Mission
One Great Hour of Sharing
This Sunday, March 26, Palm Sunday, April 2, and Easter Sunday, April 9, we will receive the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering. Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education and opportunity. Three programs supported by OGHS — Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of the People — all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development,…
March Mission Madness Recap
Thanks to everyone who answered the call to join us for March Mission Madness! Your service always matters and we’re grateful that you took part. The madness began at 8:00 am on Saturday, March 11, when teams of youth and adults (60+ people) traveled to different service sites across the DMV. They built benches, prepared/handed out food, organized items in a warehouse, and tackled a variety of odd jobs for an animal rescue center. Then, on Sunday, March 12, they gathered…
New ideas for ECHO food donations
Need a new idea for ECHO food donations? Think canned fish and meat. Clients are selecting their food in a mini-market setting and gratefully accept a wide variety of these shelf-stable proteins. Most popular: sardines and Spam. A full list of “most needed” items is available at www.echo-inc.org. Please place your contributions in the mission center cabinet across from the kitchen. We deliver them early each week. ECHO (Ecumenical Community Helping Others) assists residents of Burke and Springfield suffering the effects of…
NoVA RAFT Wish List
NoVA RAFT (Resettling Afghan Families Together) has added to and updated their Amazon wish list for two more families who will finally be moving from a hotel to their own homes. If you have furniture to donate, please email Tammy@novaraft.org with photos. NoVA RAFT is a grassroots coalition of neighbors committed to supporting newly arrived Afghan allies as they join our community. NoVA RAFT’s volunteer team consists of teens, adults, and community groups. Their activities include raising awareness, collecting and providing in-kind donations…
Little Free Pantry Opportunity
Join us in keeping our Free Little Pantry Full! Build by BPC member Jack Marin for his Eagle Scout project, this pantry is designed to help us serve our neighbors with simple items to grab and go. You can learn more about the Nationwide Little Pantry Organization at www.littlefreepantry.org. You are invited sign up as a group, family or individual for a month or a week at a time. Contact the church office for information on how to sign up. It is…
Help Restock ECHO’s Food Room
In January of 2023, ECHO experienced a deficit of 6,000 pounds between food received and food given to clients. Generous donations of staples from BPC members totaled almost 300 pounds in the last two weeks. In addition to those basic needs, please consider adding some of the following items (from ECHO’s “most needed” list) that in are low supply: spaghetti sauce, honey, condiments, onion and garlic powder, salt, lemon juice, evaporated and condensed milk, and juice. Please place your gifts…
Afghan Refugee Assistance Update
Was my contribution to Afghan refugee assistance helpful to anyone? Absolutely! The gifts that BPC members donated for refugee assistance enabled a family of seven to move from a homeless shelter to an apartment. Donations also went to the National Capital Presbytery Refugee Ministries Network which, in relationship with Greenwich Presbyterian and Capital Hill Presbyterian, provides emergency funding for Afghan refugees. Donations of furniture, labor, and monies also allowed a young Afghan woman and her brother to set up an apartment.…
30th Burke/Fairfax CROP Hunger Walk
The 30th Burke/Fairfax CROP Hunger Walk was held on Sunday, November 6, 2022, with more than 230 walkers from 17 faith groups and 2 community groups participating. The 2022 Walk raised approximately $30,000 for Church World Service (CWS), a faith-based organization that works to fight hunger around the world. A portion of the fund raised (25%) stays here in Northern Virginia to support local hunger relief organizations such as ECHO. The walk began and ended at Burke Presbyterian Church, with…
Community Table
On the second Tuesday of each month, we work together to host our neighbors for a free meal and conversation around tables in the Gathering Space. Doors open at 5:30pm; dinner is served at 6:00pm. There are many different ways that you and your family can be part of this relatively new ministry at BPC — baking ahead of time, preparing food in the BPC kitchen, hospitality, set up, and clean up. Volunteers and guests of all ages are welcome!…