The need to rebuild, feed, assist, and train nations to be self-sufficient was paramount at the end of World War II.  Several Church leaders determined that their natural ministry to those who suffered such an event could be realized by massing the efforts of many denominations.  One Great Hour of Sharing was born.

Through the years many Churches have heard the call to assist in this great effort.  Initially envisioned to feed populations ravaged by war, One Great Hour of Sharing has spread throughout the world to provide not only food but farm equipment, training, and assistance to ensure successful transition from starving populations to self-sufficient individuals.

The wars that are waged today fuel the need for new relief, but additional needs surface daily in developing nations where knowledge of farming and the ideals of self sufficiency are sadly lacking.  Dictatorships and Monarchs seldom address the needs of the masses.  One Great Hour of Sharing seeks to assist in such instances.

Easter is the call to service for Unity Presbyterian Church’s offerings to One Great Hour of Sharing.  Information will be posted at the church and will be obvious in the Newsletter and weekly Bulletins through March and April.  The Outreach Ministry Team is available to discuss your contribution to this very meaningful and helpful mission.

Each year, this Church contributes to many "rainbows of caring". In February, we have the opportunity to be part of a rainbow of caring and love through participation in the Tools of Hope and Blanket program. This program is managed under the auspices of Church World Service, which also sponsors the CROP Walk.

Our gifts to this program provide assistance in the form of blankets, tools, and rural services (e.g. well-drilling) both internationally and domestically. "Jesus called his disciples and said to them, "My heart goes out to these people; they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry; they might faint on the way." (Matthew 15:32)

Here are links to the PC (USA) web site where you can find information on the mission work of the church as well as letter from the young adult volunteers answering a call to mission work.

Presbyterian Church (USA) Missions

 

The Outreach Team has bulletin boards located throughout the church that contain information regarding the current emphases of the Outreach Ministry Team. Seasonal events are also publicized in the church newsletter and weekly bulletin as well as on this web site.

Unity provides many outstanding outreach opportunities.  Contact the church office or a member of the Outreach Committee for information on any of these activities.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE - Unity hosts and sponsors a bloodmobile in March each year.  Volunteers are needed to help with publicity, to encourage donors, to sign up donors, to bake cookies for donors, and to work the canteen the day of the bloodmobile.  Most of all, Unity needs people to donate a pint of blood.  This is volunteer work you can do lying down!  

CROP WALK - This event, either a 6.2 mile walk or a 1 mile walk, takes place in October each year to raise money for hunger programs for Church World Service.  Twenty-five percent of the money raised in York County stays in the county for ongoing programs.  How can you help?  By assisting with coordination of participation, publicity, and sign-ups.  You can also help by walking - it's good for your soles! 

DIMES FOR HUNGER - This is a Presbytery sponsored program to raise money for hunger programs in Honduras, Guatemala, and in our five-county Presbytery.  Unity's fall program encourages individuals to give one dime per meal for one month.  Volunteers are needed to help with publicity, attend the kick-off event in Rock Hill, and to be a part of this event. 

FORT MILL CARE CENTER - The Care Center serves those in the community who are in need.  Volunteers are needed to work in the food pantry or to help interview clients.  Donations of canned goods and school supplies are always welcome. 

NUTRITION CENTER - This program meets in Unity Hall and provides a hot meal and companionship to the elderly in our community who are in need.  How can you assist?  By helping with home-delivered meals on a weekly or substitute basis; by making night bakery pick-ups which involves picking up 'overages' at a local bakery and dropping them off at the Nutrition Center a few nights per week;  by leading activities or making donations to be used as Bingo prizes.