1. The committee encourages the completion of mission studies in churches on a regular basis. This allows congregations to look at the demographics of their area as well as the philosophical shifts that are occurring within the larger culture. Some mission studies affirm what a church is doing while other studies help the church shift in a new direction.
   
   
2. The committee encourages looking at vision and direction in a larger context. Periodically they have encouraged Sessions to talk with other Sessions to see where their ministries might be enhanced through some joint efforts.
   
   
3. The committee provides training opportunities in evangelism, stewardship and in other areas of interest to the churches.
   
   
4. In some circumstances the committee has made available financial resources to strengthen the ministry of a church. In recent years the number of churches that have received "Aid to Congregation" money within a given year has varied from four to ten congregations.
   
   

For further information contact the committee at conglife@pbylakeerie.org.

CAMPING ASSOCIATION OF THE PRESBYTERIES OF NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

For more than fifty years the Presbytery of Lake Erie has seen camping as a vital ministry. Jointly with the Presbyteries of Beaver-Butler, Kiskiminetas and Shenango, Lake Erie has supported two church camps.

Camp Lambec is located on the shores of Lake Erie in western Erie County. It hosts a number of camps for youth as well as family camps. It is a camp that is primarily utilized during the warm weather months.

Westminster Highlands is located near Emlenton, on Interstate 80 about 40 miles east of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. The Highlands includes several hundred acres and hosts multiple on site and off site summer camping experiences. In addition some of the buildings are available for usage during the winter months.

For further information contact the committee at CAPNWP@aol.com.

CHRISTMAS IN APRIL

Communities are changing all around us! While some portions of the Presbytery of Lake Erie are stable, or even growing slightly in population, there are other areas that are suffering the loss of industry and citizens. One particular area that has seen sizable industrial transition is McKean County at the eastern end of our presbytery. One program designed to assist residents with housing needs is called "Christmas in April" and is centered in Bradford. It is a program, primarily self-run, that helps with simple maintenance and minor construction projects. Safe and comfortable housing is a crucial goal in order that human lives might be enriched.

For further information contact the First Presbyterian Church of Bradford at presbych@atlanticbbn.net

GRACE LEARNING CENTER

The Presbyterian ministry in Cooperstown is an exciting one! In the 1970s the Cooperstown Church came very close to concluding its ministry. Numbers had dwindled. Some key members spent several months each winter in the south. But God had other plans! And from that rebirth has grown a ministry to children in the community. The church property adjoins the local elementary school which made it a natural location for an after school program. Grace Learning Center provides a safe location for children whose parents are still at work - while at the same time providing Christian compassion and instruction.

EDINBORO CAMPUS MINISTRY

The Presbyterian ministry in Cooperstown is an exciting one! In the 1970s the Cooperstown Church came very close to concluding its ministry. Numbers had dwindled. Some key members spent several months each winter in the south. But God had other plans! And from that rebirth has grown a ministry to children in the community. The church property adjoins the local elementary school which made it a natural location for an after school program. Grace Learning Center provides a safe location for children whose parents are still at work - while at the same time providing Christian compassion and instruction.

For further information about this ministry within the Presbytery of Lake Erie please contact the pastor, Rev. Rachel Johns, at rjjohns@csonline.net

INTER-CHURCH MINISTRIES

The Presbyterian tradition has always been at the forefront of ecumenical relationships. Inter-Church Ministries has had a long time presence in Erie County. It spearheads a major coat drive each winter to ensure that all Erie County residents have a warm coat to wear in the face of the brutal winter winds. Linked with action is also a desire to worship God. Each year Inter-Church Ministries hosts a prominent worship service to encourage Christian Unity. In addition ICM hosts educational events and fosters dialogue between faith communities. For further information about how you might participate in this ministry, contact Inter-Church Ministries at 454-2411.

MEADVILLE AREA FREE CLINIC

Medical care for all who need it is an always-elusive goal. Regardless of political views, we can all agree that many children, as well as senior citizens, suffer from inadequate medical care. In an effort to support those who face great need in this area the Presbytery of Lake Erie provides financial support to the free clinic in the Meadville area. Your mission dollars help to ease the medical needs of numerous Crawford County residents. For more information about this ministry you are encouraged to contact the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville at 814-333-2161.

