The Afghan/Prayer Shawl Group

Inspired by The Warm Up America! Foundation, these artisans create and distribute handmade articles to provide warmth and comfort to those in need.  These friends and members of Eastminster practice there craft both individually and as a group using a unique but effective format.  Initially they meet to begin the process of making the afghans and to share fellowship and “tips of the trade”.  Then, individually, they knit 7”x9” panels which are again brought back to the group and arranged to form the afghan.  The final step is for someone to knit the panels together.  Before they are distributed, a card is attached with these words.  “This afghan was made by many hands and is given in Christian Love!”

They have knitted full size afghans for fire victims, and lap size ones for hospital patents.  Last year over 200 caps were knitted for York City school children.  Baby blankets and crib blankets have been crocheted and taken to Access York and the Bell Family Shelter.  Prayer shawls have been made and given to Hospice.

Since the project’s infancy in 2004, both novices and “pros” (who are more than willing to teach the beginners) meet on the second Wednesday of most months from 9am to 10am.  Since the number of completed 7”x9” sections is critical to having a meeting the monthly Eastminster News Letter carries an announcement about the meeting schedule.  To learn more please contact Jo Watson or the Church Office.

Back To School Project

Each fall, the York Rescue Mission provides about 700 needy children in York City with clothing and supplies that they need for school.  For the last several years the Mission Committee has organized a campaign at Eastminster to assist in that effort.  An important part of this endeavor has come to be known as “Undie Sunday”.  On the fourth Sunday of each month the Mission Committee collects donations from the congregation of underwear, socks and various clothing items for all ages and in all sizes.

In past years, Eastminster has donated as much as seven boxes of “undies” (280 pairs of socks, 363 pairs of pants, and 20 t-shirts), varied clothing items, 6 back packs, and basic school supplies (paper, spiral notebooks, binders, folders, pens, pencils, crayons, high lighters, rulers, and glue sticks) as well as $300.00 to purchase vouchers for shoes.  Contact any member of the Mission Committee or the church office for more information.

Angel Tree

For several years, the congregation of Eastminster has made the Christmas holidays a little more special for more than eighty “angels”.  New gifts for men, women, and children are wrapped, and delivered to families of York County area.  Some of our families have made this a tradition to teach their children the importance of giving to others who are less fortunate.

The Mission Committee organizes the effort.  They will begin this year’s drive in November and culminate it in the middle of December.  Contact any member of the Mission Committee or the church office for more information.

ASP

ASP (Appalachian Service Project) is a mission program with the purpose of making homes "warmer, safer and dryer". In 2008 the Youth Ministry took a trip to participate with ASP after school let out in June.  CLICK HERE for more information on ASP.

Jean Webster Kitchen

Several times a year we have traveled to Atlantic City to assist Sister Jean and her staff.  They prefer to call this gathering time "The House of Happiness," which feeds 300-400 hungry, homeless people daily in the dining room of the First Presbyterian Church of Atlantic City. Feeding hours vary according to Winter & Summer. No one is turned away.  The “kitchen” offers employment counseling and a program designed in conjunction with Joseph House for transitional housing.

There are no paid employees. More volunteers are welcome. Kitchen equipment and dining room accessories needed.  CLICK HERE for more information on Jean Webster Kitchen.

York County Food Bank

The York County Food Bank provides a wide variety of food to needy families as the economy has driven a significantly larger number of strugling families to seek aid in providing for their families.  Since the quantity of donated food has not kept up with the need, more and more must be purchased by funds donated by the community.  Part of the proceeds from our famous summer Chicken BBQs are used to support this program.

We also collect food for the Food Bank.  CLICK HERE for more information on York County Food Bank.

York Rescue Mission

In addition to their traditional services to poor, hungry and homeless men of our community, they have expanded their Women and Children’s shelter from 30 to a 90 bed facility.  They provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, counseling, and advice on case management to those who are homeless for various reasons.  We contribute part of the proceeds from our tasty summer Chicken BBQs to help.  CLICK HERE for more information on York Rescue Mission

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

The Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) provides both emergency and long-term assistance to people struck by natural disasters both here and abroad.  They operate both directly and through “on the ground” organizations to help people in the survival and long-term recovery process.  Part of the proceeds from our "rain-or-shine" summer Chicken BBQs are sent here.  CLICK HERE for more information on Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.