St. Peter's Missions

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 by clicking on this text or visiting their website at: www.bethanyhome.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 by clicking on this text or visiting 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 by clicking on this text or visiting their website at: http://www.heifer.org/

ROOM TO READ (RTR)

RTR was established in 2000 by John Wood, who at the time, was a Microsoft VP for China. RTR was established in recognition of the lacking literacy in so many places around the world. Since its establishment, RTR has

improved the lives of more than 45 million children in 28 countries around the world through the provision of quality education reading materials.

Whereas there is progress, it is estimated that still approximately 775 million people in the world can’t read because of lacking opportunities to get educated. About two thirds are women and children. St. Peter’s Pikeland UCC began supporting RTR in 2008. Thanks to the tremendous support of our church members and matching gifts, our

"small church on the hill", has been able to support over 550 women and children through RTR.

Also, in 2009, thanks to the help of our church, RTR was able to fund a new library that was built with local labor and

still plays a very important role in the lives of so many children and adults. It takes RTR approx. $365 to provide education to one student for an entire year. We have our annual RTR campaign in September. As part of our

support to RTR, we also collect used books for the church’s annual September book sale. Please regularly visit our website for further information.

Please support the RTR initiative through our

church!

More information about Room to Read can be found by clicking on this text or visiting their website 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 by clicking on this text or visiting their website at: http://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.

DISASTER RELIEF FUND

With our Disaster Relief Fund St. Peter's provides immediate, meaningful assistance to families and communities in need following a natural disaster. From flooding in our backyard, to hurricanes in the south to wildfires in Lahaina Hawaii and California, to those displaced due to violence in Ukraine we have provided much needed assistance quickly to people on the ground in those areas to get assistance directly to those who need help most. Our healthy fund is poised and ready for the next natural disaster wherever and whenever it may strike.

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)