Out of the strong conviction that our resources should be used not merely to benefit ourselves but also to benefit others, at the very beginning of the
Bridging the Generations capital campaign, which began in the spring of 2009, the session of DPC decided to dedicate 15% of all funds raised in the campaign to mission. A small task force researched many different options for the allocation of these funds.
As it began its work, the task force agreed that all projects identified for such an effort must be consistent with the mission of DPC and then developed the following selection criteria:
- Gifts that keep on giving—not a one-time effort, but lasting impact.
- Projects whose mission is consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
- Opportunities that are personal in nature, creating new places of connection for our members or supporting projects which reflect existing priorities of DPC.
- Projects that will energize and compel the congregation for continued involvement.
After prayerful consideration of many possibilities, the task force recommended—and the session approved—the following projects.
Help Broad Street Ministry renovate its kitchen
Broad Street Ministry is a presbytery-supported organization located across the street from the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. It is led by Convening Minister, Bill Golderer, a Presbyterian pastor who offers weekly worship and has developed a wide array of programs which respond to the hurting ones of Center City Philadelphia. BSM meets in a building that once housed a Presbyterian congregation, yet closed several years ago and a key part of its ministry occurs with meals. A community dinner held once a month serves 500 people. Every Thursday, there is a lunch for homeless persons, serving 250 and an evening Bible study that include a meal for 100. Following each worship service on Sunday evening, dinner is provided for 400. The kitchen is not adequate for such extensive use and needs to be replaced with commercial grade equipment.
PROJECT UPDATE: See the letter of thanks from BSM here and photos from the kitchen dedication here.
Help CEPAD launch its Patio Project ministry
CEPAD (Council of Protestant Churches of Nicaragua) was founded in 1972 to meet the needs of survivors following an earthquake in Nicaragua. Today, it is composed of 23 Nicaraguan denominations and 8 regional committees of pastors serving as a council of churches, development organization, and an agency of disaster relief. Douglas Orbaker, one of the missionaries supported by DPC, works with CEPAD. A new effort identified by CEPAD called The Patio Project is designed to help persons become more adept in providing for their own nutritional needs. Through this project women will learn how to make the best use of the small plot of land around their homes to increase both the amount and quality of food for their families. They will receive seeds, plants, small animals, and training. Each woman will receive a package of seeds, plants, animals, and equipment worth $450. The recipients will be required to “pay back” the value of the animals by passing along some of the offspring of the animals to others. It is estimated this program will enable at least 621 rural families (207 per year for three years) to produce $400 worth of food for their families every year, thus increasing their food security and the nutritional variety needed for growth.
PROJECT UPDATE: Financial commitment completed by May 2012.
Hire a Mission Coordinator to oversee all mission efforts of DPC
Among her/his responsibilities would be:
- Organizing mission projects and trips for DPC groups and members
- Raise awareness of and solicit involvement by members for mission efforts
- Serve as staff to the Mission Committee and the Peace and Justice Sub-Committee
- Serve as liaison between the congregation and community human service providers
- Coordinate classes on issues of poverty, justice, and environmental concerns
- Respond to individuals who come to DPC in need of financial assistance
PROJECT UPDATE: Search Committee formed August 2011.
Create an endowment for future mission efforts
One of the hopes of the task force is that resources generated as part of this capital campaign will be available for other mission efforts which will arise over time. The creation of an endowment will allow DPC to address other mission needs which are ongoing or which will surface in the future. This endowment could provide funds to help members participate in mission trips and/or provide direct support to mission-related efforts in the community, nation, or world long after the Bridging the Generations Capital Campaign concludes.
PROJECT UPDATE: Fund will be established June 2012.
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