St. Paul’s UCC Extended Ministry Mission Statement

Council for Extended Ministries

   This council provides are and ministering to the wider community on behalf of St. Paul’s members. It is guided by six members, each serving a three-year term, and two members being appointed each year. Each member organizes at least one of the following focal points of this outreach council.

   Given the many outreach efforts, congregation members are needed to help with these service-oriented opportunities.

Community Garden: We have our own garden behind the church! Helpers are needed for planting, picking, weeding, and watering. Produce is given to our local food bank.

New Hope Ministries:  This is our local outreach ministry in conjunction with Trindle Springs Lutheran Church.  For those who need assistance in our area, it stocks a small food bank and toiletries and helps secure household furnishings and small appliances. St. Paul’s members can also help with physical labor and clerical needs.

Ecumenical Food Pantry: Our members help stock shelves, distribute food items, and do tasks needed by this food pantry, which is located at Messiah Lutheran Church in Harrisburg.

Gather the Spirit: Provides Christian outreach through meals and distribution of toiletries to those in need in the Allison Hill section of Harrisburg.

Harvest Home:  On a Sunday in November, St. Paul’s celebrates Harvest Home, which features a display of non-perishable food in the church. The member-contributed food is then distributed to local food banks. That day, the congregation enjoys its Harvest Dinner at the church.

Adopted Child Sponsorships: Members of St. Paul’s are supporting approximately 9-10 children from the Tibetan Refugee Center in Darjeeling, India, and in the Philippines and Jerusalem.

Blanket Drive & Disaster Relief Mission Kits:  Blankets are collected and health kits are put together periodically, and helping hands are always welcome.

Thornwald and Sarah Todd Retirement Homes:   Based in Carlisle (about 15 miles away), these two homes are our UCC retirement centers that provide rehab, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. St. Paul’s members are encouraged to visit residents, be a volunteer, work on craft projects that support residents at these facilities, and help with Operation Santa Claus, which makes sure all residents are remembered at Christmas.