Hope for Suffolk is the community development initiative of Westminster Church and exists to image Jesus Christ to our community by:

1. Acting as ministers of reconciliation
2. Loving our neighbors
3. Engaging a process of gospel transformation with our community

Areas of Ministry

Income-Generating Activities -- providing opportunities for people to work and earn income.

1. The Community Garden provides an opportunity for our community members to gain food and income from the work of their hands. We grow and sell vegetables. The profits go to HOPE for Suffolk participants who work in the garden.
2. HOPE for Suffolk Handcrafted Paper Products are made from recycled material by participants. The greeting cards and stationary are sold and the profits go to the participants who creataed the products.

Community Fellowship Nights

1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. We gather together to share testimonies, prayer requests and scripture for the purpose of mutual encouragement and growth.

Food Bank

We distribute between 20 and 70 bags of food to participants each month. This is made possible by donations of food from church donors. Food donations (non-perishables) should be dropped off in Room 203.

Friendship

We desire to engage community members in relationships that promote gospel transformation. Many of our participants need an encourager, listener or just a friend who will walk through difficult times with them. Volunteers from WRPC are paired with participants who request to be in an "intentional friendship." The volunteer seeks to be a neighbor and friend to the participant by calling them, praying with them, visiting the, and encouraging them.

Partnerships with Local Organizations

The WRPC Local Missions Committee, headed by Rob Slingluff, supports and partners with local organizations. See the Local Missions page for details.

Prayer

We have a team dedicated to praying for HOPE for Suffolk on a regular basis. Weekly prayer requests are sent to the team.

Adult Literacy

HOPE for Suffolk is partnering witht the Suffolk Literacy Council to offer adult literacy tutoring. Tutors are trained by the SLC and are then paired with a student who has requested tutoring.

Transportation

Occasionally we have participants who are in need of emergency transportation. Volunteers who have signed up to assist are on standby for such times.

How You Can Help

Anyone interested in volunteering in any of the above areas or in need of the above services should contact Hayden Hill at the church office or by email at hayden@wrpca.org.