Being an IHN host congregation allows us to live out the message of the Gospel and call of Jesus to ministry:

“…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…Truly, I tell you, as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matt. 25:35,40)

By Paul Thwaite

The Session has approved PHCPC’s participation as a host congregation with the ministry of the Interfaith Hospitality Network’s Second Circle in Allegheny County. IHN has worked in Western Pennsylvania for years to offer housing and support for families who find themselves homeless and would otherwise be split up into shelters that do not allow families to enter. PHCPC will join Southminster Presbyterian, Hamilton Presbyterian, Bethel Presbyterian, Christ United Methodist, and Crafton Baptist churches as one of the host congregations in Allegheny County. Eventually, IHN hopes to have around 10 host congregations in Allegheny County. IHN’s ministry carefully screens and clears families in need of temporary shelter. Once a family is accepted into IHN, they are housed overnight at the different host congregations and spend their days at the Family Center next to Crafton Baptist Church. Host congregations provide an evening meal, overnight lodging, and transportation in IHN’s van to and from the family center. IHN provides social services and support at the Family Center to get families back into permanent housing as soon as possible. Together, IHN and its host congregations make a huge difference for families displaced by job loss, fire, eviction, foreclosure, or many other reasons.

PHCPC will be working with other congregations in the West Jefferson Hills Ministerium (a Ministerium is a gathering of local congregations and pastors) to provide meals, lodging, and transportation for one week every several months. Our first hosting week will be June 15-21^st. Guests will use the first floor of the Education building and Chapel Lounge as their temporary “home” from around 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day. Different groups, Bible studies, congregations, and individuals will sign up to provide an evening meal, an overnight “host” staying with the families, and drivers to drive the IHN van to and from Crafton. No more than 2-3 families will be guests at any one time. Host congregations serve on a rotating schedule.

If you are interested in being a part of this mission of compassion and hospitality where you don’t even have to leave your own community, please contact Pastor Paul Thwaite or Mission Elder Deac Dressing for more information. Prior to each hosting period, there will be the opportunity to sign up for meals, transportation, and overnight stays. Those not able to participate personally will be invited to contribute financially as each hosting week we pay for incidental expenses like snacks and groceries, gas for the van, and other small items.

Being an IHN host congregation allows us to live out the message of the Gospel and call of Jesus to ministry: “…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…Truly, I tell you, as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matt. 25:35,40) I am excited to see how this ministry will make a difference in our lives as well as those of our future guests through IHN!

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 29th, 2008 at 2:49 pm