Here are just some of the possible ways you can get involved and serve people as a part of Crafton United Presbyterian Church.

Van Drivers

The number of people attending the Bhutanese worship service following our Sunday morning service continues to grow.  They are asking if we might help drive some of their members, who live in the Banksville section of Pittsburgh, to and from worship once or twice a month.  This would involve driving the van to pick up the people about 12:15 p.m. and then driving them home at the end of the service around 2:30 p.m.  If you would be interested in being an occasional driver, please see Dr. Bowen or Amanda Williams at the church.

Greeters

If you would like to take a turn greeting people at the door on Sunday morning as they arrive for worship, please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board in the main hallway.

Meals On Wheels

The local Meals On Wheels organization needs help in the kitchen, and with drivers and deliverers.  If you can volunteer one morning each week, contact Gerry Kizina or Sylvia Wyatt at 412-922-0909.  Meals On Wheels is located on the lower level of the Craftonian Hall, 48 Division Street.

Help Our New Bhutanese Friends

A large number of Bhutanese refugees have moved into our area and have begun worshiping with us.  They are all in the process of getting jobs.  But some of the families need temporary assistance as they get themselves established.  Here are some items that they could use, which food stamps do not cover:  toilet paper, cleaning products, paper towels, soap, and shampoo.  Also, they could use bags or boxes of rice.  Or monetary donations can be made to assist them with other basic living costs (rent, utilities, etc.) by marking "Bhutanese" on your check or envelope.  For more information or to help in other ways, please contact Ed at craftonup@yahoo.com.

Health Ministry Team

A registered nurse has joined our staff for 12 hours a week as our Community Nurse.  We are looking for people from the church and community who would like to work with the Community Nurse in a variety of capacities, such as to help organize health education events, assist the nurse with visits to senior citizen high rises, help schedule appointments, and visit and call those who are sick or who are going through difficult times.  If you would like to be a part of this exciting new ministry opportunity, please contact Ed Bowen at craftonup@yahoo.com.

Food Pantry

Each month the food pantry serves more than 90 families in the community.  We need people who are willing to come to the church to pack bags so that they will be ready to be distributed when people come for food.  For more information or to set up a time to pack, contact Cathy Schulz at the church at 412-921-2293 or at craftonup@yahoo.com

We also need people who are willing to donate food and/or money on a regular basis so that we can keep the shelves stocked.  Checks may be made payable to “Crafton U.P. Church,” with “Food Pantry” noted on the memo line.

Older Adults

There are many older adults who live in and around the Crafton area.  We need people who would be willing to visit older adults, send cards to them, call, or be a part of leading Bible studies in area nursing homes and senior citizen highrises.  If you would like to get involved in caring for older adults in our community in some way, contact Tricia Sanders at the church at 412-921-2293 or at craftonup@yahoo.com.

Prayer Chain

Every week there are many people who request special prayers for situations that they are facing in their lives.  The prayer chain is a group of people who agree to pray for these special requests each day.  If you would like more information about becoming a part of the prayer chain, contact Dr. Ed Bowen at the church at 412-921-2293 or at craftonup@yahoo.com.

Giving

Donations are always appreciated and needed to support the important work that the church is doing.  Here are just some of the possible special purposes that you might want to consider a gift for:

            1.  Scholarships so that lower-income young people can attend church summer camp, retreats, and the mission trip.

            2.  Donations to our Outreach Ministry so that we can continue our special projects throughout the year, such as providing back-to-school supplies and winter coats to low-income area children.

            3.  Donations to our Youth Ministry, so that we can continue to touch the lives of hundreds of young people in the area through Youth Club, Adventure Group, PYC, mission trips, service projects, dances, and many other special programs.

For more information about donating, contact Dr. Ed Bowen at the church at 412-921-2293 or at craftonup@yahoo.com or click here to make a donation online.