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In September 2009 our church began an initiative called Universal Participation in Mission. Our desire was to be faithful to what Jesus called the two greatest commandments: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” and… “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Our goal was to engage every member of our congregation in some activity that would make a difference to improve the life of a neighbor outside of our immediate church family.
The response to this initiative was inspiring. While we did not achieve universal participation, an overwhelming number of members of the congregation made commitments to participate. A number of members opted to pursue individual initiatives, but most members joined in one or more of a group of suggested initiatives. In every case, the results helped to make a difference in people’s lives.
Around the world, thirteen children (10 of whom are from Uganda), two women and one teacher are now being sponsored by our members. In addition to a special offering, over 100 hygiene kits were prepared and shipped for victims of Haiti’s earthquake. The Alternative Christmas Gift fair raised over $3,000 and had 18 charities participating, more money and more charities than ever before. Project Heifer, undertaken by the children of the church, raised $541 to purchase various animals for impoverished third world families. The children exceeded their goal by 64%. The Presbyterian Coffee Project and SERRV, selling goods produced by third world small entrepreneurs, operated on a regular schedule and generated more purchases than ever before. Through the year, over 3000 PB&J sandwiches were made for clients of Jean Webster’s Kitchen and 2000 sandwich packages were made to supplement the needs of low-income families in Pleasantville. Nine teenagers gave a week of their lives on a mission trip to Louisville, Kentucky.
This coming year our goal is to continue to share the joy and to expand the movement that has been started. We are offering a menu of service opportunities again this year. For those who might wish to do even more, we are also offering a corporate, church-wide, project to supplement our individual efforts.
Once again we are asking each member of the congregation to prayerfully consider what you can do to make a difference in someone’s life. Please join with others in our church family in manifesting our love of God by committing yourself to make a difference for good in the life of our neighbors.
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