MISSION TRAVEL

Many congregations are discovering that one way to transform faith for church members is to participate in a cross-cultural mission trip. In recent years numerous clergy and lay people within the bounds of the Presbytery of Lake Erie have literally traveled around the world to share the Good News of the Gospel with others. While mission travel grants are relatively limited in size it can be one further way in which the Presbytery of Lake Erie can partner with local congregations in fulfilling their mission in Jesus Christ. If you would like to be considered for mission travel monies, please contact the Mission and Social Witness Committee at msw@pbylakeerie.org.

PEACEMAKING MINISTRY

At the center of our Christian belief is that Christ provides a peace that passes all understanding. At the same time we live in a world of considerable stress and strain. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has historically had a passion for peacemaking. In the 1980s a Peacemaking Offering was established by our denomination to enhance peacemaking efforts at both local and global levels. In recent years a number of our own congregations have embraced this offering. The money received has been used in our own communities to encourage peace through school programs to reduce violence as well as through the hosting of an International Peacemaker who has spoken in a number of our churches on an annual basis. If you have further questions about the Peacemaking efforts of the Presbytery of Lake Erie, please contact Rev. Craig Cashdollar.

PRESBYTERIAN HOMES

In 1943 there was a growing concern within the Presbytery of Lake Erie for ministry to retired men and women who could no longer care for themselves in their own homes. In response to that concern a Presbyterian Home was established in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania. While the Cambridge Springs Home has since closed, the organization has grown to now include four nursing homes in northwestern Pennsylvania. The Homes are located in Erie, Fairview, Oil City and Titusville. They care for more than 400 residents on a daily basis. Some of the Homes include various levels of care. If you would like to have more information about Presbyterian Homes in the Presbytery of Lake Erie, please contact them through their website www.presbyhomes.com.

RESOURCE CENTER

The Presbytery of Lake Erie has had a long history of seeking to equip congregations to do their ministry as effectively as possible. One effort has led to the gathering of a variety of Christian resources across the years. They are currently housed in the Resource Center, located at 2816 Elmwood Avenue, Erie, Pennsylvania. The resources include both current items as well as classic ones that have been utilized for many years. The items range from books to videos to commentaries to Vacation Bible School materials. The Resource Center is available to respond to your ministry needs in your own congregation. If you have further questions about resources you are encouraged to contact our Resource Center Director Elaine Garts at rc@pbylakeerie.org.

TIONESTA CAMPGROUND MINISTRY

We live in a mobile society where many Christians are away from their home congregations on Sunday mornings. With that in mind, and through the assistance of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, an extensive network of summer campground ministries have been established across the state. Through these ministries worship services are offered on Sunday mornings, visitation occurs, and some emergency needs are met. Similar ministries occur at numerous state parks and private campgrounds across the commonwealth. The Presbytery of Lake Erie has agreed to be a financial supporter of the Tionesta Campground Ministry, a campground within the bounds of our presbytery. If you would like to know more about this ministry, please contact the Tionesta Presbyterian Church at 814-755-3573.

YOUTH TRIENNIUM

Faith formation for youth is always a vital component of the Christian Church. For many years the Presbyterian Church (USA) has hosted a youth event every third year at Purdue University. This gathering includes thousands of youth from across our denomination in this country as well as participants from around the world. Internationally acclaimed musicians and speakers provide the leadership. It is a faith formative experience for many of the participants. The next Youth Triennium will be in July of 2007. If you would like to know more about this exciting youth opportunity please contact the Christian Education Committee at ce@pbylakeerie.org.

SUMMER YOUTH INSTITUTE (SYI)

SYI is an initiative of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to engage high school juniors in an intensive two week experience of study and reflection about their faith and the implications of their faith for the 21st century. The focus of SYI is on raising up a new generation of leaders for the church. It is an exciting opportunity in which several youth from the Presbytery of Lake Erie have participated. If you have further questions please contact Rev. Mary Eleanor (Ellie) Johns at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary