Our Ministries

Calvary has sampled and enthusiastically supported a variety of missions in recent years.  The Mission and Outreach Committee refined Calvary’s vibrant mission ministry by setting some long-term goals for specific local and international missions that will be emphasized in 2011.  The 2010-2011 theme for mission support is “Changing Lives with Food and Water,” a theme that is, on the surface, simple and yet very profound with its thrust toward sustainment of basic needs.  For most projects, a “hands-on” approach is taken, in addition to providing financial support.

In keeping with Calvary’s ultimate goal, Love God, Love All (Mark 12:29-31), the Mission and Outreach Committee seeks to undertake a mission effort that is both local and worldwide in nature, relative to the following core values: 

Our theme, “Changing Lives with Food and Water,” focuses on a number of exciting missions and stimulating activities supporting those missions.  Historically, Calvary has supported the Rwanda Water Project, Angel Food Ministries, The Heifer Project, Habitat for Humanity, CareNet, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, the Back to School Bash and the Crop Walk, among many others.   Those very successful mission experiences enjoyed and supported by the Calvary over recent years seemed to “speak” to the committee when the current theme was selected, since they all focus on food and water and providing assistance with basic needs.  A variety of activities are organized in order to engage the entire congregation.

Calvary Presbyterian Church is a vital participant in the Kiski-Rwanda Partnership.  Calvary has been an active supporter of the partnership for several years.  The Gitarama Region of the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda is located near the center of Rwanda and is our partner region.  There are three parishes and zones consisting of many churches.  Calvary’s partner church is Nyarubuye Mpushi where there are over 200 members.  The emphasis of this partnership is helping with the provision of pure water.  Our Little Dresses for Africa will also benefit this part of Africa.

During international emergencies, for example, the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and 2010 Haiti Earthquake, the generous sharing of financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering and special designated giving provides the resources needed to assist with immediate emergency needs, clean up provisions, long-term and unmet needs and spiritual and emotional counseling.

Recent mission projects included the Souper Bowl Sunday collection for local food pantries on Super Bowl Sunday.  Calvary also supported short-term work trips to Haiti for two young adults with connections to the congregation.  On Sunday, March 27, 2011, the committee served a Mission Lunch where the two mission workers had an opportunity to share some of their experiences in Haiti with the congregation.

Another recent mission opportunity included Blanket Sunday, sponsored by Calvary Presbyterian Women through Church World Service.  Church World Service helps to make a world of difference for people in need.  Donations, both cash and blankets, are accepted in order to provide disaster relief.  The program also provides micro-loans to women, farm animals, tools, and even training.

A new project to Calvary is “Little Dresses for Africa.”  The goal of Calvary’s project is to sew 100 children’s garments to be sent to Africa through the national program by mid-summer, 2011.  Simple dresses are constructed out of pillow cases.  Also “little britches” constructed of pant-weight cotton fabric will be sent to Africa.  The Mission and Outreach Committee is collecting pillowcases, cotton fabric  and sewing notions.  There is also a need for cash donations to cover the cost of shipping and purchasing materials and supplies not received as donations.  Indeed, the project could find a permanent home at Calvary because it is a hands-on creative project that provides a practical and basic need for children of Africa.

Torrance State Hospital located near Blairsville, Pennsylvania, is always in need of cash donations and items so that they can provide discharge packets to patients who are reentering independent living outside the institution.  These packets include sheets, towels, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, as well as pill boxes, calendars, watches and alarm clocks.  During the months of April and May congregation members may donate some of these items for delivery to Torrance State Hospital.

Another project coming up in May will be a Mission Lunch benefiting Westminster Highlands Camp.  The “camp lunch” will follow the morning service on May 22, 2011, and will include camp food and activities and a chance for the congregation to learn more about youth and adult group camps and activities available.  Donations will benefit Westminster Highlands Camp.

The Back to School Bash (B2SB) and CROP Walk round out the late summer and early fall mission project offerings.  The Back to School Bash is Saturday, August 20, 2011.  Calvary members and staff are active in the year-round planning that must occur for this highly successful project.  On the day of the event, Church Street is transformed into a street carnival, where pre-kindergarten through senior high students receive backpacks filled with school supplies, free food, games, prizes, information, new and used age-appropriate clothing, door prizes and live entertainment.  Most of the activities take place on the grounds of Calvary Presbyterian, Graystone Presbyterian and Zion Lutheran Churches.  This is an opportunity to involve many volunteers and enjoyment is two-way:  both for the participants and for the many volunteers. 

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The Prayers & Squares Prayer Quilt Ministry at Calvary Presbyterian Church makes prayer quilts, prayer squares and military prayer squares for those in need of prayer.  If you know of someone who is in special need of the healing power of prayer; whether member or non-member, child or adult, ill, facing surgery, or in a difficult life situation, you may request a prayer quilt for that person.  The process is:  Ask the person’s permission.  The person must agree to accept the gift of prayer in the form of a quilt.  Make sure the person knows it is a gift of love.  Call Marcia Buriok (724-463-3291) with the request.  *Prayer squares (a 4 inch square with 5 prayer knots) are available for mailing or to give to a friend.

We meet every Tuesday from 11 am–1 pm (on a come and go basis) on the second floor next to the nursery.  We can always use help ironing, pinning, sewing, cutting, organizing the fabric, and pulling the yarn through the quilts.  Anyone is welcome.  There are many jobs with a tremendous amount of reward!  We can always use donations of 100% cotton fabric and money to purchase supplies! Anyone who wishes to do so, contact the church office. 

Please pray for the Prayer Quilt Ministry.  “It’s not about the quilts, it’s about the prayers.”