Pastor emeritus Lawrence A. Davies founded our Home Missions ministry

50A celebration of fifty years

of Home Missions ministry

 

The Home Missions Committee, which ministers both at Shiloh Old Site and throughout this area, observed its fiftieth year of service to God on June 23, 2013.

At each worship service that Sunday, the congregation was informed about the outstanding outreach that this organization has provided since its inception in 1963.

At 8 a.m., the Rev. Felecia Cook, associate minister and liaison for mission programs at the church, offered her congratulations and gave a brief overview of this ministry. She spoke of its spiritual influence and objectives as well as the impact that it continues to have on the church and community. She also encouraged the congregation to continue to be supportive and to participate in Home Missions activities.

At the 11 a.m. service, the Rev. Lawrence A. Davies, pastor emeritus and founder of the Home Missions Committee, expressed his gratitude for the work of this ministry and for the tremendous growth and development it has achieved. He then delivered an inspiring, insightful, and spiritually challenging message entitled "The Poor Will Always Be with You."

A very informative and colorful exhibit was available in the multi-purpose room, demonstrating the purpose, activities, and many successful ministries that fall under the Home Missions "umbrella." A delicious repast was also provided.

The work of Home Missions is funded by the second offering each Sunday, plus generous donations from wonderful friends of missions and also from those who have benefited from Home Missions' past services. On the fiftieth anniversary Sunday, however, in lieu of an offering, the congregation was asked to donate nonperishable goods to restock the shelves of the Home Missions food pantry. The response to that request was truly overwhelming.

The Home Missions ministry is based on the words of Matthew 25:40, where Jesus is portrayed as declaring, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." With that in mind, this fifty-year-old outreach program addresses both the spiritual needs of others as well as the tangible needs of those who find themselves in emergency situations. It strives to touch and heal lives, improving the quality of others' lives wherever possible.

Included within Home Missions "umbrella" are ministries to persons with special needs, ministries to our seasoned citizens, ministries to those who are incarcerated, ministries to nursing home residents, and supportive efforts on behalf of those who are physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged. Through its many outreach programs, the Home Missions Committee has successfully formed partnerships and other relationships with numerous other church and community services.

Home Missions' programs are intergenerational, using the valuable resources, energies, and ideas of youth and adults. It seeks to prepare, instruct, and offer opportunities for youth to become active participants in its efforts as they grow in their service to the Lord.

For over twenty-five years, Mrs. Janice Davies served as the chairperson of the Home Missions Committee, and during her time at the helm, she was blessed to see this single ministry develop into more than twenty-five supportive ministries. Currently Mrs. Grace Sprow and Deaconess Robbin Edwards serve as the chairpersons of the committee, and Deaconess Jean Dixon-Cox is the adjutant advisor.

Congratulations to the Home Missions Committee for fifty years of dedicated service. May God bless you with many more years of service in Christ's holy name.

 

>> Click here to go to the main Home Missions page

June 23, 2013

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