Mission
Our goal: "Interpreting and promoting the mission commitments and programs of the church." The Mission commitment embraces both international and local missions and, with the enthusiastic support of congregational volunteers, the committee has been able to provide financial support and manual labor to multiple efforts. Highlights of some of our work include the following:
Local:
Abington Food Pantry (sponsored by the Abington Ecumenical Ministerium) - Supported in conjunction with the Board of Deacons, food is provided to struggling families. FPCCS collects food contributions during April and October and provides financial support periodically during the year.
Seasonal Farm Worker Ministry - The Mission Committee organizes members of the congregation who support this annual project for those who travel here to work the local farms. We provide food, clothes and small gifts. We also try and have at least one outing with the farm workers. Last year there was both a cook out and an Ice Cream Social sponsored by the Deacons.
Appalachian Service Project - Our committee works with others in the church to encourage volunteers for this annual home building service opportunity. Last year, five of our youth and two adults gave their time and talent.
Other projects supported by the Mission Committee with time and treasure include the Women's Resource Center, St. Francis of Assissi Kitchen and Safety Net.
Global:
Hurricane Katrina Relief - Three groups of adults and youth have traveled to D'Iberville, MS to help the people of the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast.
Heifer Living Gift Market - In conjunction with the Heifer Project International, we sponsor an annual fair in the church to highlight the work that this organization does. We try to make this a fun event complete with art, costumes and crafts. Our congregation has been very generous in its financial support
Brong Ahafo Presbytery - The Lackawanna Presbytery has developed a partnership with this church in Ghana, Africa. The Mission Committee works with the FPCCS Church Life and Church and Society Committees in building relationships with the Ghana church. Members from Ghana were our guests in 2002 and we hope to reciprocate by having a group travel from the United States to Ghana in 2003.
Hospital Ste. Croix, Leoganne, Haiti - The Mission Committee has developed a partnership with this hospital in Leoganne, Haiti. In past years, members of our congregation have traveled to Haiti to help construct a clinic at a remote location. The team made many friends and truly learned what a partnership can be. We continue to provide financial support to this operation.