Mission and Outreach
The Packanack Community Church believes that, as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to put our faith into action by demonstrating the love of God to other human beings. We worship God together in the sanctuary, but then we go forth into the world believing that God is at work through us as the tools of God’s message, mercy and grace. The congregation is invited to live out their faith by participating in the following opportunities for mission and outreach throughout the year:
Adopt-A-Child
Every year in December, we purchase, wrap and deliver Christmas gifts to approximately 100 children through this national program that strives to provide presents for children who might otherwise have none. Donors select a name from a special Christmas tree and then shop for the item listed on the child’s wish list. In this way, we remind ourselves that Christmas is about giving not only to family and friends, but to people in need who aren’t able to return the favor.
Appalachia Service Project
Since 1997, we have conducted an annual senior youth mission trip to the Appalachian region of our country where we help impoverished families renovate their homes so that they are warmer, safer and drier. Participants form small work crews, each led by two adults and funded by our congregation through donations, dinners, car washes and other fundraising activities. Our hope is that, as our youth depart from their comfort zone and experience a culture different from their own, they will be transformed by the people of Appalachia while learning to live out their faith. For more information about Appalachia Service Project, click here or go to www.asphome.org.
Church World Service/CROP Walk
Each year in October, our congregation participates in the CROP Walk organized by the Wayne Clergy Fellowship. We serve as the starting point for the route, which goes around Packanack Lake. Through walking and/or making a donation, we are proud to be community partners in this effort to raise awareness and funds for international relief, development and alleviation of hunger.
Our congregation also supports the CROP Walk’s parent organization, Church World Service, through monetary donations as well as donations of Health Kits. For more information, go to www.churchworldservice.org.
Creative Living Counseling Center
Years ago, one of our former pastors founded a counseling center in response to the emotional needs of township residents who could not afford counseling services. Eventually, that counseling center became affiliated with the Creative Living Counseling Center (CLCC), a multi-site pastoral counseling service dedicated to healing and enriching family, individual and community life. Today, our congregation donates the use of office space to CLCC and provides funding for its services. For more information, go to www.creativelivingresource.org.
Paterson Habitat for Humanity
Four times a year, adult and youth members of our congregation dedicate a Saturday to building affordable housing in the City of Paterson in partnership with lower-income families who are trying to break the cycle of poverty. These trips are a valued opportunity for discipleship and fellowship as well as a training ground for our annual senior youth mission trip. For more information, go to www.patersonhabitat.org.
Packanack Cooperative Nursery School
The Packanack Cooperative Nursery School (PCNS) has been "the place
to be" for over 55 years and is proud to continue its tradition of
excellence in early childhood development. A wonderful teaching staff
and dedicated participating families provide a warm, friendly
environment for the youngest members of our community. For more
information about PCNS, click here.
Sleeping Bags for the Homeless
Every Wednesday, a group of women from area churches gather in our building to transform donations of discarded blankets into beautifully-quilted sleeping bags for the homeless. To date, over one thousand sleeping bags have been created and donated to people who might otherwise have no way to keep warm.
Wayne Interfaith Network Food Pantry
Our congregation donates space to the Wayne Interfaith Network (WIN) for use as a community food pantry. Members of our congregation serve on the WIN Board, and the congregation conducts frequent food drives. WIN is an interfaith organization developed by the Wayne Clergy Fellowship to distribute food and other forms of assistance to Wayne residents who are experiencing financial difficulty.
