Forest Grove is an outreach-oriented church. We believe that our help is needed here in our own congregation, the local community and throughout the world. We believe as Jesus said in Luke 10:2. “ “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Deacon’s Ministry
“It is the duty of Deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the Session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord’s Supper.” – The PC (USA) Book of Order
Our Deacons
- Visit and periodically deliver flowers to the sick and homebound
- Provide meals to those who are recovering from surgery or illness
- Provide a reception following a Memorial Service
- Provide emergency financial assistance to church and community members who contact the church for help with essentials such as medical, utility and car repair bills
- Pray for the welfare of those in need
Parish Life & Mission Committee
In 2024. we combined two committees to form the Parish Life and Mission Committee to organize activities as part of the life of the church as well as to care for others through our mission projects.
Several months throughout the year we host Friday Night Fellowship on the first Friday of the month. This includes intergenerational fellowship and a mission project. We come together for supper which is often potluck, and fellowship which includes fun games based on a theme for that month. We have had a “Hawaiian Luau,” “Italian Night” and even hot dogs on “Pet Night” for example. We always include an easy mission project, such as making blankets for the homeless, sock decorating, packing treats for our troops, and making pet toys to donate to the SPCA.
In May we have a Mother’s Day Luncheon on a Wednesday near Mother’s Day where everyone is welcome to enjoy a meal together in our Fellowship Hall – women, men, friends, neighbors, family, etc.
Our Strawberry Festival is in June when the strawberries are ripe. We invite the community to join us on a Friday night for a potluck supper with delicious homemade strawberry shortcake for dessert.
In December we have our Christmas Luncheon which includes a wonderful meal in our Fellowship Hall and a chance to sing our favorite Christmas carols together as a group.
Local Missions
FISH: Following the example of Jesus Christ by helping the poorest and weakest members of the community, FISH provides emergency assistance to people in need when no other timely assistance is available. Help is provided regardless of religious affiliation, race, gender or any other personal factor.
Doylestown Food Pantry: Non-perishable food items are collected and donated on a regular basis.
Missions Beyond Our Local Community
Rise Against Hunger: On a Sunday, each November after a brief worship service, we work together to assemble meal packages for Rise Against Hunger. This organization serves countries worldwide to fight hunger, targeting communities facing high rates of food insecurity. We usually pack 12,000 meals or more while enjoying upbeat music and working in an assembly line style.
Forest Grove’s PC (USA) Missions
We offer financial support annually by donations to the following missions:
Community Cup at Tree of Life Presbyterian Church. This Coffeehouse, hosted by the congregation in Philadelphia, is specifically designed as a communal space for young adults and adults with disabilities and their families and caregivers. It’s a place to build friendships and just have a fun night out. Each week there is food, fun and great live music.
Beacon New Church Development: Located in the Kensington area of Philadelphia, this New church Development is a neighborhood faith community that invites people of all ages to grow together through arts, learning, and faith.
Presbytery of Philadelphia, Synod of the Trinity, and General Assembly Missions: Local, national and international missions supported by our denominational higher governing bodies.
Christmas Joy Offering: An annual offering received at Christmas that is used for PC(USA) church workers and their families in need and racial ethnic schools and colleges of the PC(USA) for scholarship funding.
One Great Hour of Sharing: Since 1949 Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God’s love with those in need. Contributions assist those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and help build strong communities. We collect donations for One Great Hour of Sharing during the weeks of Lent leading up to Easter.
Forest Grove’s Special Projects
Summer Mission Trip: Youth and adults from the congregation travel to different areas of the country to complete service projects usually including housing rehabilitation and/or new construction for low income families.
Christmas Gifts: In December we have a Giving Tree and collect Christmas gifts for Allies, Inc. This organization serves disabled adults in group homes who without this support would not receive gifts at the holidays.
The Welcome Church: The Welcome Church is a worshiping community in Philadelphia that supports people experiencing homelessness. Throughout the year we provide snack bags and water for some of their outdoor worship services at Aviator Park. We have also provided Welcome Home Kits which contain several household items and supplies for people transitioning out of homelessness to their own place. In addition, we have packed and delivered 30 lunches for the Welcome Church to serve at their Monday Bible Study Group.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
The Great Commission – Matthew 28:19-20