Community Services / Dorcas Society

Community Services / Dorcas Society The Community Services/ Dorcas Society is an important feature of the outreach (missionary) activities of the church. The leader of this society, the assistant leader (if needed), and the secretary-treasurer, are elected at the regular church election. This society gathers and prepares clothing, food, and other supplies for the poor, needy, and unfortunate.

This organization works in close cooperation with the deacons and deaconesses of the church. The Community Services/Dorcas ministry, however, includes more than giving material aid; it encompasses also adult education, visiting, homemaking, home nursing, counseling, and other services. The church Personal Ministries Department has primary responsibility for this work.

Five Year growth Report Community Services (March 2006)

In 1992 we had 16 volunteers and put in 531 hours of Community Service. We gave away $2,090 worth of food, 2,361 pieces of clothing and served 743 clients. As I went to leadership conferences the focus of Community Service changed in my mind and in my reports. Community Services is much more than little old ladies giving away food and clothing, this is a very good thing please don’t get me wrong. I have been serving the Lord in this capacity for thirty years. Community Service is so much more, it’s all outreach to the Community preformed by members of this church. This year we had 68 volunteers and 3,026 hours of Community Service. We gave away $8,671 worth of food, 5,134 pieces of clothing and served 1,311 people. 

A little here and a little there really adds up listen to these figures. Over a 5 year period this church has total 68 volunteers who have put in 8,716 hours of Community Service. We gave away $24,330 worth of food, 17,399 pieces of clothing and served 4,812 clients.

Many of the clients stay the same but there needs seem to be changing we have an ever increasing need for food. As life and expensed get harder people must choose between food and shelter. Thank you all for your generous donations to our outreach programs.

With Christian Love, Arleen Chapman

Arlene Chapman's 2005 Report

Dorcas is alive and Well!  The year 2005 is an example of what we do each year.  These numbers include items sent to People's Services for their Thrift Store. We served 1239 clients, giving away:

• Food valued at $4953

• 3350 pieces of clothing, linens, and towels

• 7 pieces of literature (total records were not kept

Here comes the good part.  We had 33 volunteers this 
year, which includes those who worked in the various community services we offer.  Eleven of them are actual members of  the Dorcas Society.