A strong commitment to mission is a core value of Cedar Heights Community Presbyterian Church members who believe that serving others, deepens our relationship with God and with God’s people. Whether working in a local food bank, helping a family struck by disaster, or supporting our mission budget, we know that we grow closer to each other, to those we serve, and to the Lord through mission and service. Cedar Heights Community Presbyterian Church (CHCPC) members have stated:
- We’ve been blessed. Giving to others is a way to share those blessings.
- The Bible charges us to “love our neighbors,” including our service and our finances.
- Mission giving is a form of outreach and witness to God’s many blessings in our lives.
The value placed on mission at CHCPC is demonstrated by generous support from the operating fund used solely for mission and outreach activities. Priorities have been established for the use of mission funds. These key areas guide the mission committee in determining support to agencies and organizations as follows:
- Feeding the Hungry
5 organizations are supported including-
Feed My Starving Children (www.fmsc.org) Northeast Iowa Food Bank (www.northeastiowafoodbank.org)
- Mentoring Youth
6 organizations are supported including-
Boys and Girls Club
CHCPC youth are supported in Christian service and growth activities
DOOR San Antonio
- Physical Safety & Protection/ Housing Assistance
5 organizations are supported including
House of Hope (www.houseofhopeccd.org) Habitat for Humanity (www.heartlandhfh.org)
- Mental/Physical Health
3 organizations are supported including-
North Star Community Services (www.northstarcs.org)
- World Giving
6 organizations are supported including-
Bihembe, Rwanda–Major emphasis since 2008, has been the support of the Bihembe community and the Presbyterian Church in Bihembe. Projects have included buying goats for food and fertilizer, providing access to clean water, electricity allowing for school computers, and building a secondary school. (See Presbyterian Mission Yearbook)
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance–contributions are sent as needs arise nationally or internationally (www.presbyterianmission.org)
- Other
In addition to Presbyterian Unified Mission giving, hands-on service activities are supported. A partial list includes-
- Angel Tree in Advent—the congregation is invited to purchase needed items for families in the community.
- Day of Discipleship in June–the congregation is involved in a day of service in our church and in the surrounding community.
- Back to School Collection in August—the congregation is encouraged to purchase needed school supplies for a local elementary school with low income families.
- Thanksgiving Food Collection—the congregation brings food items to the church for the local food bank. Every year the collection amount has increased.
- Mission Trips Presbytery Annual Mission trip for adults with participation by CHCPC members
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CHCPC Youth Mission trips and participants receive financial assistance from the Mission budget.
