Local ministry is important to our congregation, and we are always looking for ways to grow wider in the service of our neighbors.
Deacons
Ordained to a ministry of “compassion, witness, and service to those in need or distress,” our Deacons lead us in a variety of person-to-person ministries in our congregation and beyond:
Caring Connections: Deacons adopt senior members of the congregation with whom to strengthen relationships through visits, calls, cards and more. Initiated during COVID this outreach continues as we gather together.
Meals: The website, www.takethemameal.com is used to create an online meal schedule for church members to volunteer to prepare/purchase and deliver a meal to persons/families who are ill, recovering from surgery, welcoming a new baby or in a time of distress.
Home Communion: On Sunday afternoons when communion has been shared in our morning worship service, deacons and pastors extend the Lord’s table to those unable to worship with us in the sanctuary. Home communion is taken to homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Rides: Rides are offered to those who need transportation to doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, grocery stores, etc.
Cards: Cards and prayers are sent to those with joys or concerns.
Preschool Families: In cooperation with NWPC Preschool teachers children’s books are provided to students’ families annually to communicate NWPC’s support for their children’s learning.
Snacks for Students: In partnership with Wilmington Area Elementary teachers nutritious snack items are purchased for students to address hunger and facilitate learning.
The Giving Tree: At Christmas lists of individuals and/or families in need are requested from The Grove, Shenango on the Green and Wilmington Area Elementary School. Deacons prepare wish tags and place them on a tree in the Ligo room for congregants to purchase gifts. Deacons then deliver the gifts in time for Christmas distribution at these locations.
Christmas in July: A special activity and treat is prepared to thank staff at Shenango on the Green and The Grove for their service to residents.
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Mission Committee
An arm of our Session’s leadership of the entire congregation, the Mission Committee is charged with making, securing, and funding more than 30 ongoing mission partnerships both in our neighborhood and around the world:
Habitat for Humanity: Our church is a long-time supporter of the Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity affiliate. In 2006, our congregation erected a Habitat house on its own; in 2011, we shared with several other area congregations in a joint “Faith Build” house.
Dominican Republic Partnership: Since 1995, our congregation has shared with other Presbyterian churches in an ongoing mission partnership with a congregation on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Each spring, we send a group of 30 adults and youth to the island to share with our Dominican friends in medical, educational, outreach, and worship ministries. Check out the partnership blog. Our next trip is scheduled for March 14-21, 2020. Click here to register.
City Rescue Mission: Through a variety of activities, we stay connected to the mission and ministry of New Castle’s City Rescue Mission. Collecting food for them here at our church, serving lunch with them at the Mission, we are inspired by the long-standing work of the Mission in our wider community.
Alternative Valentine’s Day Gifts: Each year leading up to Valentine’s Day, the NWPC Mission Committee organizes Alternative Valentine’s Day Gift where people can donate to one of several mission partners on behalf of a Valentine’s Day gift recipient. The form to submit an alternative gift for 2023 is online.
Click here to view all our mission partners.
Other Opportunities
We believe local ministry should flex and flow as the Holy Spirit brings to our attention those needs and concerns that are around us. As such, we want to stay open to new forms of service in our congregation and community.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: The group’s members knit, crochet, quilt and pray for people who receive lap blankets and shawls. If you are interested in being part of this ministry email Charlene List at bashfuldog@msn.com and put “Prayer Shawl Ministry” in the subject line.
