Waverly is connected to many shared ministries and is active in our neighborhood. We are an institutional mission partner with the National Black Presbyterian Caucus and a member of the Wilkinsburg Sanctuary Project for Peace. We are also a member of LAMP: LGBTQIA+ Affirming Ministries of Pittsburgh, which works to support all people, regardless of gender or sexual identity. We are 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.
We don’t let challenges stop us. We continued our work during the pandemic and will continue our call no matter what is happening in the world.
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 have provided items such as underwear, socks, and sweatshirts to students as needed 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!
Wilkinsburg Sanctuary Project for Peace
Waverly is a member of the Wilkinsburg Sanctuary Project for Peace who, since 2010, has been in Wilkinsburg with the great mission of “saving our youth to save our community, as they lift up Wilkinsburg as a great community in which to live, work, study and worship.” They are a dedicated and committed inter-faith, grassroots, volunteer effort to work and pray with all who desire peace on our streets regardless of faith tradition.
For many summers, they have also led Project Peace, a service camp for youth and young adults ages 14 – 22, which takes place right after school lets out. The camp seeks to inspire youth and to beautify the community. Each youth is paid a generous stipend and a closing celebration for families is a true highlight! Some of our youth have been able to participate in this Project and have been deeply impacted. Click on the video to see the work from the summer of 2025.
