Mission

The Mission Team of the Session oversees the church’s other outreach programs, and also interprets the work of Presbyterian Mission around the world.

Through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we provide designated mission support for Dennis and Maribel Smith in Argentina.

Local mission projects include St. Gregory’s Pantry, an emergency food pantry for needy individuals that is jointly supported by local churches. We provide monetary donations, food, and Christmas gifts for the needy in our community.

We support the Joan Valentine House (a care facility for adults challenged by mental illness). It is located down the street from the church. We welcome th residents into our church and encourage them to participate in all activities. We adopt the residents for Epiphany and provide gifts.

We work with other churches as part of Family Promise of the Jersey Shore to help families and individuals experiencing homelessness and economic uncertainty to achieve sustainable independence through shelter, prevention programs, advocacy, and community support services. Volunteer opportunities exist for food preparation, hospitality, and sleeping over. Family members of all ages are housed in our building on a rotating basis through the year.

Our Annual Community Christmas Dinner is when we, with the support of local businesses, feed over 125 people! Everyone is welcome—those in need, single individuals seeking to enjoy the holiday with others, or those who want to spread goodwill.

The local communities served by the church were heavily damaged by Hurricane Sandy in October, 2012. The church was designated as a Volunteer Village by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, providing housing to visiting volunteer work groups from around the country. Mostly, these groups did construction work in local homes that sustained flood damage. Up to 36 volunteer workers were housed in the Great Hall of the Education Annex, in dormitory-style accommodations, from Sunday evenings through Saturday mornings. Groups were booked through the National Call Center of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.