December 2020 Mission Update

Mars Home For Youth
For the past several years, FPCE has partnered with Mars Home for Youth when collecting donations for the annual Manger Tree drive. 
 
MHY Family Services is a non-profit organization serving youth with intensive behavioral needs and social challenges, and providing them a safe environment on their journey to wellness. Each year, MHY supports over 300 children through our residential program, and over 1,000 boys, girls and families in our community through our specialized trauma-based treatment.  Our own Jim and Lisa Segedy are active with MHY as volunteers and members of the board of directors.
 
This year, more than ever, we know that kids are struggling and facing challenges far beyond their years. YOUR support throughout the holiday season is critically important, not only to fully meet our kids’ daily care needs, but also provide Christmas cheer!
 
YOU can support our children through the opportunities we have shared below. Please know that we will ensure children receive individualized and personalized gifts at Christmas using gift cards and monetary donations in addition to donations received from our Wish List.

• MHY Christmas Wishlist
• MHY Holiday Giving Program Flyer

YOUR generosity will bring a smile to a child’s face on Christmas morning.
 
Thank you for sharing the hope and joy of the season with the kids at MHY!

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MISSION

FPCE believes part of our mission is to love our neighbors, both near and far. Our friends and neighbors in the Edgewood and surrounding areas are invited to join us for the Deacons' annual Strawberry Festival. During the summer, the church hosts a monthly free community meal on the side lawn.

The Deacons also maintain a food pantry for those in need, with donations received year round.  Second grade students from the Shady Side Academy Junior School hold a food drive each year at Thanksgiving, collecting over 2,000 non-perishable items that are delivered to the church, which the Deacons use to stock our shelves and then distribute to other local food banks.

Wilkinsburg Community Ministry is the largest recipient of financial resources by FPCE.  We have members who serve on the board, volunteer, fill backpacks, make blankets, and assist financially in the organization's outreach to approximately 5,000 residents of our neighbors in Wilkinsburg, just a few blocks away.  WCM also provides dinner for the students in our FROGS after school program each week.

During the holidays, our deacons partner with Mars Home for Youth to provide clothing and toys for children at Christmas time in their annual Manger Tree collection.

Members of FPCE are represented each year in the Pittsburgh East CROP Hunger Walk sponsored by Church World Service.  Many years, a collection is also taken for the CWS Blankets of Hope and Tools of Hope offerings on Mother's and Father's Days.

At times throughout the year, the church also contributes to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which enables congregations and mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to witness to the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crises and catastrophic events.

Since 1991, FPCE has participated in the Malawi Partnership of Pittsburgh Presbytery. Members have participated by both by traveling to Malawi and by hosting persons from Malawi when they have visited. Our partner church is Mpiripiri congregation in the Synod of Blantyre.

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