For the last 18 months, the congregants of the Old Town Presbyterian Church in Bay St. Louis have donated nearly $7000 in “Faithful Ones” that, in turn, have been sent to seven local, not-for-profit organizations as well as the Presbyterian Hurricane Relief Fund following last fall’s devastating Milton and Helene storms.
The Faithful Ones donation program was introduced to the Bay St. Louis church by its Stated Supply Pastor, the Reverend Dr. Richard T. Gillespie, who had utilized the giving program in previous churches in which he has served. “The concept is to encourage everyone in the congregation to participate in the Offering Service during worship each week. As the offering is collected, each person puts something in the plate, and offerings over and above the regular tithes are called ‘Faithful Ones.” This giving may be $1 or higher or loose change and is symbolic of our congregants’ time given in service and the variety of talents we give to the church in so many ways. The Offering Service, with both traditional tithes and the Faithful Ones, is when we actively return a portion of the fruits of our personal blessings back to God in gratitude for all God has given each of us. I am beyond thankful for the way Old Town Presbyterian Church members and attendees have embraced the program which, in turn, has touched so very many lives – locally and regionally.”
In addition to Faithful Ones being sent to the Presbyterian Hurricane Relief Fund coordinated by the Presbyterian U.S.A., the seven local organizations that received financial support were: Bethel Free Clinic, Biloxi; Boys & Girls Club, Bay St. Louis; Elijah’s Closet, Biloxi ;Hancock County Food Bank, Bay St. Louis; Kings Kitchen, Bay St. Louis; Lawrence & Lucimarian Roberts Foundation/Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Gulfport; and Magdalene House, Waveland. States Dr. Gillespie, “By choosing seven local organizations and foundations, our church was able to touch the lives of individual women and men, children, teenagers and families not only in Bay St. Louis and Waveland, but Gulfport and Biloxi too.”
OTPC’s Faithful Ones program is the church’s second community outreach program, joining the church’s Blessing Box Program implemented last September. A mini pantry located on the east side of the church, located at 114 Ulman Avenue is filled with non-perishable food items that individuals in need may access at any time.
“OTPC, established in Bay St. Louis in 1950, continues its mission of worship, community and service. We believe that every member of our community has a unique role to play in our shared journey of faith, service, and fellowship and that involvement enriches our church family and makes a meaningful impact in the lives of others,” concludes Dr. Gillespie.
For information about Old Town Presbyterian Church PCUSA, 114 Ulman Avenue, Bay St. Louis, feel free to reach out to Dr. Gillespie, 256-443-4100, attend the church’s 10 am Sunday morning service or access.oldtownpresbyterian.