Mission & Outreach Committee

OPC Summer 2006 Mission Journey to Emerald Isle - a report with pictures

The 2006 committee Co-Chairs were Cindy Reid & Alice Crane. Members included Dottie Tysinger, Howard Berckman, Carole Sue Graves, Elinor Vasquez

In 2005 the approved budget was $8,000. In addition, about $3400 from the Benevolence Endowment fund was available. In keeping with M&O responsibilities, the committee supported and encouraged the congregation to support missions at local, national and international levels. Much was asked of the OPC congregation this year, and the response was wonderful.

Internationally, funds were sent to support the Forman Christian College in Pakistan, and for tsunami relief through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Gifts of the Heart kits were donated to Church World Service.

A mission planning team was formed, lead by Carole Sue. A summer 06 intergenerational mission trip was planned and the group is actively raising funds to support team members. This mission trip will be to coastal Carolina and will involve running a Bible School, and working in a food bank. We are planning for 15 persons to go on this trip.

Financial support was given to Rapidan Habitat for Humanity, Re-Building Together, Medical Benevolence Foundation for Mike & Nancy Haninger, missionaries to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Christian Emergency Council, Love Outreach Food Bank, Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands, PMI, SAFe House, Massanetta, Michael’s Gift, Boys and Girls Club of Orange, and the Regional Jail Ministry. Funds were used to help off-set medical bills for a person in our church.

A “mission weekend” was sponsored in September. On Saturday, there was a yard sale and bake sale to benefit Rapidan Habitat for Humanity. The bake sale included a baking afternoon for church youth, thanks to Ellen Kendall. On Sunday, Pam Ator from the Medical Benevolence Foundation joined us, and provided a program on MBF work and on Mike and Nancy Haninger.

Much work and discussion happened regarding the needs of those in the community without health insurance. That work and discussion continues.

In June, a peanut butter and jelly month was sponsored to encourage donations of those items to Love Outreach. In August, we donated school supplies, and made a donation to help build a Head Start playground.

OPC responded, as did all of America, to Hurricane Katrina. OPC donated over $5000 and 78 shelter kits were prepared and shipped. Another $1000 was sent from the Benevolence Endowment fund.

In summary, it was a busy and productive year. “With God, all things are possible.” Thank you, OPC, for your support and active involvement with missions in Orange and around the world.