O U T R E A C H

"...I tell you the truth, whatever you
did for one of the least of these brothers
(sisters) of mine, you did for me."
Matt.25:40

International Partnership

As Presbyterians, we recognize our Reformed tradition as part of the larger body of Christ, the Church. Other communions in the household of God have equally unique and valued places at the table of God's mission. As Presbyterians, we believe that doing mission in partnership broadens our awaremess of how interconnected God's mission is at the local, national and global level.

In 2009, we established a partnership with the congregation of the Reformed Church in Dunavarsany, Hungary, which is located 25 miles from downtown Budapest, ministering to a community of working class people. Funding assistance was provided toward equipping a multifunctional Community House, to serve as a mission outreach providing opportunities for recreation, Bible study and social interaction, not only between parishoners but to newly housed populations. Other areas of partnership with this congregation are being explored. Pictures of activities within this congregation are shown elsewhere on this page.

Jesus calls us to love God with everything we are and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We love our neighbors as we reach out to care for those in need through these ministries:

Local and Regional Ministries

• Religious Community Services Food Bank:

Our local food bank serves hundreds of hungry families each week. In an effort to help alleviate the on-going need for food, we collect canned and packaged food each month to help feed our community’s hungry. For more information contact Rev. Kathi Trautwein at (727) 443-4031.

• Peace Cafe is sponsored by the Men’s Group:

From 6-8 pm, each Thursday evening, the Men’s Group provides a light meal and spiritual support to those who are hungry. Opportunities to prepare sandwiches, set up, clean up and provide hospitality available. For more information and to sign up contact Bill Trautwein at (727) 442-0438, e-mail william.trautwein@knology.net

• Beth-el Farm Ministries [need link to website]

A presbytery sponsored ministry located in south Hillsborough County that supports immigrant farm workers with food, education, health care and other needed services. For more information contact1 Dave Moore at (813) 633-1548, e-mail dave@beth-el.info

• Isaiah’s Inn

“The Mission of Isaiah’s Inn is to meet the short term needs for shelter, food, and clothing of those less fortunate families who are motivated to become economically self-sufficient. Isaiah’s Inn operates without debt and is funded solely by contributions from individuals and other charitable organizations.” For information contact Jeanne Lykes at (727) 449-2600

• Church Health Program

Sponsored by The Faith Community Nursing Alliance at BayCare Health Systems, a Health & Wellness Ministry Team has been established here at Peace Memorial! Plans are underway for regular Hypertension Screenings and some exciting educational offerings about health and wellness.  For more information contact Pam Chapin at (727) 446-3001, e-mail pchapin@peacememorial.org

• Peace Making Offering

Each year, in October on   WORLD WIDE COMMUNION SUNDAY, our congregation joins with other Presbyterian USA churches in providing a special PEACEMAKING OFFERING.  This offering is used to support peacemaking efforts of the PCUSA church.  A portion of our 2009 offering will be given to the Beth-el Farm Workers Ministry in Wimauma, Florida for their children's work which ministers to the children of immigrant workers.  This offering will be received on Sunday, October 4, 2009. For more information contact Frank Wolling at (727) 947-4640.

Global Ministries

• Christmas International House Link to website

For a third year, this December, members of our congregation will host three international students through CIH during the Christmas season providing homes and hospitality. For more information, contact Jack Stonebraker at rockdoc@msn.com

• Scholarship Program for Honduran Children

Our congregation support Tampa Bay Presbytery's initiative to provide education scholarships to children in Honduras. Each year we provide for support for three children. For more information, contact Tampa Bay Presbytery at www.presbyteryoftampabay.com

• Missionary Support
  

To Tim and Juji Boyle, who serve in the Osaka and Kobe area in Japan