wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Help celebrate self-help

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Note #8093 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Help celebrate self-help
04049
January 28, 2004

Help celebrate self-help

PC(USA) plans tribute to program that gives poor people a leg up

by Evan Silverstein

LOUISVILLE - For more than 30 years, Presbyterians have helped poor and
oppressed people worldwide through the Self-Development of People (SDOP)
program.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is celebrating SDOP's ministry by encouraging
congregations to proclaim Sunday, Feb. 15, 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 announced plans for the Sunday observance during a recent meeting of
SDOP's National Committee.

SDOP officials are providing two primary resources for the celebration:

* A 3-1/2-minute presentation, Sharing Our Blessings, available on DVD,
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),
74350-02-011 (CD) or 74350-03-008(DVD). You can also order a copy online at
www.pcusa.org/marketplace/index.jsp.

* A one-week program of daily devotions that can be used before, during or
after Feb. 15, with relevant scripture references for observing SDOP Sunday.
For free copies, ask for PDS item number 74350-03-012.

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

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