In Our Community
The Great Commission is God’s awesome directive to His people. Reaching out in the name of Christ beyond our doors is what God calls us to do. To share our resources, to spread the gospel and to invest our lives are appropriate responses of gratitude to God’s love for us. World mission means sustaining mission internationally, within our nation and our community.
It is the policy of Centerpointe Presbyterian Church to give away 10% of our annual ministry budget to individuals and mission agencies outside of our congregation who are serving in the name of Jesus Christ around the world. Currently, we support:
San Francisco Network Ministries was founded in 1972 by Rev. Glenda Hope, a Presbyterian minister, and her late husband to minister to the people of the Tenderloin District. Services offered include Ambassador Hotel Chaplaincy, 555 Ellis St. Apartments, Tenderloin Community Church, SafeHouse for Women (leaving prostitution), computer training center and ministry to the homeless. www.sfnetworkministries.org
Westminster House established an “ecumenical and evangelical Presbyterian Campus Ministry” at UC Berkeley in 1910. Westminster House influences students and faculty who will have a great impact on society. Westminster House includes a Christian community, Bible study and prayer, mentor program, tutoring program, conferences/forums/courses on social justice, interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Westminster House accommodates more than 100 students in its new building at 2700 Bancroft Way as well as 17 more in the refurbished older house on campus. www.westminsterhouse.org
Habitat for Humanity forms partnerships with people in need and community volunteers to build decent, affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity is committed to eliminating poverty housing throughout the world through “hands on partnerships” with the families who will own these homes. Each homeowner/family contributes 500 hours of sweat equity toward their or other Habitat homes. Working under the faith-based principle that no profit should be gained from assisting those in need, Habitat for Humanity charges no interest on the homes that it sells. “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy…charge him no interest.” (Exodus 22:25) For more information, refer to www.habitateb.org
Shepherd’s Gate has earned a reputation for rebuilding shattered lives. Since 1984, it has provided Christ-centered services and housing to more than 9,000 battered and homeless women and children. The shelters provide a safe haven for women and their children who are homeless because of abusive relationships, addictions, loss of financial support and other factors. Services are provided to anyone regardless of race, age, religion, color, creed, national origin, disability, marital status, or veteran status. Shepherd’s Gate operates campuses in Livermore and Brentwood as well an international campus in San Jose, Costa Rica. www.shepherdsgate.org
Valley Pregnancy Center offers free counseling and compassionate support to women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy in order to empower them to make confident and healthy choices. By providing a safe and caring environment, the Dublin-based center assists women who may not be aware of all their options. As a state-licensed medical facility, staff members offer accurate information and support services. Their services are also available to family members and to the father of the baby. www.valleypregnancycenter.org
Open Heart Kitchen serves several hundred meals daily at locations in Livermore, Dublin and Pleasanton. Several of our church members prepare and serve meals to those in need. We work the second Wednesday of each month from 2pm-6:30pm. We try to arrange two teams, 4 people from 2pm-4pm and 4 people from 4pm-6pm Open Heart is always looking for volunteers so if these times don’t work for you there still an opportunity to volunteer. www.openheartkitchen.org
Bay Area Rescue Mission is located in Richmond and is funded fully by private and corporate donations. Founded in 1965 as a 12-bed homeless shelter, it has grown in size and scope. The homeless shelter now can accommodate 325 people and provides 3,000 meals daily. Staff members are all practicing Christians. In addition to serving the physical and emotional needs of the community there is also a strong emphasis on providing Christian teaching and opportunities for worship. The Bay Area Rescue Mission also provides the following services: a family shelter which provides counseling and case management; a 12-month structured transitional program for individuals which includes teaching social skills, job training, and job placement; food pantry, furniture, and clothing distribution; daily chapel services; a drug and alcohol recovery program; a mobile outreach unit; and an after-school and summer program for school age children through high school that provides tutoring, Bible study, a sports program and field trips.