The Council of Bishops’ Initiative on Children and Poverty (BICAP) empowers congregations to reach beyond their walls and be in servant evangelism with their communities by touching the lives of children.

Two resources are available to help churches reach that goal.

The “A Church for All God’s Children” checklist can assist congregations in learning about the needs of children and their families and identifying ways congregations can get involved.

The Florida Conference BICAP Task Force is also offering grants to help local congregations start ministries that reach their communities. For a church to be considered for a grant it must utilize the “A Church for All God’s Children” checklist.

The deadline to apply for a grant is 4 p.m. Dec. 15. The grant application is available on the conference Web site at http://www.flumc.org/bicap1.htm

For more information about the checklist go to http://www.umc.org/initiative.

Individuals searching for a way to make the holidays more meaningful and less commercialized should research the following organizations for unique gift giving ideas:

The Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, founded in 1908 by the Florida Conference, serves children between the ages of 5 to 18 who are unable to live in their homes, for a variety of reasons.

The average stay is 12 to 18 months in one of the 11 cottages on the property.

The Children’s Home needs a number of items to better serve its residents, including hair supplies, such as brushes, combs, barrettes, scrunchies, shampoo and conditioner, and hygiene items, such deodorant for men and women, Noxzema, disposable safety razors, sanitary items, Lever 2000, Irish Spring or Dial soap, toothpaste and dental floss.

Donations should be mailed to Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Main St., Enterprise, FL 32725 or call 386-668-5088.