MISSION AND SERVICE

General Mission Giving - As a part of the connectional church, DPC is able to minister in all parts of the world through the auspices of the General Assembly, Synod, and Presbytery. The centralized administration of these contributions enables the individual churches to have a far greater impact than if they acted alone.
The Mission Treasury Service of General Assembly supports worldwide mission, personnel services for churches seeking pastors and leadership in the church, evangelism and church development, women's ministries, and the Council on Racial and Social Justice. The Synod of the Trinity supports mission projects within the Synod. The Philadelphia Presbytery carries on local projects, including Camp Kirkwood and Chester Eastside ministries.

Presbytery-Related Causes - DPC supports the following Presbytery-related causes: The Presbyterian University Medical Center, PresbyHomes and Services, Princeton Seminary, and Kirkwood Camp.

Directly-Supported Causes - The following are programs, organizations, and ministries that DPC has chosen to support. God's work is being done in the community through the church and various service organizations.

Americans for Native Americans (ANA) - In a nation so abundant with riches, it is often hard for some Americans to imagine the tragic hardships facing many Native Americans. With many lacking basic necessities, the living conditions on Native American reservations can be shocking to those not familiar with reservation life. Native Americans deal with frightening statistics every day. Rampant poverty, high homelessness, sub-standard housing without running water, heat or electricity, extremely high unemployment and a very low high school graduation rate (under 70%). The Navajo Reservation is particularly disturbing, with only an average per capita income of $4,100, 58% live below the poverty level and unemployment reaches 25%. During the winter of 1990, 17 Native Americans froze to death because of inadequate protection from the harsh winters found in the high desert. DPC members, Bill and Connie Eastburn organized a grass-roots effort in Bucks County in response to these senseless deaths and sent two tons of blankets to the reservation near Gallup, New Mexico, where the deaths had occurred. ANA was born through that effort. During the early weeks of Advent 2003, over 160 pairs of mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves were collected and shipped to Percy Piestewa on the Hopi Indian Reservation in Tuba City, AZ. Percy’s daughter Lori was the first Native American killed in action during the Iraqi War. In most cases these gifts were the only presents received during the Christmas holiday.

Bread for the World - BFW works to encourage government policies to provide programs to aid hungry people. As a covenant member, DPC schedules two annual Offerings of Letters to encourage legislators to work on alleviating hunger, here and around the world. Website.

Christmas Joy Offering - The Christmas Joy Offering is a Presbyterian Church (USA) offering and is divided between the Board of Pensions Assistance for retirees and low paid church workers (50%) and racial, ethnic schools and colleges (50%). Website.

Discovery Service Project - Discovery Service Project works to provide buildings for healing, teaching, training, or worship for communities in need in the Third World. Many DPC members have participated in their annual work trips. Led by the Reverends Rowland and Barbara Carlson, Bucks County's Humanitarians for 2000, Discovery has been building bridges between cultures since 1987. Contact: The Reverend Carlson (215-766-0512).

Doylestown Ambulance and Rescue Unit - This contribution is made in recognition of the service this organization provides to the community and DPC whenever this service is needed. Contact: (215-348-8380).

Doylestown Emergency Shelter - The Bucks County Housing Group has run the Doylestown Emergency Shelter providing temporary and emergency housing for families since 1984. The staff offers counseling to assist the occupants in finding permanent lodging and making use of appropriate community resources available to them. Contact: (215-345-4311).

Doylestown Fire Company - Each year members of our community are touched by the devastation of a fire. Others put their lives on the line to fight these fires. This contribution is made in recognition of the service this organization provides to the community and DPC whenever this service is needed. Contact: (215-348-2656).

Doylestown Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Ministry - In 1979 the Central Bucks Christian Council entered into a financial arrangement with Doylestown Hospital to partially support the Department of Pastoral Care. A chaplain is on duty full-time to care for the spiritual needs of the patients, their families, and the staff, as well as training a cadre of volunteer visitors. The chaplain is the Reverend Carolyn Montgomery. Contact: Pastoral Care office (215-345-2269).

DPC Deacon's Fund - The Mission Committee allocates funds used by the Deacons to carry out its ministry, including cassette and video tape supplies, gas for the van, college cookie mailings, residence-bound members, as well as members of the congregation with an emergency need. Contact: church office (215-348-3531).

DPC Youth Work Camp / Mission Projects - These funds offset expenses for work camp/service projects intended to involve youth and adults in the needs of the homeless and other people. Individuals study and address various needs through their work in soup kitchens, shelters, food banks, housing rehabilitation, as well as their exposure to people and services in a variety of settings. In 2003 the group traveled to North Cambria, PA, to work with the Northern Cambria Community Development program. For more information, contact the church office (215-348-3531).

