Perhaps it seems as though our congregation is a single island amid a sea of humanity having minimal impact on our local and global community. In fact, however, that’s far from reality. The Gospel of John records Christ’s teaching that “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” St. Andrew’s is one of many branches, that when formed into the vine are capable of far more than any single branch. Presbyterians organize around this principle.
Since the early 1700’s, our denomination has organized into a hierarchical structure with congregations, presbyteries, and synods; and, by the late 1700’s, had formed the national General Assembly of the PC(USA). This form of organization and government serves us well and provides the opportunity for far greater impact than any single congregation. Imagine how difficult it would be for St. Andrew’s on its own to connect directly with Ukrainian refugees, to administer missionaries in the Middle East, to organize and nurture a new, emerging congregation in Cambria, to provide theological training for our ministers, or to establish pension and healthcare benefits for our pastor. Yet we do all these things (and much more) through our Presbyterian network. Our participation takes the form of representation at denominational meetings and financial support through our “per capita” assessment.
Based on its membership, St. Andrew’s is assessed an amount in support of local, national, and global ministries working through our Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly. For 2022, that amount is $85.61 per member. Your direct support in this ministry by simply donating to St. Andrew’s and marking it “per capita” is greatly appreciated.
“Aren’t you glad you’re a Presbyterian?”
Scott Eschbach