MISSIONS
Our church supports may programs in our community, region and world with our time, funds, facilities and talents. Listed below are several organizations that give us the opportunity to give back in a variety of ways.
The Missions and Outreach Ministry coordinates all of the giving from SVPC to external charities. We support four core organizations (Souper Bowl, Thornwell Home, Richland 2 BackPack Program and Habitat for Humanity) as well as various other causes (Sistercare, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, etc).
MISSIONS & OUTREACH FOCUS
- Environmental Ministry
The Environmental Ministry explores opportunities for being better stewards of God's earth. The NEWGreen Room (AKA 'the old kitchen') is set up as a central point for handling recycle of aluminum cans, cellphones, telephones, reading glasses, batteries, etc. Used books can be donated as well. If you have cardboard to recycle please leave it on the stoop outside of the Potts Hall kitchen steps. Please recycle your newspaper and magazines at home!
Contact: Carol Collins
- Live Oak Counseling Center
Live Oak Counseling Center (formerly Columbia Pastoral Counseling Center) offers psychotherapy, support, education and guidance to individuals and groups in the South Carolina Midlands. The Center has operated as a non-profit organization since 1991, and its services are available regardless of a client’s religious affiliation, socio-economic level, race, or nationality. Financial support is available for clients who lack necessary funds to receive the care they need.
The Center is located at 600 King Street (on the corner of King and Blossom). For appointments, call 803-256-1033 or visit their website. We also have copies of their brochure available in the church office.
- Habitat for Humanity
For more information, click here!
- Scout Sunday
Scout Sunday is held every year to celebrate Scouting and the relationship between the Scouts and SVPC.
Contact: Ron Kuebler
- South Carolina United Soccer
SVPC provides a large complex behind the church facilities for use by the FC. South Carolina United FC is affiliated with the South Carolina Youth Soccer Association and offers soccer programs for boys and girls from 3 - 19 years of age. Through the efforts and contributions of parents and sponsors, the goal is to provide the best soccer experience possible for everyone involved.
- Souper Bowl of Caring
This national organization was founded at our church! Our youth continue to participate in the annual activities. All donations collected benefit local food banks.
Contact: MISSIONS MINISTRY
MISSIONS: MINISTRY PROJECTS
- Meals on Wheels
SVPC has engaged with the local Senior Resources effort, serving one route each week. More details on the MOW page.
Meals on Wheels delivers over 100,000 meals per year in Richland County. It takes 400 volunteers weekly to provide service…need for additional meals and volunteers grows daily.
Each recipient receives a hot meal Monday-Friday. All have been interviewed by Meals on Wheels for eligibility before delivery can begin.
Often the volunteer is the only person that client has contact with that day. The volunteer is not expected to sit down and talk, but just to greet client, share niceties and then move on.
Contact: Roger Wachob at (803) 210-9414.
- Belize Mission - Port Loyola Baptist Church partnership
In the summer of 2016, 36 youth and adults journeyed for their second time to Belize, where they worked with and through Port Loyola Baptist Church. The relationships that were forged in the summer of 2013 and 2016 continue to grow! Spring Valley is in the process of raising funds to support Port Loyola as they seek to expand their ministry. We leave in the beginning of July 2019 for our next mission trip.
Contact: CE DIRECTOR
- Richland 2 BackPack Food Program
We are working with the Richland 2 School District to sponsor a school, providing food for backpacks weekly. We started this outreach in the fall of 2014. In 2016, our Strikers (3-5th grades) and Preschool are packing all of the bags. All households can participate by bringing food items (see details on the tabs to the above right).
Contacts: Marilyn Dillon
- Local Supply Drive
School Supply Drive: During the month of August, back to school supplies are collected for those in need.
Ongoing Donations: We have a closet off of the Atrium where donations can be made. Volunteer members deliver the items periodically to organizations in need.
Contact: MISSIONS MINISTRY
- Youth Missions
We try to stay involved in local missions throughout the year by serving our church members through service projects, as well as through partnerships with local organizations. Our summer mission trip rotation is set up on a 3 year rotation of state, national, and international mission trips. In 2015 we spent a week in Raleigh, NC.
Contact: CE DIRECTOR
- Migrant Ministry Dinner
SVPC prepares a meal and travels to Batesburg-Leesville to serve migrant workers and participate in fellowship.
Contact: MISSIONS MINISTRY
- Thornwell Home for Children
Thornwell Home for Children is all about helping children and youth—caring for them, nurturing them, helping prepare them to become the faithful individuals God created them to be. Founded in 1875, today Thornwell is an independent, non-profit ministry in covenant relationship with the Synod of the South Atlantic of the Presbyterian Church(USA) serving children and families throughout the three-state region—South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
SVPC has been a supporter of Thornwell for many years. In 2013 we entered into a partnership, housing a social worker Elizabeth Ogorek. She is laying groundwork for a mission that members of the congregation can help with in the months and years to come. Find out more about Elizabeth and the program.