MISSION GOALS
We feel called by God to serve in the following ministry areas:
- Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, etc. (Matthew 25:31-46)
- Improving the lives of children in our neighborhood, state, country, and world. (Matthew 10:40-42)
- Encouraging human creativity inspired by our Great Creator through music, art, drama, etc. (Genesis 1:1-5)
- Provide a space for the healing powers of Christ to work through us. (John 21:15)
We are able to reach towards these goals in the following ways.
Mission Partners
At Potwin, we figure rather than trying to re-invent the wheel, we will partner with organizations in the denomination and in the community who are well versed in their area of expertise so that our efforts might go farther than that which the church could accomplish by ourselves. To that end, the Session has authorized the following Mission Partners. We work with these agencies in many ways including publicizing their events and collecting donations of both in-kind and financial to further their goals. In addition, our monthly Loose Coin Offering is used to help our Mission Partners. It should be noted that there are many other worthy organizations out there, but these are the ones deemed to work most closely with our own mission goals. Please read about our Mission Partners below and consider helping us help these agencies in whatever way you can, be it volunteering, or donating either items or cash. Click on the links below each Mission Partner for more information about that agency.
Presbyterian Mission Agency is the national ministry arm of the Presbyterian Church. Presbyterian Mission’s goal is to inspire, equip and connect the church in three main areas: evangelism and discipleship, servant leader formation, and justice and reconciliation. We do this work through four ministry areas:
- Compassion, Peace & Justice
- Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries
- Theology, Formation & Evangelism
- World Mission
We also support Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which is the emergency and refugee program of the Presbyterian Church USA.
https://www.presbyterianmission.org
Midtown Community Services is a non-profit that grew out of the mission work of Potwin Presbyterian, West Side Baptist and Westside Christian. Now truly a coalition of people that live and work in the neighborhoods around the church, it seeks to help others live the best life possible. Projects include: support for Meadows Elementary, Lowman Hills Elementary, Baby Closet, Kids Closet, Harvesters programs, and more. Volunteer opportunities are available.
Doorstep is an agency in Topeka that helps our neighbors survive crises, improve their way of life and become self-sufficient. It was born after Topeka had a devastating tornado in 1966. Several churches joined together to help those in need after the disaster, and this agency grew from there. Potwin Presbyterian was one of the founding churches. Some of the many programs and services offered are:
- Money for rent
- Food & Clothing
- Transportation
- Help with utilities
- Crisis Intervention
For more information go to https://www.doorsteptopeka.org.
Heartland Presbyterian Camping and Retreat Center, founded in 1958, is a mission of the Presbyteries of Heartland and Northern Kansas, Synod of Mid-America, Presbyterian Church (USA), providing shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship for the children of God through camping and other nature-based activities. It is also a retreat and conference center. At Heartland, they believe that whoever drives through the gate is a beloved child of God, and their mission is to help others deepen their relationship with Christ. The camp is located in Parkville, MO. Our donations go towards grounds upkeep and to help pay staff.
https://www.heartlandcamps.org/
https://www.heartlandretreatcenter.org/
Topeka Rescue Mission & Project Restore Hope – TRM’s motto is Bringing Help and Hope through Faith with its sleeves rolled up. This agency reaches out to assist the homeless and those struggling to get by in society. Their many programs try to help people become self-sufficient. In addition, TRM sponsors Project Restore Hope, which is a program to combat human trafficking.
For more information go to https://www.trmonline.org/.
Helping Hands Humane Society – (Because companion animals are beneficial to human welfare and happiness, and because animals are part of God’s Creation, the Session has voted to add the Helping Hands Human Society as one of our Mission Partners.)
As advocates for animal welfare, Helping Hands Humane Society, Inc. provides sanctuary for animals in need of compassionate care and protection. Their mission includes:
- Fostering the adoption of healthy animals into responsible homes and reuniting lost animals with their owners
- Reducing overpopulation
- Providing an accessible facility with effective leadership and well-trained staff
- Serving the community through education and addressing animal welfare issues
For more information, click this link: Helping Hands Humane Society | Animal Resource Center of Northeast Kansas (hhhstopeka.org)
World Central Kitchen – Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. WCK has served more than 100 million fresh meals to people impacted by natural disasters and other crises around the world. WCK’s Resilience Programs strengthen food and nutrition security by training chefs and school cooks; advancing clean cooking practices; and awarding grants to farms, fisheries, and small food businesses while also providing educational and networking opportunities. Learn more at wck.org.
Potwin Presbyterian Church’s Own Missions:
- Blessing Box – This box is located in the station building parking lot across the street from the church at 500 SW Washburn Ave and is stocked with a variety of non-perishable items, personal hygiene items, and more. “Take a blessing when you need it. Leave a blessing when you are able.”
- Little Library – This is located right next to the Blessing Box in the station building parking lot. It is filled with all kinds of books, mostly children’s books at the time. Please feel free to take a book to enjoy. We also encourage you to leave a book in the Little Library that you would like to share with others.
- Kids Closet – The Kids Closet is open to families in the area who are in need of clothing, shoes, and school supplies. We work closely with our local schools, Meadows Elementary and Robinson Middle School, to reach out to children and families in need. The Kids Closet has been moved over to West Side Christian Church and is up and running. It is staffed by volunteers. If you are in immediate need of assistance from the Kids Closet, please contact West Side Christian Church (785)234-0469 located at 423 SW Lindenwood, Topeka, KS 66606. If you are interested in volunteering at the Kids closet, please contact the Potwin Church office at potwinchurch@att.net or (785)235-1311.
- Building Ministry – Our building is used as a meeting place for the community. Groups currently using the building include:
- Southwind Strings Studio Music Lessons
- Air Command Radio Theater – as seen on KTWU Topeka
- Potwin and Kenwood Neighborhood Associations
- Prayer Garden
- Playful Penguin Music School for Young Children
For more information regarding our other mission projects, please contact the church office for details and ways you may help in those endeavors.
