"Besides doing good, mission work may get us out of our safe places and attitudes", says Mission Committee member Tom Penney. Mission can be the point for the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts. SSPC is involved with the following organizations and projects:

Habitat for Humanity

In October, 2006, SSPC became a Covenant Congregation with Housatonic Habitat for Humanity, making a long-term commitment to pray for their work, provide volunteers, raise money, and promote their cause.

SSPC periodically sends work teams to

Upcoming work days

October 27, 2007 work sites in the Danbury, CT area. One such day was April 17, 2004, when members of our team worked with volunteers from John Jay High School, other local churches, individual volunteers, and future homeowners. Members of the group installed insulation, raised scaffolding, installed siding, and did general site work on a duplex home that became home to two families in a touching dedication ceremony.

Work days at Habitat are tentaively scheduled for August and October, 2007 -- stay tuned for the specific dates -- others will be held on an ongoing basis; contact Tom Gerhard if you are interested in participating.

Rebuilding New Orleans -- RHINO

During Holy Week 2006, a team of ten from SSPC travelled to New Orleans to work with the St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church's RHINO project. Members of the team helped clear debris from several homes. Journal entries from the team can be read on the RHINO trip page.

Endowment Fund

Each year, the Endowment Fund gives grants to various charities and non-profit organizations that the Church's congregation actively supports. The Endowment Fund is the combined gifts of many people who worshipped at the South Salem Presbyterian Church, notably Constance Hunt and Jim and Hertha Ketcham. The Session of the South Salem Presbyterian Church disburses funds in keeping with the donors? wishes and principles set out by the church. Each calendar year, requests are received and considered. Grants are made the following year, typically in the month of February. While there is no deadline, we prefer that applications be made by November 30 of each year to receive the attention and consideration each request deserves. An application form can be picked up at the Church office or downloaded here (PDF)

Health Minister (Parish Nurse)

Promoting wholeness in body, mind and spirit and reclaiming the church's ancient ministry of healing is what the relatively new concept of Parish Nursing is about. Our Health Minister Ginny Vreeland serves the congregation and members of the wider community, providing case management, patient advocacy and emergency counseling on health-related concerns. She can be reached at 763-6691.

The Community Center in Katonah

provides food, clothing and job counseling to low income people in Northeastern Westchester. Each Sunday, parishioners are invited to donate food during the worship service. The church also participates in the Center's Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner programs where bags of groceries and a turkey are given to several hundred needy neighbors. To get involved, contact John Sebring through the church or call the center at 914-232-6572. The Community Center's web address is www.katonahny.com/CommunityCenter.html

Church World Service (CWS) Crop Walk

raises both awareness and money for hunger programs here and abroad. The walk takes place at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation on Sunday, October 29, 2006 (pictures) and often draws more than 180 participants from a dozen religious groups. One fourth of the money raised is donated to the Community Center in Katonah and the Mt. Kisco food pantry. The walk is organized by the Presbyterian Churches of Bedford, Katonah, South Salem and the Pound Ridge Community Church.

The CWS Blanket Program

takes place during Advent. For every $5 donated, a blanket is given to a refugee or other needy person. For more information see www.churchworldservice.org.

The Midnight Run

is an ideal way for our teenagers and all of us who have so much to help those who have nothing. In conjunction with the Jewish Family Congregation, we make sandwiches, collect clothing and deliver them to the street people in New York City. Our Confirmation class and all who have made the run have found it a transforming experience.

Rural & Migrant Ministry

Richard Witt preached at SSPC on Sept 14, 2003. This ministry is supported by our Presbytery and is an important outreach to the farmworker community, providing advocacy, empowerment, and support services. More information is available at www.ruralmigrantministry.org.

Justice Ministry Opportunities

Higher Education for Prisoners:

College-level theological studies are taking place at seven prisons in the Hudson Valley under the umbrella of the New York Theological Seminary. This five course one-year program leads to a Certificate in Ministry and Human Services. Civilian volunteers and inmates teach the courses. Tom Penney takes part in the Sociology of Religious Communities group at Sing Sing. The Hunt Fund made a grant to this program in 2001.

An example of personal transformation in prison is the Rev. Darren Ferguson. A graduate of the New York Theological Seminary Masters Program at Sing Sing, he is now the Associate Pastor at the Abyssinian Baptist Church. Earlier this year, Rev. Ferguson was our guest at SSPC, preached a great sermon and led his marvelous youth choir.

The Bedford Hills Correctional Facility

is the maximum-security women's prison in New York State. SSPC has created a reading aloud book program where volunteers read to the mothers and their children during family visits, teaching mothers about the joy of reading to their children. For more information, contact Carol Sarabun through the church. The Family Reunion Program gives inmates the opportunity to spend a weekend on site with their children. Volunteers shop for groceries and deliver them to the prison. For more information, contact Carol Hillenbrand, through the Community Center.