Spotlight on Mission

SERRV International

SERVV International is a nonprofit alternative trade and development organization. Its mission is to promote the social and economic progress of people in developing regions of the world by marketing their products in a just and direct manner. The goal is to alleviate poverty and empower low-income people through trade, training and other forms of capacity building as they work to improve their lives. SERVV has worked to assist artisans and farmers for more than 55 years through the following:   

• Marketing their handcrafts and food products in a just and direct manner.
• Educating consumers in the United States about economic justice and other cultures.
• Providing development assistance to low-income craftspeople through their community-based organizations.  

SERRV International was one of the first alternative trade organizations in the world and was a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT). SERRV offers artisan and farmer partners up to 50% advance payment on orders. This advance helps them to purchase raw materials and have a more regular income so they can avoid borrowing at locally high interest rates.

Alternative Gifts International

The global mission of Alternative Gifts International (AGI) is to send authentic, life-giving gifts to a needy world.

• Gifts that build a partnership with people in crisis
• Gifts that preserve the earth's endangered environment
• Gifts that nourish a more equitable and peaceful world community

The AGI provides education for people of all ages about global needs and raises funds each year in its Alternative Gift Markets and from individual donors to respond to those needs. Designated grants then are sent to international projects of several reputable nonprofit agencies for relief and development.

So what are alternative gifts? They are a nontraditional way of giving. Rather than buying yet one more necktie for Uncle George, honor him instead by giving in his name a life-sustaining gift to help abolish global poverty or to renew our planet's environment.

Catch the holiday spirit on November 16 at the Kirk's

SERRV Sale & Alternative Gift Market!

•  November 9 - Missionary Presentation during both worship services
• November 16 SERRV Sale; Alternative Gift Market
• November 23 - Thanksgiving Offering

Medical Supplies Collection

Thank you! Thank you! Gracias! The Mission Committee would like to thank all of you who filled our suitcases with medical supplies for the Venezuelan mission trip. Ann, Jake and Lili will take six extra suitcases of supplies with them as they minister to the world's "poorest of the poor." In addition to donations from Kirk members, we have received many donations from the Bonnie Brae community. We are learning not to be afraid to ask and are amazed at the generosity of many businesses and individuals.