The Scriptures say that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 47). We’ve found that he most often uses other people in that process. Our helping and caring ministries seek to carry out God’s loving intentions toward people by demonstrating mercy and compassion to those in need.
Abba’s Children
Abba’s Children raises awareness of the needs of orphans, providing information about resources available to assist with adoption or providing orphan care and encouraging our congregation to respond. A partnership has been established with the ABBA Fund to provide financial assistance to those seeking to adopt. This ministry also offers monthly support meetings for families who are raising adopted children or who are in the process of adopting. For more information, write to Pastor Omar Zook or phone 533-2092, ext. 2010.
Car Care Clinic
The Car Care Clinic is a service offered by the Deacon Committee to those in our church family whose finances are tight and are unsure whom to trust with the care of their car. The clinics are held two or three times a year at a local garage; dates and registration details are announced in the Sunday bulletin and on the website. Volunteer skilled mechanics change oil and oil filters and perform routine lubrication and service checks on each vehicle. If additional repairs are needed, the vehicle owner will be referred to a qualified mechanic and offered an opportunity to discuss financial aid with the Compassion Ministries coordinator. The clinic is free, but donations to the Compassion Ministries Fund are welcome. For more information, call the Compassion Ministries office at 533-2092, ext. 2038.
Clothing Bank
The clothing bank is available to anyone in need Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Clothing for this ministry is donated by members of the congregation. Clothing donations can be dropped off at the shed outside the clothing bank entrance (on the driveway to the rear parking lot) at any time.
Food Bank
The food bank is open to anyone attending the church or living in the surrounding communities (from zip codes: 17033, 17036, 17078, 17022 and 17057) on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Personal identification containing the home address is required of non-attenders. To visit the food bank on other days, call Compassion Ministries at 533-2092, ext. 2038, to make an appointment. The congregation is invited to donate unexpired food items. A list of items needed for the Food Bank is available at a Welcome Center and food can be dropped into designated boxes in the entrances.
Compassion Ministries Fund
This fund provide short-term or emergency assistance to anyone in need, but priority is given to members of our church family. Applications are held in strict confidence, and must be approved by the Deacon Committee. Special offerings are taken for this fund at the conclusion of communion services. Apply for help by contacting Compassion Ministries at 533-2092, ext. 2038.
GraceWorks
This is an annual day of serving people in our community in various ways. Teams go out on a Saturday to do projects like yard clean-up, cooking and light home repair. For more information, write to Pastor Dave Hyatt or phone 533-4848.
Financial Counseling
We counsel individuals or couples within our church who are having difficulty “making ends meet” or who want to align their finances with biblical principles. The financial counselor, who is a lay person in the church, will provide sessions involving a study of Biblical principles regarding money as well as practical help with establishing a budget plan and dealing with debt. For more information, email Pastor Omar Zook or call 533-2092, ext. 2010.
Compassion Support
This ministry helps people within our congregation who have light home-fix-up jobs or need help with chores or shopping. It matches them with people in our congregation with skills who are willing to share in the spirit of Galatians 5:12: “Serve one another in love.” To volunteer or to arrange for help around the house, email Compassion Ministries or call 533-2092, ext. 2038.
Home Away from Home
This is a ministry to internationals living in our community with the primary function of teaching English for Language Learners (ELL). In addition, there are special events for our international friends to experience American culture and develop relationships with local families, including pairing them with a “Friendship Family,” international dinners, picnics and tours to historical sites. Email Tim and Belinda Hoffsmith or phone 469-7036 for more information.
