The JIPC congregation participates in the following missions through funding and/or volunteer participation:
Our own JIPC CHIP Ministry provides material and labor to repair damaged or substandard homes for needy individuals on Johns and Wadmalaw islands. A large part of this ministry includes receiving and organizing mission groups. JIPC members can be project managers, workers, deliver materials, provide snacks, or deliver snacks to the jobsite. You can read more by going to the Chip information page. To volunteer, contact Michael Orris or Tom Stallings, leave a message at (843) 203-6592, or send an email to chipministry@JIPC.org.
Steve Semmler at Fisher of Men Ministries in Costa Rica works to spread the Gospel and improve living conditions. Each year, members of our congregation join with Rockville Presbyterian Church members on a mission trip to Costa Rica. The team works with Steve in the poorest sections of San Jose. The mission team works on building projects and builds relationships with the local people through the shared work and Bible School programs. Connect through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Fishers-of-Men-Ministries-Costa-Rica-231799053668463/?fref=nf, or contact Charlie Larsen at 843-793-7250 for more information.
There are now five retirement communities throughout the state (known as Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina-PCSC). PCSC serves seniors of all faiths and is affiliated with the PCUSA. It is a compassionate ministry, offering continuing care retirement living, and as a non-profit, concentrates on the needs of the resident. They provide all levels of care. All revenue is used for the upkeep of the buildings and care of the residents. JIPC supports the Summerville Home with budgeted funds and through a special Mother’s Day offering. A separate benevolence item is to provide resident aid for those that can no longer afford the costs of remaining at the home. Read more at https://www.prescommunities.org/senior-living/sc/summerville/the-village-at-summerville/. You can also call 803-772-5885 or email franklin.fant@preshomesc.org to donate or get more information.
Lynn and Sharon Kandel serve together as the point persons for global partners in Sudan, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Sharon is the primary lead for Ethiopia, and Lynn is the primary lead for Sudan and they are both deeply engaged in South Sudan. They work with the three Critical Global Initiatives (CGIs) addressing the root causes of poverty particularly as they affect women and children, sharing the good news of the Gospel, and engaging in ministries of reconciliation amidst cultures of violence. https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/mission-connections/
Mark Adams and Miriam Maldonado are mission co-workers with the Presbyterian Border Ministry in Mexico, where Mark partners with Rev. Angel Valencia of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico in coordinating the six ministry areas of Frontera de Cristo: church development, health, family counseling, the New Hope Community Center, mission education, and the Just Trade Center. Miriam serves as a liaison with the Center for Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation and others to help the community, schools, rehabilitation centers and families of the church grow their own food, increasing their nutrition possibilities and connection with God’s creation and one another. Read more information at: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/mission-connections/
This non-profit provides pastoral care and counseling for employees and families of first responders, as well as the general public, assists the Coroner in notifying individuals who have lost a family member in an unexpected manner, assists the Mobile Crisis Unit and SWAT teams in hostage notifications and other local emergency situations. Lay volunteers also provide follow-up visitations in the home. Visits in the hospital for victims of crimes and their families are also provided. This is a Judeo-Christian organization, which works closely with all law enforcement and emergency agencies to provide assistance during emergency situations. See http://coastalcrisischaplain.org/, and call the Chaplaincy office at 843-724-1212 to volunteer.
Charleston Journey is a PCUSA initiative and provides a worshiping community for college students at the College of Charleston and the Citadel that offers Presbyterians, non-Presbyterians, and skeptics, an opportunity to grow spiritually while at college. They are open-minded, passionate, and committed to advancing the Gospel and glorifying God in our daily lives. More at http://www.charlestonjourney.org/
One80 Place is dedicated to preventing and wiping out homelessness. They provide care bags, invite homeless, provide short-term shelter, and work immediately on a plan to get the individuals into a home. Providing life skills, medical and legal services, meals and lodging, their results are impressive One80 Place accepts individual donations of money and specific (new) materials, as well as offering many opportunities to volunteer. Read more athttps://one80place.org/ and to volunteer.
Thornwell Home for Children is a joyful Christian community offering hope and wholeness to children and families. Located in Clinton, S.C. Thornwell provides a safe, family-style home for each child, physical and mental health care, a learning center, and a faith development and Christian nurture program. Learn more: https://www.thornwell.org/
Back Pack Buddies (Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island) mission is to supply nutritious weekend food and snacks to needy elementary school children living below the poverty line at all Johns Island and Wadmalaw public schools. The weekend supplies include two breakfasts, three dinners, fruit, juice and milk and several assorted snacks and protein items. Read more and sign up to volunteer at https://backpackbuddiesseabrookisland.com/
The Charleston based Christian Water Mission works to change lives through sustainable water systems. Water is key to saving lives, improving the quality of life and breaking the poverty cycle. An estimated 80% of the world’s diseases are a result of contaminated or insufficient water supplies, inadequate sanitation facilities, and poor hygiene practices. In addition to our financial support, members of our congregation form a team and participate in the Charleston Walk for Water Fundraiser each spring. Learn more at https://watermission.org/, or volunteer at https://watermission.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Hebron – Zion Food Bank
This community emergency food pantry is located on Bohicket Road on Johns Island and is open every Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. On Saturday and Monday they distribute vegetables and bakery goods. In a recent year, Hebron Zion served 1,116 families (3,121 individuals), distributing 47,994 pounds of food. JIPC provides monetary support, and collects nonperishable food for direct donation for their pantry. To volunteer, visit Hebron Zion church or call the church at 843-559-0865.
