St. Peter's Outreach

In the Gospel descriptions of Jesus, we see, time and again, his care for the needs of others.  Jesus filled empty stomachs, healed many in body and soul, and relieved suffering wherever he encountered it.

St. Peter's UCC is committed to that same caring as exemplified in Jesus.  Because of that, we have a legacy of outreach to those in need; in the church, in local communities, and internationally.

As a way to translate the message of Christ into action, "Mission Teams" were created.  These teams consist of members who feel a passion for their particular mission.

We invite you to read about our various missions.  Perhaps, in one of them, you will feel the Spirit calling you to service!

BETHANY CHILDREN'S HOME

Bethany Children's Home provides residential services for a school-age, co-ed population who are unable to live with their own or a substitute family. Typically, these young people require more structure, more elaborate programming, and more highly-trained staff than is possible in a smaller group setting. Founded in 1863 and related to the United Church of Christ, Bethany serves more than 300 youth each year on its Womelsdorf, PA, campus.  Additionally, through its Counseling Ministry, Bethany annually provides counseling services to over 600 families throughout the region.

More information on Bethany Children's Home can be found on their website at: www.bethanyhome.org

GOOD SAMARITAN SHELTER

Mission: The Good Samaritan Shelter provides emergency and transitional housing and other critical services to homeless men in the Greater Phoenixville Area.

Towards this mission the Good Samaritan Shelter provides safe, comfortable housing for homeless men in the greater Phoenixville area. GSS also collaborates with local health and social service agencies to help their guests regain stability in their lives and address the issues surrounding their homelessness.

More information about Good Samaritan Shelter can be found on their website at: www.goodsamshelter.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. They build with people in need regardless of race or religion. Whenever possible, they build sustainable, energy-efficient and healthy housing.

Homeowners and volunteers build under trained supervision. Individuals, corporations, faith groups and others provide vital financial support.

More information about Habitat For Humanity can be found on their website at: www.habitat.org

 

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL

For over 67 years, Heifer has empowered millions of families to lift them out of poverty and hunger to self-reliance through gifts of livestock, seeds and trees, and extensive training, which provide a multiplying source of food and income.

Heifer's strategy is to pass on the gift. As people share their animals' offspring with others–along with their knowledge, resources and skills–an expanding network of hope, dignity and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe.

More information on Heifer Project International can be found on their website at: http://www.heifer.org/

LANCASTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Lancaster Theological Seminary is a richly diverse, ecumenical graduate school of theology located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, their mission is to educate and strengthen leaders for congregations and other Christian vocations serving church and society.  Their programs are designed to nurture integration of intellectual, spiritual, social and vocational learning. Interaction with local and global communities of faith throughout the course of study grounds this process in real-world contexts.
Lancaster Seminary has had a heritage of dedication to excellent theological education since 1825.

More information about Lancaster Theological Seminary can be found on their website: www.lancasterseminary.edu

 

ROOM TO READ

Room to Read is a non-profit organization seeking to transform the lives of children in the developing world through literacy and gender equality in education. Currently in 10 countries in Africa and Asia (Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam and Zambia), Room to Read works in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations, and governments, to not only teach literacy but to cultivate a habit of reading among primary school children. They provide academic and life-skills support in order to help girls complete secondary school and negotiate key life decisions. In the past decade, they have impacted over 9.7 million children.

RESULTS TO DATE: Since its inception in 2000, Room to Read has:

Distributed over 15.6 million children's books

Published 1,158 local language books

Constructed 1,930 schools

Established 17.534 libraries

Funded 31.636 girls scholarships

St. Peter's has raised funds to build a library in Nepal and for their Girls' Education Program.

More info is available at: http://www.roomtoread.org/

 

ST. MARY'S SHELTER

In 1987, Two Sisters of St. Francis wanted to address the growing problem of homelessness, particularly the homelessness of families.
They searched for a place to locate a shelter. A friend of theirs happened to be the pastor at St. Mary's Parish on the north side of Phoenixville and he invited them to use the convent building.
In the years since 1987, the Shelter has housed more than 430 families and provided more than 50,000 nights of shelter and 150,000 meals.
In 1996, a partnership was formed to facilitate the delivery of services to the residents. This partnership consists of St. Mary's Franciscan Shelter, Open Hearth, Inc. and Orion Communities.

More information on St. Mary's Shelter can be found on their website at: www.stmarysfs.org

ST. PETER'S SEWING CIRCLE

The Sewing Circle of St. Peter's meets monthly for lunch and sewing.  The many items sewn by the ladies are brought to the annual Pickering Valley Guild ingathering that is hosted by our church.  Tables piled high with sewn and donated items are given to local charities.

The Sewing Circle also coordinates the St. Peter's food drive every winter, and the Blankets+ special offering for Church World Service.

Two other projects of the Sewing Circle are the Harvest Home service in September, and the donation of Christmas gifts to Pocopson Home.

Any ladies of the church who would like to join the Sewing Circle are more than welcome

 

WAYNE'S MINISTRY

Wayne Freese is a resource person for several area social service agencies.  When a need arises, Wayne makes an announcement in church or the newsletter, and the people of St. Peter's respond by providing furniture, appliances, household items, used computers, etc.

In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.  (Matthew 7:12)