Emmanuel Hospital - EHA (now Emmanuel Healthcare) is an independent association of hospitals with membership in the Christian Medical Association of India. The headquarters of EHA is in New Dehli, but EHA’s 18 community health projects are located throughout north India. EHA is the world’s largest indigenous healthcare mission. Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA) came into being in 1970, with six hospitals in the association. Over the years this has grown to 19 hospitals, 27 community health projects, and 4 schools of nursing. The headquarters of EHA are in New Delhi. Its care and concern lie in north, central, and north-east India, where the Christian influence is much weaker than in the south of the country. EHA is a fellowship of Christian institutions and individuals that exist to transform communities through caring, with primary emphasis on the poor and marginalized. EHA serves people and communities regardless of race, caste, creed, or religion in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ, so as to manifest him through word and deed. Today this dynamic, thriving healthcare mission agency has become the benchmark, not only for India but also for many parts of the developing world. Website.

Esperanza - Esperanza’s (Hope in Spanish) main program is the operation of a community health care clinic to treat and prevent injury and disease. It has a full-time board certified staff of bilingual physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants specializing in cardiology, pediatrics, women’s health, family medicine, internal medicine, and infectious diseases. Health Partners, Inc. has deemed Esperanza a “Center of Excellence” for the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Because the majority of its medical staff is bilingual, the patients feel very comfortable there. Esperanza is a light of hope in North Philadelphia because no one is turned away because he or she cannot pay for medical care.

FISH - FISH is a volunteer organization which provides emergency needs for food, heating oil, shelter, clothing, and transportation. As the need arises, the Mission Committee collects non-perishable food for the FISH community collection point for distribution. In addition to congregational sponsorship, individuals can contribute directly. Contact: (215-348-8166).

Food Larder Collection – Donations of food, cleaning supplies, and personal products are accepted the first Sunday of each month in the green and white collection boxes at the church entrances. The items are given to the New Britain Baptist Food Larder. Most needed items: peanut butter and jelly, canned main dish meals, hearty soups, and canned fruits.

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County - In 1994, DPC reaffirmed its covenant to support Habitat for Humanity International and its local Bucks County affiliate. Habitat is an ecumenical, Christian housing ministry whose objective is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the face of the earth by working in partnership with God's people in need. DPC raised over $80,000 to build one home in Trumbauersville in 2002. Website.

Heifer Project International - For fifty years, Heifer Project has been sending farm animals to impoverished and war-torn countries whose farmers are in desperate need. Farmers receiving animals first have training on care and must commit to give their first-born animals to another deserving family. DPC has donated three arks full of animals to the Heifer Project and supports Heifer through the Alternative Giving Program during Advent each year and HPI is often the Vacation Bible School mission project. Website.

Life Abundant - This vital ministry to those in prison and their families provides volunteers for worship services, tutorial programs, Bible study, counseling, and support for those desiring this contact. A firm belief that conversion is vital to an effective rehabilitation program guides this organization's work. Contact: (215-489-0200).

Love in Action/Needs of the People - This program provides opportunities for members to respond to needs within our congregation and the community. People are encouraged to bring needs of families or individuals to the attention of the congregation. People may do this by 1) completing a Needs of the People form in the pews and placing it on the offering plate or mailing it to the church office; 2) presenting the need during the “Prayers and Needs of the People” in Sunday Worship; or 3) contacting Love in Action or the church office (215-348-3531). "Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received." --1 Peter 4:10

Mission Travel and Interpretation - The purpose of this fund is to provide financial assistance for DPC members who are interested in going on mission-related projects requiring a major financial commitment. Contact: church office (215-348-3531).

Mission Yearbook of Prayer - Each year the Mission Committee provides a subsidy for the annual Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study published by the General Assembly. Each day there is a brief story of mission efforts both nationally and internationally, as well as daily lectionary readings. This subsidy keeps the cost to DPC members at $3 each. Contact: church office (215-348-3531). Website.

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering - Each year DPC supports One Great Hour of Sharing by involving the congregation in financial contributions over and above the annual Mission Budget. All money contributed goes toward the hunger program of the Presbyterian Church, the fund for self-development of peoples, and the church's disaster relief fund. Contact: church office (215-348-3531). Website.

Pastors' Emergency Fund for Food and Housing - The Mission Committee sets aside an amount each year for pastors to use in a discretionary way to meet emergency needs that come to them from the community. When transient and homeless people are in need of food or overnight lodging appeal to the church, the pastors are able to help meet these immediate requests for aid. Contact: church office (215-348-3531).

Peacemaking Offering - The Session authorizes a special offering to be received on World Communion Sunday in October. Seventy-five percent of this offering is given to the Peacemaking Task Force at the national level and 25% percent remains for use by the local church for community projects and ministries. In recent years, the local monies have been given to the Adopt-a-Minefield project for the clearing of millions of landmines, especially in agriculturally-based countries. Contact: church office (215-348-3531). Website.

