Heidelberg Outreach Projects
Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than all else?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered, you know that I love you.’
‘Then feed my lambs,’ he said. ….’tend my sheep.’
John 21:15,17
Stewardship Committee – Mission is an important way we show our love for our God and one another. The Stewardship Committee meets monthly to plan and oversee the many and varied ways Heidelberg answers Jesus’ call to tend His sheep.
‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you;
And you will bear witness for me in Jerusalem, and all over Judea and Samaria,
And away to the ends of the earth.’
Acts 1:8
Lay Readers – We established the practice of “lay readers” some years ago in order to provide a variety of voices in the reading of the three Sunday scriptural lessons (one from the Old Testament, one from a New Testament Letter, and one from a Gospel). This practice is not unique to Heidelberg, but we have enjoyed the way in which each reader brings a unique quality to the reading of each of the three passages. Lay readers are both male and female members, adding another dimension to the quality of this ministry. The Scripture lessons change each year, on a three year cycle; in this way, major portions of the Bible are covered over the three year period. For those who are unfamiliar with the Bible, this is a wonderful introduction over time to the major writings and themes of the Bible.
Heifer Project – Even our youngest members have a role in our mission program. The children’s Sunday School classes used to collect a special offering that is used to “purchase” farm animals, through Heifer International, that are given to families living in poverty so that they have a means of earning a living. Animals purchased include heifers, water buffalo, goats, ducks, and chicks. Visit heifer.org for more information. During Lent in 2020, the Sunday School classes collected money for Heifer’s Filll the Ark campaign.
Food Cupboard – Many individual and families in the Hatfield area are in need of food and other supplies. The third Sunday of each month, Heidelberg collects canned and boxed foods and other nonperishable items that are placed on the “cupboard” by the “front” doors of the church. The food is delivered to Manna on Main Street, a soup kitchen in Lansdale, or Paradise Manor, a retirement home in Hatfield.
CROP Walk – Each year, members of Heidelberg participate in the local CROP Walk, a 5K walk held each October in the North Penn area to raise money for hunger relief projects locally and around the world. The walkers receive generous support from other members of the congregation. We are among the churches in the area raising the most money. Visit crophungerwalk.org for information, to donate, or to join the walk.
Souper Bowl Offering – Each year, on Super Bowl Sunday, Heidelberg joins churches around the country in collecting an offering to combat hunger. Our offering goes to Manna on Main Street, a soup kitchen in Lansdale. For more information, visit souperbowl.org. For information about Manna on Main Street, visit mannaonmain.org
Mission Trips – In the past, a mission team from Heidelberg did recovery work in an area recently struck by a disaster. Mission teams went to New Orleans for seven consecutive years following Hurricane Katrina. In 2012, the team went to Binghamton, New York, to help with recovery from flooding caused by Hurricane Irene. The team is always looking for new members to join them in this important mission.
Re-Creation – Heidelberg has a long history of supporting Re-Creation, a nonprofit organization whose main mission is to bring live musical entertainment to each of the VA Medical Centers throughout the United States. Once a year, the group of young, talented volunteers presents their sacred program to Heidelberg. For Re-Creation information, tour dates, and ways you can help, visit www.re-creationusa.org
Other Local Mission Projects – Heidelberg is always interested in supporting organizations and mission projects which benefit our local community. We open our doors to Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and provide classroom space for a Christian group that provides performance opportunities for home-schooled students. We also contribute financially to the Hatfield Pastors’ Fund that serves those in need in the Hatfield area.
Therefore, as opportunity offers, let us work for the good of all,
Especially members of the household of the faith.
Galatians 6:10
Compassionate Care – The mission of Compassionate Care is care for special needs of members of our congregation. Mission team members provide meals, transportation, and other personal care as the need arises.
For Macedonia and Achaia have resolved to raise a common fund
for the benefit of the poor among God’s people at Jerusalem.
They have resolved to do so, and indeed they are under an obligation to them.
Romans 15:26-27
Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) – This is an offering that supports the United Church of Christ, beyond our congregation. Each year Heidelberg meets or exceeds its pledged offering. For more information about OCWM, visit their page on the UCC website at www.ucc.org/ocwm.
Special Mission Offerings – In addition to the OCWM offering, Heidelberg is a strong supporter of the four special mission offerings of the United Church of Christ. Ever year we are a “5-for-5” congregation.
Tools of Hope – Each year Women’s Fellowship collects this offering that is used to provide the tools, including education and training, needed to enable families living in poverty to have a means of earning a living.
Needlework Guild- The Needlework Guild of America, as stated in their mission statement, seeks to “improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals in the United States by collecting and distributing to them new gifts of clothes, linens and personal care items.”
D.A.R.A Drug Addiction Resource Alliance
Assisted Living Research Institute
