Who?   We are a ministry within the Open Door Presbyterian Church formed in 2007 to meet the needs of the poor in the Herndon community, where our church is located, and the larger Northern Virginia area.  Our ministry spans both the Korean congregation and the English congregation, as we both work together to serve the needy.

What?  We operate a food bank once a month where needy members of the community can receive free food, diapers, clothes, and other household goods.  The food is obtained at discount from the Capital Area Food Bank, and many of the other items are donated by church members.  Throughout the year, we also operate seasonal events such as a school supply drive, a Thanksgiving luncheon, and a Christmas toy drive.

When?  Manna Community Care Day generally meets on the third Saturday
of every month.  On a few occasions, the date is changed due to holidays or other events occurring at the church.

Why?   Throughout the Old and New Testament, God calls the church to care for the poor and the needy.  As Timothy Keller writes in his book Ministries of Mercy, mercy towards the poor is not optional.  It is a test – a test of the genuineness of our faith and love toward God. 

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”  1 John 3:17-18.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me . . . I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”  Matthew 25: 35, 36, 40.

Description: The ULC family conclude their summer with a week of VBS at the Highland Retreat Camp in Bergton, VA.  Located in the Shenandoah Valley, the students and staff spend a week away from home at this semi-rustic campground equipped with some modern amenities. Students maintain a busy schedule as they swim, take part in team sports, outdoor activities, arts and crafts and nightly chapel times.  ODPC had the blessing of sending a team this past August and all of us were so blessed by what God has taught as we loved and served the students.  We antipicate even more blessing for our members as we commit to serving this summer.