For members, community & beyond, we serve!
At Community Presbyterian, we believe that the church exists not just for its members, but for the good of our community and world. We find a sense of purpose and meaning as we joyfully participate in the work God is doing. We invite you to join us as we share God’s love in tangible ways, in our community and beyond.
Ministry in the Community
Meals on Wheels – CPC began the Meals on Wheels ministry in the tiny kitchen in Coburn Hall in 1968. Today it is a separate non-profit but still is housed on our church campus, in a stand-alone building on the corner of Church Avenue and Loma Linda Drive. Last year, Meals on Wheels delivered meals to 43,000 people in the Englewood area! Our members continue to volunteer faithfully, and a CPC member always serves on the Meals on Wheels Board. To volunteer, please call 941-474-4445
Habitat for Humanity of South Sarasota County – In January 2019, CPC began a new relationship with Habitat for Humanity. As part of our mission goal to engage in systemic issues like affordable housing, we covenant to support and pray for the work of Habitat. We will have several days each year where teams from CPC will volunteer on Habitat builds. We also encourage people to shop at and donate to the Habitat Re-Store. If you want to be part of CPC’s work with Habitat, please call the church office. For more information about Habitat of South Sarasota County (including how to donate or volunteer at the Re-Store): https://www.habitatsouthsarasota.org
F.I.S.H. – CPC was one of the founders of FISH, which stands for Friends in Service to Humanity. FISH provides transportation to medical services or shopping. Volunteers receive telephone calls and arrange for transportation. Drivers transport people as needed. There is always a need for more telephone volunteers and drivers. Call 941- 475-4494.
Local Food Collections – We have an on-going collection of non-perishable food items for local food pantries. Containers are in the narthex and in Kastner Hall. A Deacon delivers the food to the pantries each week.
Jubilee Center – Jubilee Center offers services and resources to local people in need. CPC supports Jubilee Center with volunteers, donations and financial gifts.
Helping Hand – CPC supports Helping Hand Food Pantry with financial gifts and other donations.
Ministry Beyond the Community
Misión Peniel – CPC has a passion for our Presbytery’s mission to farmworkers in Immokalee. Every Friday, Misión Peniel provides meals for 500+ farmworkers and their family members. Misión Peniel also provides supplies such as diapers, toilet paper, and paper towels, as well as clothing and other basic needs. Pastoral care is provided to farmworkers, including counseling, hospital visitation, and assistance in orienting migrants to a new culture. CPC sends volunteer teams to Misión Peniel about eight times a year, helping with the Friday ministries, working in the Garden, and doing other work at the mission center. We also provide Christmas gifts for about 75 children every December. We collect and deliver rice and beans; a container for donations is in Kastner Hall. Last year, we provided 553 pounds of rice and beans! By supporting Misión Peniel, we are fulfilling our mission to GO and share God’s love through transformational mission beyond the community. If you would like to be involved in this valuable ministry, please call the church office. For more information about Misión Peniel: https://www.misionpeniel.com
Little Dresses for Africa – Year-long planning culminates in an all-day sewing project, when Kastner Hall is filled with people and sewing machines creating dresses to send to Africa. The motto of the non-profit Little Dresses for Africa is “We’re not just sending dresses; we’re sending hope.” Sending dresses allows girls to go to school, and the dresses are “ambassadors” that help build relationships, resulting in programs that improve quality of life for individuals and communities. If you would like to be involved, contact the church office.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance – In times of disaster or catastrophe, PDA is the healing presence of the Presbyterian Church (USA). PDA responds after natural disasters, as well as human-created crises such as mass shootings. We support PDA with our financial gifts, donations, and volunteer efforts. For more information, contact the church office.
PCUSA Mission Co-Workers – Through Peace River Presbytery, CPC supports two mission co-worker families. Dan and Elizabeth Turk have been mission co-workers in Madagascar since 1997. In a country where 80% of the people live in poverty, Elizabeth and Dan transform lives through health and sustainable food ministries. Les and Cindy Morgan have been mission co-workers in Bangladesh since 1989. As medical doctors who also have Masters degrees in public health, Cindy and Les are involved in a wide variety of hospital, community and congregation-based health and healing work.
Beth El Farmworker Ministry – Beth El was founded in 1976 to assist Hispanic farmworkers and their families in the Wimauma area. Our Presbytery is one of the supporters of this ministry, which includes worship services, pastoral care, and assistance with basic needs. A new dental clinic provides free care to income-qualified adults. For more information about Beth El: https://beth-el.org
