opportunities for Outreach…

KIDS HOPE USA is a nationwide mentoring program, matching adult church member mentors with at-risk elementary school children. In operation for 12 years, in 27 states, Bellevue Reformed Church is blessed to be the first KIDS HOPE USA church in New York State. We are partners with our neighborhood elementary school, Van Corlaer Elementary School, which is part of the Schenectady City School District. Students receive one hour of mentoring each week with a trained, committed mentor from our congregation. Each hour is supported by prayer from each mentor’s prayer partner. To learn more about KIDS HOPE USA, visit the web site at www.kidshopeusa.org.

Camp Bellevue

In conjunction with Camp Fowler, BRC offers kids the chance to experience all the fun of camp without having to be away from home overnight. A week-long day camp that includes breakfast, snacks, and lunch as well as crafts, recreation, nature study, Bible stories and camp songs is the high point of the summer for both kids and adults.

Ice Cream Social

A long-time favorite in the heat of summer, is the evening of the outdoor ice cream social. Chairs and card tables covered with a variety of tablecloths dot the church lawn. The Esperance Band plays enthusiastically as a line of neighbors, young and old, process past the ice cream and toppings table to get their sundaes. BRC members scoop ice cream, mingle with neighbors, and (for better or worse) continue the inevitable joking around that seems to always be a part of our gatherings.

Family Fun Nite

In the dead of winter, when cabin fever rages like an epidemic through upstate New York, BRC members take to the streets to pass out invitations to the February Family Fun Nite. Of course, it's a come-at-your-own-risk sort of event. Pizza and veggies are pretty safe, but then... watch out!! Laura Brown puts her whistle to her lips, and ... Crab soccer! Broom hockey! YIKES! (There are also activities for the more sane among the Schenectadians: crafts, a graffiti table, board games, not to mention the important role of cheerleading.) When everyone is flushed, tired, and sweaty, out comes the big cartons of ice cream. And by night's end, everyone has had enough gusto to get them through to spring.

Volunteering – Here, There, and Everywhere

BRC members follow Jesus as He walks everywhere in His world. They serve as coaches for kids' and adults' sport teams and as Girl Scout leaders; they serve at Schenectady Inner City Ministry's food pantry and do the CROP walk to alleviate hunger; they deliver furniture to people in need through the Home Furnishings Program; they befriend women experiencing crisis pregnancies; they pick up trash; they give away goods, food, and money; they do yard work for needy neighbors; they buy animals for poor families through Heifer Project; they support those who are dying and their families through Hospice; they give benefit concerts; and... the list goes on and on.

email: bellevuerc@verizon.net / phone: 518.393.1341 / fax: 518.393.1355

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