Ministry

Thomas Presbyterian Church offers adults many and varied opportunities to be nurtured and to nurture others through active participation in worship, music, Christian education, missions, and special ministries. Adults provide leadership in the church by serving on committees and ministry teams, being worship leaders, working with children and youth, advising and supporting the pastor and other church staff, and leading mission projects locally and in other communities. 

Stephen Ministry is a national program in which well-trained members of the church are available to offer care to those who may need someone to walk through a difficult time in life. Their services are completely free and absolutely confidential.

These caring relationships can last a couple weeks or even years.

All of our Stephen Ministers have had over 50 hours of intensive training, receive on-going education and training, and work within strict guidelines. They are folks who have a desire and the gifts to listen, pray, and support anyone in need.

If there are circumstances in your life that might be aided by one of these special people, please see either the Pastor or Theresa Craig. The only person that will know you are receiving the gift of a relationship with a Stephen Minister is you, your caregiver and your pastor. There is complete confidentiality.

Day of Caring

"I would never want to reach out someday with a soft, uncallused hand - a hand never dirtied by serving - and shake the nail-pierced hand of Jesus." --Bill Hybels, former senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, Illinois

Day of Caring is just that. A day set aside each Fall to help those with a particular need. Clients complete an application to qualify for assistance on Day of Caring. Requests range from weeding and yard work, to painting, roof repair or other projects which the client is unable to do. Thomas Church purchases the supplies and provides meals for the volunteers and clients. One of the highlights of the day is the volunteers and homeowners having dinner together at Thomas Church. Day of Caring is not just about the work. It's also about the love of God that we share with those we serve. Volunteers are always welcome to participate in Day of Caring. To find out how, contact Patti and Keith Korintus at 724-941-6609 or pkkorintus@verizon.net 

FAMILY PROMISE 

Family Promise is a program made up of a network of area churches, including Thomas Church, that supports homeless families with children by providing shelter, meals, access to schools for children, and resources to find employment and permanent housing. Volunteers staff the program at the church by preparing dinner, serving as overnight hosts, and driving the van which takes participants to a day center in Crafton.

Individuals and/or families who have been a part of Family Promise and who have found employment and housing may be selected to be part of Adopt-a-Family. Selected individuals or families receive food for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners as well as Christmas gifts. All items are provided through donations from the members of Thomas Church. 

Monthly Mission Support

Each month Thomas Presbyterian Church designates a particular mission to be the recipient of the monthly mission offering. With the exception of the mission programs designated by the Presbyterian Church, the congregation chooses the mission programs to receive these funds. This year's mission programs include:  Habitat for Humanity, Pittsburgh Women's Clinic, Family Promise, City Mission, Peace and Global Witness, One Great Hour of Sharing, Thomas Church Deacons, Pine Springs Camp, Domestic Violence Services, Adopt-a-Family, Pentecost and Christmas Joy. In addition, the funds raised through the annual Car Cruises and Pig Roast and Car Show, held at Thomas Church in the spring and summer, are donated to mission or a designated charity.