Respite Care: This organization provides services and support for families caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and related Dementia. They provide social day programs specifically designed for people with memory loss and caregiver support. Short breaks from caregiving help support and strengthen families, allowing continuation of care in the home. This is a local organization with services provided at St. John’s Parish on Maybank Road. Learn more at http://respitecarecharleston.org/, and volunteer at sign up at http://respitecarecharleston.org/#volunteer.
The Johns Island Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach strives to encourage and support self-sufficiency and self-worth for people in need in our community through education, wellness and outreach services. In partnership with over 300 volunteers, the staff effectively deliver a variety of services including emergency assistance, dental services, prenatal and women’s healthcare, life stress classes, English as a second language, GED instruction, after school tutoring and a summer enrichment camp. See more information at https://www.olmoutreach.org/, or sign up to volunteer at sign up at https://www.olmoutreach.org/volunteer.
HALOS provides support and advocacy to abused and neglected children and kinship caregivers. HALOS is an independent entity, working alongside the Department of Social Services to collect donations from the community to improve the lives of the children. Our church also participates in the Angel Tree programs during the Christmas season, providing Christmas gifts to the area’s children. Learn more at http://charlestonhalos.org/support/. Check with them about volunteer needs at 843-990-9570.
La Iglesia de Dios: A local church that serves a Hispanic population, located on River Road. Many of the congregation’s families are poor and have limited resources. Our church has provided support for a Christmas activity for the needy children and presents for each child for several years.
Lowcountry Pastoral Counseling Center: The needs for quality mental, emotional and spiritual care today in undeniable, and many suffer daily with mental and emotional issues. This Center provides quality, faith-based counseling, life enrichment events, and training to the Lowcountry community by licensed counselors in a private, non-profit setting. There are 6 locations for services in the Lowcountry. http://www.lowcountrypastoral.org/
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity
The support JIPC provides to Habitat helps them to continue their mission to build simple, safe, decent homes for the people who need a hand up, not a hand-out. Their goal is to empower people with limited resources to realize the dream of owning a home. The homes are built with volunteer labor, donations, and “sweat equity” hours by the homeowner. The homeowners also attend financial and home maintenance courses. Learn more at http://www.seaislandhabitat.org/, or volunteer at http://www.seaislandhabitat.org/index.php/volunteer/.
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic: Operating since 2006, the Clinic’s mission is to understand and serve the health and wellness needs of the uninsured, low-income adults who live or work on Johns, Wadmalaw, and James Island. They provide a medical home for primary medical care to 350+ patients a month staffed with 122 volunteer doctors, nurses, and supporting aides and continues to grow. Read more at https://www.bifmc.org/, or volunteer at https://www.bifmc.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer/.
Medical Benevolence Foundation: Since 1984, the JIPC congregation has supported the MBF. This Christian centered organization has ties to the PC(USA), and is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals, communities, and nations through strategic partnerships with indigenous healthcare organizations. The MDF is a link to build and empower the ministry of Presbyterian churches by developing strong, self-sustaining healthcare ministries. They have worked in over 32 countries providing nursing schools and scholarships, critical health services for women and children, primary care clinics, and hospital development and support. See more at https://www.mbfoundation.org/
The Star Gospel Mission is the Charleston’s oldest not-for-profit Christian welfare organization and has served the needy and homeless since 1904. Their mission is to transform hearts and lives through Jesus Christ. They provide transitional housing for homeless men and respond to the needs of the community by offering food, clothing, rental assistance, utility assistance, emergency medical and transportations assistance. They provide help to the needy by responding to their needs and by sharing the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those seeking spiritual transformation. Their principal response is to working homeless men, those who have a source of income such as veterans, disabled, or those receiving unemployment. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stargospelmission/, and to volunteer contact Rev. Bill Christian at WKCThree@aol.com or 843-722-0980.
Hands of Christ: Our common goal is to provide school uniforms and basic school supplies to needy students. In keeping with the Presbyterian Reformed tradition, we believe that education is the key to the success of individuals and communities. The program seeks to assist children in economic need as they begin the new school year with some of the necessary tools for success.They are faith-based, but serve children in need regardless of their faith background. They have a few very simple rules for distribution: 1) Children being served must be present and accompanied by a parent or guardian; 2) They serve children grades pre-K through 8th grade; 3) serve families each day during the time posted or until we reach our capacity for that day. Families are advised to arrive early; and, 4) Giving smiles and sharing Christ’s love are the order of the day. They believe that fellowship in Christ is the foundation of ministry. Throughout the year members and friends of JIPC come together on numerous occasions such as our annual pig roast, all church picnic, chili cook-off, Christmas caroling, new member luncheons, and various other celebrations. https://www.handsofchrist.net/