Mission at SCPC

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Intergenerational Mission Trip to Hekima Place in Kenya - July 8 - 19, 2019
SCPC is in Kenya, Africa to serve and get to know the girls of “Hekima Place”.  A home for 40 at risk girls located in rural Kenya, Hekima Place is committed to “serving the needs of vulnerable Kenyan girls by providing a safe, faith-based, loving home that supports excellence in education and empowerment for their futures”.  While there we will be providing improvements to the water system, building more sustainable structures for animals and farming, assisting in the creation of a new school, and building relationships with those who live there. All of this is with the intention to continuing that support and dedication after returning home.

Some news from our team doing mission work in Hekima:

Mike Ozaki Reports:

Update #1 - Friday, July 12

During the day we are building fences, planting gardens, cleaning out stables, milking cows, repairing and washing clothes, repairing bikes and tons of other things that need to happen around here. In the afternoons we play with the kids, get to know the surrounding community and bond as a team. Then, in the evenings we help the girls with homework, read stories to the little ones after dinner.

Grace and Peace,
Mike

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Update #2 - Thursday, July 18
We are in out last day until team #1 departs. Things are still wonderful here with everyone becoming more and more familiar with the kids and staff. 

 Some of the best moments have come from our volunteering at the "Tania" a school for children with special needs that is down the road. With about 80 students and little more than cement buildings, the staff there does miracles but our presence has been a big help and encouragement to them. It is not an easy place to be, with so many kids with such severe needs, but a few members of the team have really found their place in it.
 
Other then that it was great to attend church on Sunday, tear down the old chicken coop, do art with the girls, take the girls to see elephants, story time, team prayer and meditations and much more. 
 
I'm sad to see half the team leave but excited for the Hunters, Bri and Ann to arrive. 
 
The adventures continue and it is more and more clear that this is where God wanted us to be. I'm already starting to gather stories and put together how we will share them as part of worship when we return. 

Grace and Peace,
Mike

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Mission at SCPC

When imagining the possibilities for new, improved, or expanded mission projects, the sky is the limit for the State College Presbyterian Church!   We are committed to “big” projects such as sponsoring and building a Habitat House and international mission relationships with communities in Togo, Haiti, Thailand and elsewhere.  It is also important that we continue our commitment to all current mission projects and trips and turn our focus on improving how the stories of those significant mission experiences are shared with the rest of the congregation.  We must be sure that our church community continues to make regular connections to our ongoing and established activities as “mission projects” (e.g., the angel tree and other local projects).

​Want to Join the Mission Team?
Please join the Social Justice and Mission Team if you’re interested in being a part of the church’s mission and outreach team.   We meet at 5:30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month in the Martin Room.  Mission and outreach happen in all corners of the church, through Deacons, FISH, and many places.  SJMT is SCPC’s committee that helps determine the charities and causes that the church’s budget supports, explores and advocates for social justice in the model of Jesus, and helps to launch and facilitate new mission initiatives including mission trips.

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State College Presbyterian Church has a mission grant-making program meant to help individuals and groups within the church dream up and carry out plans for missional acts of Justice, Mercy and Peace Making outside our walls. The “Mission Dreams Into Action Grant Program” is one way SCPC is working to be a “missional church”, focused on caring for our community and fulfilling our calling as reflected in Matthew 25:35-36.

If (1) you have an idea for a mission/outreach project that you are excited about facilitating within SCPC, or (2) you are part of an outside agency undertaking specific justice, mercy or peace making projects that SCPC should partner with in supporting, we want to be a part of making that “mission dream” come true.
To apply for a “Mission Dreams Into Action Grant”:

• Develop a proposal of engagement and action. Do your research, explore possibilities, and pray thoughtfully into your answers. You are invited to develop an idea as an individual, a covenant or small group, FISH, Deacons, or any other group within the church. Please be informed, this is a project you or your group is committed to facilitating along side the church’s “Social Justice and Mission Team” and the rest of SCPC.
• Print and fill out the appropriate application linked below returning it to the SCPC office c/o Rev. Michael Ozaki. All applicants must answer every application question to be considered and are invited to attach any additional information they deem relevant in the decision making process. All applications will be reviewed by the “Mission Dreams Into Action Grant Program” team on a twice yearly basis (September & February).

• Click here for the In House Mission Project Application (pdf)
• Click here for the Outside Agency Project Application (pdf)

If you have questions about your project or the application process please contact Rev. Michael Ozaki at 814-238-2422.