wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Helping the poor help themselves

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Note #7579 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Helping the poor help themselves
03054
January 28, 2003.

Helping the poor help themselves

by Evan Silverstein							     

	   
LOUISVILLE - March 30 will be 'Self-Development of People Sunday' in the
Presbyterian Church (USA).
	For more than 30 years, Presbyterians have made it possible for poor
and oppressed people worldwide to help themselves through the
Self-Development of People (SDOP) program.
	The PC(USA) is celebrating SDOP's ministry by encouraging
congregations to proclaim Sunday, March 30, "Self-Development of People
Sunday."
	SDOP, funded primarily through the One Great Hour of Sharing
offering, enables members and non-members of the PC(USA) to establish
partnerships with deprived, oppressed and disadvantaged people, providing
small grants for self-help projects.
	"SDOP Sunday is an opportunity to bring to life during the Lenten
season one of the One Great Hour of Sharing ministries," said Cynthia E.
White, SDOP's director. "In a time of worship, people in the pews see how
they are impacting the lives of poor, oppressed and disadvantaged people in
their neighborhood and around the world."
	White, who was named SDOP director in October, announced plans for
the Sunday observance during a Jan. 24-25 meeting of SDOP's National
Committee, the first she has attended as director.  
	"SDOP Sunday is a time when people whose lives have been changed, in
part due to their partnership with Self-Development of People, get a chance
to come to Presbyterian churches across the country and say 'Thank you,'"
White said.
	SDOP officials are providing three primary resources for the
celebration: 

	* A 3-1/2-minute presentation, Sharing Our Blessings, available on
videotape or compact disc. It highlights SDOP's ministry and the One Great
Hour of Sharing offering. For a free copy, call the Presbyterian Distribution
Service (PDS) at (800) 524-2612 and request item number 74350-02-010 (video)
or 74350-02-011 (CD). Copies may also be ordered online at
www.pcusa.org/marketplace/index.jsp.
	* A worship resource guide that can be used before, during and after
March 30, with relevant scripture references and hymns for observing SDOP
Sunday. Request PDS item number 74350-02-012.
	* A free We Are Blessed bulletin insert can be ordered in packets of
25 through PDS. Ask for item number 74350-02-013.

For more information about SDOP, visit its Web site: www.pcusa.org/sdop.
  

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