“The triune God who created the world is also actively at work in that world, to redeem and transform it according to the vision of the divine reign. Through faith in this God, baptism calls us all to share in the ministry of transformation and liberation that is the work of the Spirit who lives in our midst.”
Presbyterians have always believed we are called to live out our faith in the world by loving our neighbor and following God’s Spirit that is transforming the world. Our church provides many opportunities to serve locally and globally.
Congregational Care
We keep a prayer list of members, family and friends – those on the list are prayed for regularly. Additions and updates to the list are always welcome.
At the start of Sunday worship, we have a time of sharing joys and concerns that bring us up to date on matters affecting our church family, the community, and the world, and where extra prayers are needed.
Members and friends in hospitals are visited if they would like a pastoral visit. Cards are sent. Communion is served to shut-ins.
At our annual Hanging of the Greens fellowship night, we make up Sunshine Baskets to bring a little Christmas cheer to our shut-ins and those in need of light and love.
Local Outreach
Our congregation is active in loving our neighbors in this community. We are also act as the community center for our town and host a number of groups throughout the week.
The Hector Food Pantry – Partnered with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, the Hector Food Pantry is a community driven organization located in Hector, NY, in the Finger Lakes Region. The food pantry is dedicated to providing food assistance to individuals and families in need throughout Schuyler County. Through compassion, collaboration, and volunteer support, we work to ensure access to nutritious meals while fostering a sense of dignity and belonging. Committed to addressing food insecurity, we strive to build a stronger, more resilient community.
Office for the Aging – Our church is a host luncheon site for Schuyler County’s Office for the Aging (OFA). Every Thursday at noon, a nutritious and delicious lunch, prepared and delivered to our site by the OFA, is served to all who come. Important health information is shared by representatives from the OFA and other agencies. More importantly, this has become a place of fellowship and caring.
Trunk or Treat – We host a Halloween party for the community. Volunteers park their cars in our parking lot, decorate the trunks, and distribute candy. Games and food are offered in fellowship hall. This is a way for children to celebrate Halloween in a safe setting.
Saint Nick Social & Auction – Every December, our church holds its Saint Nick Social and Auction. Half of the proceeds from this event are divided evenly between two charities. Past beneficiaries have included the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Schuyler Outreach.
Spring Fun Day – This is a community event with games and crafts, and an Easter egg hunt.
College Scholarships – Annually, our Memorial Education Fund grants two to four college scholarships of $1,000 each to graduating seniors from local high schools based on academic performance and financial need. The number of scholarships awarded is based on the amount donated to the fund each year. Interested students must submit an application by April 15 of their senior year.
National and International Outreach
As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we are able to bring the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ all around the world.
PC(USA) Mission – Through our donations to the denomination, we help support mission workers serving in other countries as teachers, medical personnel, evangelists, advocates for peace and reconciliation, and in other tangible ways. We also receive four special offerings each year:
One Great Hour of Sharing – enables the church to share God’s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, food to the hungry, and help that empowers the poor and oppressed to become self-sufficient.
Pentecost Offering – helps the church encourage, develop, and support its young people, and also addresses the needs of at-risk children. 40% of the Pentecost offering is designated by our congregation to make a positive impact in the lives of young people within our community.
Peace and Global Witness Offering – enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world. 25% of this offering is designated by our congregation for local efforts at peace in our community. This has included supporting shelters for women and children in abusive relationships.
Christmas Joy Offering – provides financial assistance to current and former church workers and their families and also enables deserving students to attend Presbyterian-related racial ethnic colleges and schools
