We support a variety of local mission endeavors. Some are supported through our mission giving to the Presbytery of the Western Reserve.

Interfaith Hospitality Network

Next host week is November 4 – 11.

Since 2004, ALPC has shared the love of Christ with homeless families through the Cleveland Interfaith Hospitality Network.  Four times each year we host homeless families with children for a week at our church, providing loving care through evening meals, fellowship, overnight accommodations and breakfast.  Each host week, about 50 church members get involved for a couple of hours in one of the following ways:

Set-up and Take-down – help set up living areas with roll away beds and portable dividers provided by IHN and with tables and other furniture provided by our Church.  The following Sunday morning everything is taken down. Coordinator:  Jeff Mell

Dinner – help to prepare a nourishing evening meal which is brought to the church and shared with the families along with dinner fellowship.  Coordinator:  Sherry Spenzer

Evening Fellowship – spend two hours during the evening in conversation, playing games, helping with homework or in quiet companionship, depending on the needs of the guest families.  Coordinators:  Jill Ralston and Sharon Call

Overnight – sleep overnight at the church to provide a caring and helpful presence, should any needs arise.  Coordinator:  Julie Smith

Breakfast - prepare and share a continental breakfast with the families before the IHN van arrives to take guests to school, work or the IHN day center.  Coordinator:  Julie Smith.

Laundry – help to launder all bedding and linens after the host week has ended

Faith House Christmas

The season for holiday magic and cheer is also the season for ALPC members to reach out to families in need to make their holiday brighter.
The Presbyterian Women have actively supported Faith House, an apartment complex for homeless families in Lorain, for a number of years. This year, we are asking our congregation to help bring Christmas to the seven families that are now living at Faith House.
We would like to provide each family with the following items:

• Gift Certificates (any denomination) to Fligner’s Supermarket in Lorain
• A personal gift for the mothers – something that they would not typically purchase for themselves. Ideas: Bath items, lotions, soaps, picture frames…etc.
• Family Game – any game, such as Sorry, Trouble, Monopoly, Clue, etc.
• Grab Bag items – Small gift items for kids ranging in age from 8 months to 16 years. Ideas: Coloring books, crayons, note pads, puzzle books, pencils/pens, portable cameras, mini-scrapbooks…etc.
• Gift Certificates for restaurants around the Midway Mall area.
• If you would like to help, but can’t get out to purchase any items, we will gladly accept monetary donations for this project. Any funds that are donated will be used to
  purchase items needed to complete the gift baskets that we will provide to each
  family.

PEACEMAKING OFFERING on World Communion Sunday

October 7th for 2007

25% will be donated locally to the Genesis House, a domestic violence shelter for women and children in Lorain.

75% is used to support projects of antiracism, sexual abuse prevention, nonviolent living, interfaith dialogues and prison release programs at the Synod and Presbytery levels.  At the General Assembly Level, it supports the Peacemaking Conference and international peacemaking programs and materials.

CRS Food Pantry Donations

Community Resource Services provides emergency help to residents of Avon Lake and Avon.  Assistance is provided with food, utilities, housing, transportation, medical and clothing needs, among others.   

Each month we collect food items in a designated CRS box in the foyer to help share the bounty and blessings we receive with those in need in our community.  While any food items are always appreciated, each month we emphasize a different category of items to donate.

September:
crackers, peanut butter, jellies, condiments of all kinds, healthy snacks.

October:
canned/boxed potatoes, spaghettios, ravioli, rice.

November:
canned/boxed holiday meal items (stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, deserts)

December:
personal products, household cleaners, paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue or any other non-food stamp items.