the talking for you! 

 

Donations of BRAND NEW teddy bears, or money to purchase replacement bears, will be accepted throughout the year by the church office, so that we can replenish our supply of fuzzy caregivers.  There’s a sign-out log on a clipboard next to the bear basket.  Please help us keep track of how many bears are sent out, for inventory purposes, plus we’d like to see how far this ministry spreads!  (The first two bears will be mailed to Pastor Pamela’s parents in California, and to the congregation of Pastor Pamela’s former church in Yonkers.)