Rev. Helen P. Branch Minister of Outreach & Pastoral Care

Dear Members,

Thank you for your partnership in ministry as we continue our chase after God through service and witness. Despite the economic times we are living in, you continue to be the salt of the earth and have let your light shine brightly across Georgia, India, and Haiti. It is a joy and privilege to serve along side each of you.

Through the various outreach ministries and community partnerships we develop, I invite you to join us as we serve beyond the walls of our church to all persons, with the message that God loves and cares about them. He does have a plan for our lives. When we link hands and hearts, we help those that are marginalized, those that are hungry, those who have lost their voices and way, to experience the power and presence of God in their lives. I am excited to share with you the launching of our very own Reconnection Ministry efforts to serve the homeless with in our community with a hot meal, transformative word, and compassionate fellowship.

We will continue living out the Gospel through our community health initiative (Hope Through Health Clinics), partnerships with area shelters, the Carrie Steele-Pitts Children Home, Restore Haiti Ministry in Jacmel, Haiti, and Bread for the World. This year is a critical election year for communities all across America. In Georgia we will be helping to elect not only our next president, but local and congressional representatives that will work on our behalf. We must be informed about the issues that affect us and others; we must get involved to bear witness and make a difference, and we must vote. I hope to see you at the various community meetings that will be held to help us all be informed voters and engaged citizens.

Where is God at work? If we continue to chase after Him, we will meet Him and join in the work He has begun. I hope to see you there.

Peace and Grace,

Helen P. Branch
Minister of Outreach and Pastoral Care

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” - 1Peter 4:10a

Benevolence Ministry
This ministry provides financial assistance to people (tithing members and non-members) experiencing potential loss of shelter and/or discontinuation of utility services. Applicants are seen by appointment only, and must provide documentation of need at the time of the appointment. Appointments may be requested through the Receptionist, Monday through Wednesday during the business hours of the church. (9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.).

Feast of The Harvest/Hope Holiday Store
During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, we provide special food and other support to the adopted children of Dunaire Elementary School as well as, members of the congregation.

Food Pantry
As a part of the Benevolence Ministry we offer food assistance to people in need. Appointments for assistance may be requested through the Receptionist, Monday through Thursday during the business hours of the church from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Services are available on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Hope Through Health Clinic
This is a free comprehensive mobile clinic that provides health care and support services to medically under-served communities in Georgia. As an outreach mission of the church your giving, time, and talents help to provide a circle of caring and hope to others in need. The clinic will serve the Dekalb community four times this year.

Reconnection Ministry
In partnership with area shelters (Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children, Hagar’s House, Emergency Shelter for women with children) we provide services to assist homeless men and women in reconnecting back with the community and God. In addition, this year we will begin providing onsite meals to homeless persons from the immediate area. This is accomplished through the following means:

• One-to-One mentoring
• Bi-monthly Bible studies
• Employment search assistance
• Provision of toiletries and clothing
• Onsite meals and fellowship at the shelters

Keys of Hope Counseling Ministry
This ministry provides opportunities for emotional, mental, and spiritual growth with Christian insight. All of the counselors received biblical counseling training to offer short term counseling to unlock the doors to wholeness.  The ministry provides:

• Individual Counseling
• A Biblical Counseling Course
• Couples Counseling
• Family Counseling
• Referral Information
• Seminars & Workshops

To schedule an appointment with one of the counselors, contact the ministry at 770-696-5100 extension 216.

Restoration of Hope Ministry
The mission of this ministry is to educate and provide a safe environment for persons affected by domestic violence in and around DeKalb County.  As a church body, we will address violent crimes against women and others by developing the following faith-based responses: 

• To educate and raise the awareness about the effects of domestic violence on the family unit
• To provide support and resources for persons effected by domestic violence
• To apply Christian values, prayer and support for persons effected by domestic violence
• To provide a sense of hope for persons effected by domestic violence

Social Justice Ministry
The mission of this ministry is to keep the membership informed of critical issues and legislative responses to them, that impact on the quality of life of citizens through voter education, voter registration, and advocacy opportunities.