Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which
He looks Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which
He walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which
He blesses all the world….
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
~Teresa of Ávila
PDA BLUE SHIRTS
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is among the most well-known ministries in the entire Presbyterian Church (USA), their blue shirts known nationally and internationally in the midst of crisis.
How can your congregation support this important and vital mission?
Prayer and financial contributions are always appropriate and appreciated
“1st Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to pray continually.
Following a disaster, our best response is first to seek God’s presence on behalf of those in need.
Worship resources offer you and your congregation ways to pray, sing, and together invite the love of God to lead our response as we seek to reflect the hope that is found in Christ.” ~PDA
Find prayer and worship resources you can use individually and as a congregation.
Stay informed so you know for whom to pray, and to share PDA resources with your church.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” ~Hebrews 13:16
Contributions can be mailed to:
Presbyterian Church (USA)
PO Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Electronically via PDA Response Accounts, to specify which of its broad mission you are supporting;
By credit card by calling (800) 728-7228; or
Text “PDA” to 41444 to donate to their General Relief account
Click here for ideas on how you can enhance your fundraising efforts?
How You Can Be Christ’s hands and Feet in the World
Volunteer
When it comes to national disaster relief efforts, you can volunteer through a PDA-organized effort. We have people in Highlands Presbytery who have done just that!
But congregational efforts can go a long way! Youth can join a mission trip sponsored by other Highlands’ churches, and you can find those opportunities on the Young Leader Formation Team page, and you can post your church’s trip if it is open to others by contacting the Presbytery Office.
Why should kids have all the fun? Many adults have building and home improvement skills, and many others would like to learn just so they can help others. Plus you can muck and do demolition projects without any experience! Contact the Presbytery Office if you or others in your congregations are interested in going to nearby places to help our neighbors in need. Nearby Lehigh Presbytery hosts semi-annual trips for beginner and experienced hands alike. Contact their Helping Hands team for more information.
Assemble Heart Kits
Maybe you and your church aren’t ready to go out into the field. You can do so much without leaving the comfort of home or church. Just going shopping can make people’s lives so much better.
Did you know that there are FIVE different Gifts of the Heart Kits that you can assemble?
Most often in demand are:
but depending on your interests, there is always need for:
Get details on packaging and shipping by going to the Gift of the Heart Kits page!
Refugee Ministries
Ministry with Refugees (Migration Accompaniment Ministries) is an ever-growing need that PDA has taken on, and it is often best addressed in partnership with others.
Are you interested in finding others to explore or take on this important way of welcoming the stranger?
Did you know we have someone right here in Highlands Presbytery who has written a book on the subject, called Discerning Welcome: A Reformed Approach to Refugees ? Would meeting with her or other churches help you as you consider moving from thought to action?
There are so many ways we can contribute or participate.
The first step is always the hardest. Take that step now, and contact the Presbytery Office.
Out of the chaos, you can bring hope.
