wfn.org | Congregations Are Invited to Celebrate SDOP Sunday

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

25-February-1998 
98060 
 
        Congregations Are Invited to Celebrate 
    Self-Development of People Sunday 
 
    by Julian Shipp 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-The National Committee on the Self-Development of People 
(SDOP) here is inviting congregations to celebrate Self-Development of 
People Sunday on March 15. 
 
    Organized after the 182nd General Assembly (1970) of the former United 
Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, SDOP is a ministry 
that works to help empower economically poor, oppressed and disadvantaged 
people who are seeking to change the structures that perpetuate poverty, 
oppression and injustice. March 15 has been set aside for Presbyterians to 
become more aware of the SDOP ministry and to celebrate their involvement 
in it. 
 
    "One of the most important issues confronting humanity today is the 
self-development of people," said the Rev. Fredric T. Walls, SDOP 
coordinator. "The 208th General Assembly, in expressing concern over the 
increasing number of people who are desperately poor in this world, called 
for better and more development assistance." 
 
    According to Walls, the purpose of SDOP assistance is to equip people 
and communities through financial and technical means to implement their 
own plans for a just and sustainable development. The General Assembly 
recommends more emphasis on self-development, whereby poor communities will 
initiate, own, and control their own programs to bring long-term changes 
affecting their well-being. 
 
    Walls said the Assembly has asked Presbyterians to view the 
Self-Development of People ministry as a means for their support of just 
and sustainable human development, not only during the One Great Hour of 
Sharing, but throughout the year. 
 
    The following resources are available for congregations to use for 
participating in SDOP Sunday: 
 
    ù SDOP hymn - "Justice Is a Journey Onward" by Jane Parker Huber 
    ù "Partners in Development" 
    ù book of Self-Development of People stories 
    ù bulletin insert 
    ù worship resources 
    ù "15 Things You Can Do to Celebrate Self-Development of People Sunday" 
 
    To request resources, call (502) 569-5791 or fax (502) 569-8963. 

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