The Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study dates back to 1892 and has the longest history of any denominational mission and prayer book in the United States.

Today’s PC(USA) Minute for Mission from the Mission Yearbook…

Opequon Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Winchester, Virginia, has a long record of caring. People began worshiping here in 1732. Its tradition of caring has been securely passed down for 275 years!

My husband and I came to OPC after a move for his work. Not long after our arrival, we both had serious health issues. We now believe that it was not the job but God that brought us here, placing us where we could be cared for in an extraordinary way. OPC walks alongside us like we have been here all 275 years! Their tradition of caring extends not only to us but to many others who pass this way.

Tuesday Morning Mission folks gather for prayer and to prepare meals for those who need encouragement. Intercessory prayer partners pray for other members so that the whole congregation is covered with prayer throughout the year. A bear ministry sends out teddy bears carrying the message of God’s love to those who need that reminder. Scrapbookers create cards for the card ministry. Birthday prayers are sent to each member. The Hands and Hearts group creates prayer gifts to go with Tuesday Morning meals and pastoral visits. There are also prayer-shawl, parish-nurse, and bereavement ministries. The Shepherd’s Touch team trains volunteers who are paired with members going through rough times. A community garden yields food for another congregation’s food pantry. Care is offered in ways unknown. The tradition continues!

—Rev. Donna B. Coffman, R.N., minister-at-large, Presbytery of Shenandoah