Presbyterian Disaster Relief Fund - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) enables congregations and mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to witness the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crisis and catastrophic events. PDA is one of the three programs supported by the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Additional support is generated by special gifts for specific crises. DPC often collects special offering for these specific crises. Website.

Presbyterian Medical Mission Fund - This Fund supports the medical mission efforts of the Presbyterian Church by organizing an effective system for sending donated medical equipment overseas; by providing medicines, vaccines, supplies, and equipment; by making scholarship funds available to nationals; and by providing funds for village health work in many countries. Additionally, the foundation works to recruit health professionals who can give their volunteer time at mission stations throughout the world. Contact: (800-990-6492). Website.

Princeton Institute of Youth Ministries - PIYM was chartered in 1987 to develop joint efforts between Princeton Theological Seminary and Young Life in an outreach ministry to adolescents. For nearly a decade, PIYM has embraced the task of preparing men and women to meet the challenges of ministering to youth through semi-annual leadership development conferences. For more information, contact the church office (215-348-3531).

Protestant Committee on Scouting - This organization supports a resident chaplaincy program at scout campsites. Scouting is growing as more boys are participating each year.

Red Cross Homeless Shelter - The American Red Cross, Lower Bucks County Chapter, operates a 75-bed emergency shelter program which provides short-term assistance to homeless individuals, singles, and families in Bucks County. Shelter residents receive meals, a cot, linens, shower facilities, and personal hygiene items. Social casework management is provided for all shelter residents on-site. These services include assessment, development of a plan to resolve the residents' homelessness, support, referral to appropriate community services, monitoring of progress, advocacy, and counseling. Workshops on parenting, budgeting, nutrition, self-esteem building, job interviewing, and career direction are offered weekly. The Hot Line number: (800-810-4434). Website.

Samaritan Counseling Center - This interfaith counseling service has trained and accredited therapists, both clergy and lay persons, who provide faith-oriented counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Each sponsoring church contributes 504 per member minimum and has a vote on the Advisory Board. The Reverend Dr. Pamela Nesbitt, whose office is at Salem United Church of Christ (186 East Court Street, Doylestown) is the Center’s director. Contact: (215-345-5929).

SNEHA - The Society for Nurture, Education, and Health Advancement (SNEHA) works actively with the poorest of the poor among the Dalits in the slums of Khurbura. The program includes a school for children, community health education, and a subsidized visiting clinic. Funds will be used to provide scholarships for children, community health education, and medical care for those who cannot afford to pay.

Student Venture - Student Venture is the high school ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. It serves students at Central Bucks West High School under the leadership of John Karraker (215-348-8044). Website.

Sunset Gap Community Center Clothing Drive - Each spring DPC members collect clothing for the Thrift Shop of the Sunset Gap Community Center in Newport, Tennessee, usually amounting to over five tons. DPC is one of the largest contributors to the Thrift Shop. Website.

Theological Education Fund - The base of funding for some seminaries has declined drastically. The goal of this Fund is for every congregation to contribute 1% of its Operating Budget to further the work of our seminaries in training future pastors and church workers. Each year DPC moves a little closer to this goal! DPC Contact: church office (215-348-3531).

Volunteers In Teaching Alternatives, Inc. - VITA provides trained tutors to teach basic reading skills to adults on a one-to-one basis. VITA teaches problem-solving techniques and decision-making to young adults in trouble with the law, and tutors persons in English as a Second Language. DPC also supports VITA by giving it space in which to hold classes. Contact: (215-345-8322). Website.

Wrapping Presence -Winner of the 2004 Pennsylvania Volunteer Group of the Year Award, this program visits nursing homes and lets residents "shop" for gifts to offer loved ones. DPC’s Marne Dietterich, a social worker by training, watched her parents spend their last, often-frustrating Christmases in a nursing home, their desire to get in on the gift-giving stymied by immobility and illness. She now devotes her considerable energies to remedying that predicament for other nursing home residents, as founder and guiding force behind Wrapping Presence, an outreach program affiliated with our church. Marne and her army of 130 ecumenical volunteers, ages 5 to 81, turn area nursing homes into veritable North Poles every year. Because of them, residents can shop on-site, wrap, and reminisce. There are volunteers who shop in advance for gifts to be “sold.” There are buddies to help each resident select and wrap. There are picture-takers, pinecone-corsage makers, and home cookie-bakers. All store merchandise has been donated, or purchased with donations, so the gifts are free. Those who insist on paying will be "charged" - one smile, maybe, or two hugs. Contact: church office (215-348-3531) or stop by the church office to see the View Book (available for loan). Visit their website at www.wrappingpresence.org.