Even during the pandemic, we continued many of our regular Mission activities and have added new initiatives. At the start of the pandemic, for example, we provided meals, through the former Honest John’s restaurant in Homestead, to health care workers and housekeeping/maintenance staff at West Penn and Allegheny General hospitals.
In 2020, Waverly became an institutional mission partner with the National Black Presbyterian Caucus and a member of the Wilkinsburg Sanctuary Project for Peace. Waverly also became a Matthew 25 church, in which we pledge to be actively engaged in the world around us and to compassionately serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor.
In 2022, we opened our doors to the emergency workers addressing the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse. We welcomed the opportunity to live out our call to serve our neighbors and were humbled by the support and encouragement we received. We truly witnessed God’s hand in all those who donated and gave of their time.
Quarterly Financial Disbursements
We donate 10% of our pledged giving each year to local organizations, mission partners, and causes, with major support provided to long-time partner, the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry, a nonprofit that serves 5,000 people a year, including senior citizens, people with disabilities and at-risk youth and families who are economically challenged, underemployed or facing emergency situations.
Serving our Neighbors Year Round
- Wilkinsburg Community Ministry support – Waverly provides financial assistance and donations of food supplies, paper products, and volunteer time. One of our Mission Committee members serves on the WCM board to strengthen that connection.
- Crop Walk Hunger Relief – We are one of the leading participants in Pittsburgh’s East End in the annual fundraising walk sponsored by Church World Services.
- Advent offerings – During Sundays in Advent, Waverly invites leaders of local organizations to speak about their programs. Church members and the Mission Committee support them with a special offering.
- Wilkinsburg School District – We provide items such as underwear, socks, and sweatshirts to students and provide volunteers for special events.
- Pittsburgh Presbytery – We support the work of the church at the local level and through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
- Pittsburgh Pride – As part of LAMP, we stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ siblings at Pride and beyond.
International Partners and Trips Far and Near
Waverly partners with Arlene Brown (also known as “Mama Arlene“) and the Urukundo Village and Learning Center, which she founded in 2006 near Kigali, Rwanda. In 2016, a team from Waverly transported 10 laptops donated by the Forest Hills Rotary Club to set up a computer lab at the center, contributed other supplies, and worked with the children. Waverly has continued its close relationship since that trip, donating supplies and financial support over the years. We hope to return to Rwanda in 2024.
We also partnered with Guatemala Service Projects to help fund a community well to provide clean water.
In the summer of 2023, a team from Waverly traveled to Western Kentucky to work with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and other ecumenical organizations in tornado relief. We were deeply blessed by the relationships we formed and inspired by the generosity of all.
Waverly members and friends of all ages have worked for housing justice with Open Hand Ministry, hosted speakers on systemic injustices, served in camp ministry at Crestfield Camp & Conference Center in Butler County, and much more!
