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Our mission policy calls for at least 60 percent of all offering receipts to go for mission
purposes. Our mission giving in 2006 has included 15 international, national, and regional projects. Most all of the projects are sponsored by or have the support of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
International: --Companeros en Mision (Partners in Mission) is a program of
La Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana de Mexico and the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) in the state of Sonora, Mexico, and the state of
Arizona, U.S.A.
--Networkers Malaria Prevention Program: Led by Presbyterian
Women's groups, congregations in the U.S. support the
Networkers Malaria Prevention Program, which has sent over
10,000 mosquito nets to Africa.
--Nicaragua: supporting mission partners such as the Rev. Dr. Douglas
Orbaker who specializes as a delegations coordinator.
National: --More Light: A network of Presbyterians seeking the full participation
of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of faith in the life,
ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
--That All May Freely Serve: This national group advocates for an
inclusive church that honors diversity and welcomes lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender persons as full members, including
eligibility for ordination to the offices of elder, deacon, and pastor.
Regional: --California Council of Churches: The California Council of Churches
serves as a prophetic witness to the gospel by educating faith
communities to pursue justice, equity, and fairness in the treatment
of all people, in particular those most vulnerable in society.
--Home of Neighborly Service (HNS): Located within the Presbytery of
Riverside, The Home of Neighborly Service (HNS) dates back to 1922
when the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church
in the U.S.A. established it to serve as a "settlement house." In 1954 it became an incorporated non-profit organization. Located in
San Bernardino, HNS offers services to children, youth and families
in Colton, Rialto, Highland and unincorporated areas of San Bernardino.
--The Presbytery of Riverside: Support is given to the general operating
budget of the presbytery, and also particularly to new church development
in the presbytery. Funds are used to support new programs to prepare
pastors to serve in new churches.
Local: --Hidden Harvest: Our local mission outreach is particularly directed to
Hidden Harvest, a produce recovery program that employs low-income
farm workers to "rescue" a portion of the $200 million per year of produce
left behind in the fields and orchards after harvest. Food boxes totaling
44,000 meals per month go to 590 households averaging 6-7 residents.
--Unity Rally: We were one of the church sponsors for the September 23,
2006, rally for the gay community in the Coachella Valley protesting a
day-long program in a local church encouraging reparative therapy for
gays and lesbians.
Also, Spirit of the Desert Presbyterian Fellowship participates in all four denominational
special annual offerings.
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