Appalachia Service Project
Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is a Christian ministry 
affiliated with the United Methodist Church that fosters human development by addressing the housing needs of Central Appalachia. Each year, approximately 15,000 volunteers repair homes for low-income families. The program’s goal is to make homes warmer, safer and drier, while offering transformational experiences for families, volunteers and staff alike.
ASP was founded by Rev. Glenn “Tex” Evans, who recognized
the need for home repair assistance and dreamed of being able to match high school youth groups with families-in-need. By transforming Christian faith into action, Tex Evans believed that Christian faith and stewardship would grow as poverty was being alleviated.
The dream of Tex Evans is being realized at The Packanack Community Church. Since 2004, we have been sending work crews to Appalachia every summer. Each work crew is comprised of 3-5 senior high youth and 2 adult leaders. To date, 50 individuals from our congregation have participated at least once, and we have raised almost $50,000 in support of their trips to Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. While at ASP, we have dug drainage ditches; replaced girder beams; replaced sheetrock and insulation; built porches and ramps; framed out a bedroom addition; and re-roofed several houses. Each year, our group of volunteers grows along with our sense of Christian mission.
Applications for the 2009 
mission trip will be available through the church office in September 2008. Youth volunteers must be at least 14 years old at the time of the trip and already in high school. Students who are not yet in high school but who will turn 14 by the time of the trip are permitted to go if at least one parent is participating as an adult leader. Applications for adult leaders are accepted at the discretion of the Senior Minister and the Youth Director, and in consultation with adult leaders who have already participated in at least one trip.
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due by September 30 from all youth participants. Youth participants are also required to raise a minimum of $300 in personal fundraising by December 31. Adult participants are not required to make a financial contribution. All volunteers must also participate in various group fundraisers throughout the year as well as attend periodic planning meetings.
The PCC Golden Hammer Award
Michael Rusiniak, 2008 Recipient
In June 2008, Michael Rusiniak became the first recipient of the Packanack Community Church Golden Hammer Award. The award is given to any individual who participates in 5 ASP mission trips. It includes a certificate of recognition and an engraved hammer. And because Michael’s participation began when he was a youth, his award also includes a $500 college scholarship. Michael was presented with the award during our ASP Commissioning Worship Service on June 22, the Sunday before the 2008 ASP participants departed on this year’s trip.
For more information about Appalachia Service Project, go to www.asphome.org.
