COVID-19 Emergency Fund
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are hitting us all in profoundly different ways, leaving us with needs that are financial, logistical, physical and spiritual. As the weeks stretch on, those needs may grow and change, and Overbrook Church is here with many options for discrete and confidential help.
Please find the ministry that best meets your current needs, and reach out if anything is missing. We understand circumstances are ever fluid. Each ministry will be available to you, when and if you need it.
An Emergency Fund has been established to respond to the acute financial needs of members of our community. Within the first couple of weeks, the fund has been able to help defray the costs of rent, car repairs, utility bills and other essential living expenses. A committee has been established to administer this fund. Those members include: Nancy Gilhool, Will Schick, Herb Brabham, Sharon Parker and Bill Baker, as well as Pastor Adam Hearlson.
To reach the Emergency Fund, a special email has been established: emergencyfund@overbrookpresb.org. You can also call the main church number 215-877-2744 to leave a message to be returned, or contact any member directly.
Our errands ministry works with the Deacons and volunteers to help shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, do light yard work, and run local errands. We recognize that many who have the financial means to buy their own food still don’t have what they need, because they are restricted in their ability to get out and leaving their homes could put them at risk.
This ministry does not involve any church finances; any necessary exchange of funds would be between the errand-runner and the person requesting the errand. Some services – such as light yard work or grass cutting – are offered free as part of the ministry.
To get help with errands, contact the Deacons: deacons@overbrookpresb.org or Terri Hunter (teresahunter42@gmail.com, 484-684-0247) or Artia Benjamin (newlife5125@gmail.com, 225-266-8758).
Since mid-March, the Prayer & Care Bag Ministry has delivered more than 90 bags with nourishment for body and soul to members of our community. This ministry began immediately when social distancing and stay-at-home orders left people unable to access their own usual food supply. The bags generally include enough groceries for 3-4 meals and material to lift the spirit. If you or someone you know would welcome a Prayer and Care bag, please contact Sharon Parker (sparker614@gmail.com, 267-292-5628). A sturdy team of OPC adults and youth will prepare and deliver a bag in accordance with safety guidelines and with OPC love.
Overbrook’s Deacons are a remarkable team who minister in myriad ways. The Deacons are making telephone rounds to ensure contact is made with every member of the community and to check in on any prayer or other needs. They help the sick, the home-bound, the grieving. They celebrate milestones and birthdays. Please reach out for prayer requests or any other questions or concerns (deacons@overbrookpresb.org or Terri Hunter (teresahunter42@gmail.com, 484-684-0247).
Pastor Adam Hearlson is available via phone, email and Zoom for “face to face” conversations during this challenging time. His email is adam@overbrookpresb.org, or you can reach out via the church phone 215-877-2744 and he will return the message.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Donate to the church, to help us sustain our buildings, staff and ministries.
Donate to the Emergency Fund. 100 percent of these donations will go to people in our community in need. Donations to the church or the fund can be made by check mailed to the church (specify in the memo line if for the emergency fund) or via credit card or PayPal. Click here for more information on donating.
Be an errand-runner, or grocery shopper to fill the needs in coordination with our Prayer and Care ministry. Contact deacons@overbrookpresb.org if interested.
Pray. Pray. Pray.
