Caring Ministries
at Camp Hill Presbyterian Church
WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE - CALLED TO CARE
We believe we are first called to be of service to God, then to our neighbors both nearby and far away, and then our families and ourselves.
Caring For and Supporting Others and Ourselves
In Presbyterian discipleship, "caring for others" means actively showing compassion and love to those around us, mirroring Jesus' example by serving others in need, advocating for justice, and prioritizing the well-being of the community, all grounded in the belief that by caring for others, you are essentially serving God; this includes acts like visiting the sick, supporting the homeless, offering hospitality, and working to address systemic issues that cause suffering.
Membership Ministry
The membership team includes leading Elders and Deacons whose mission focuses on making the church a welcoming and inclusive place and caring for those in need of care and support. Some examples of this ministry's concerns are: WELCOMING - The membership ministry coordinatates CHPC's welcoming team volunteers who greet visitors and congregants at services and events, provide assistance and information, and truly make CHPC a place where all can experience acceptance and Christian love OUTREACH – tending to the needs of our congregants and others in need through provision of food and support to those grieving or experiencing hardship, staying in contact with and supporting the housebound Member Outreach, Adobt-A-Grad, Card Ministry, and Christmas/Easter flower delivery. FELLOWSHIP - Christian fellowship is an important part of congregational life and the church's outreach to the community. Numerous luncheons, dinners, events, and activities are conducted throughout the year.
Deacon's Ministries
Who are the Deacons? Deacons are described as being “ones of compassion, concern for needs, and serving others.” Deacons are people who have responded to God’s call to care for and to be of service to others through prayer and action. Deacons are doers. They lead and participate in many of the caring and serving ministries of the church. Here are some of the Deacons’ ministries: PRAYER - Deacons pray for specific needs of the congregation, for specific issues, for each other as they undertake their ministries, and pray for our Camp Hill Presbyterian Church and its work. SOCIAL/CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING – They organize social gatherings and fundraising events such as pancake breakfasts, potluck luncheons and dinners, chili/soup cook-offs, ice cream sundae Sunday, and other social events for congregants and the community. CHARITY – They oversee the fulfillment of our philanthropic ministries including: the Christmas giving tree, over-the-counter medicine drives, backpack and school supplies project, Homeland Hospice casserole ministry, and others.
Presbyterian Women
The Presbyterian Women nurture faith through prayer and Bible study, support the mission of the church worldwide, work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthen the Presbyterian Church (USA) and witness to the promise of God's Kingdom. QUILTERS and CRAFTERS FOR MISSION - work on a variety of projects including quilting, knitting, crocheting, and crafting. All items are given to individuals, hospitals, families receiving CHPC mission care, Church World Service, and others as mission opportunities are identified. A specialty is making prayer shawls for people facing serious challenges, recovering from illness, or needing a loving hug of warmth. Completed shawls are blessed and available to those in need of comfort and love. All volunteers are welcome to help with this ongoing ministry. PW CIRCLES - A Circle is a group of women who meet often for Bible Study, friendship, and food. The Dorcas Circle at Camp Hill Presbyterian meets the second Thursday of each month, September through May, at 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall. All women are welcome. FLOWER MINISTRY - Presbyterian Women coordinates delivery of flower arrangements used at worship services to persons in the hospital or homebound. If you would like to place flowers on the chancel for worship, please contact the church office for information. PW GATHERINGS - include Spring and Fall social/business meetins, monthly breakfasts, seasonal coffees, and other social events, often with a speaker from a local charitable group PW is sponsoring.
Prayer Ministry
Prayer is an integral part of gaining a relationship with God, because prayer turns one-way research into two-way communication. PRAYER FELLOWSHIP - Join us every Wednesday at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall and be an active prayer warrior for our church and the Kingdom of God. Four Things That Happen When We Pray 1. Closeness (Jeremiah 33:2-3) Prayer is intimate and personal. When Christians pray to Jesus, sharing with Him on a personal level helps us to trust Him more. 2. Peace of Mind (Philippians 4:7) We can get bogged down by the negative thoughts in our heads. When we take our worry and doubt to God in prayer, we gain insight to overcome our negative thoughts. When we pray, with thanksgiving and petition, God gives us peace unlike anything we can imagine. 3. Guidance (Romans 8:26) We don’t always know what to pray for when we pray, but God does. Romans 8:26 says, “...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…” When we humbly seek God, the Holy Spirit expresses in prayer what we can’t articulate in words. 4. Healing (James 5:16) God heals us as we pray for ourselves and each other. Trying to fix our problems ourselves is a fruitless effort, so we take them to the One who can. God created the universe and everything in it. Help is waiting for us if we humble ourselves and ask for it.