“Growing in Service through Outreach”
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,
you did for me” ~ Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Service & Outreach – Literacy Pittsburgh
Literacy Pittsburgh’s local office shares the top floor of our church. Founded in 1982, it is now the region’s largest literacy organization, serving 5,000 people each year. Through free classes and tutoring, learners can study English, prepare for the GED and U.S. citizenship tests, strengthen reading, writing, and math skills, and get ready for college or job-training entrance exams. Literacy challenges can result from learning disabilities, poverty, violence, caregiving responsibilities, or the need to learn English. These barriers can affect daily life and future opportunities while also carrying broader social and economic costs.
On Sunday, September 13, we will welcome Miranda and Mary from Literacy Pittsburgh to share more about the organization’s work to support literacy in our community and how we may be able to encourage, support, and partner with this important organization.
One way to help is by donating the following items for Literacy Pittsburgh’s “free cabinet.” Needed items include:
- Diapers (size 1-5)
- Dental floss
- Non-perishable foods/snacks (chips, crackers, cup noodles, drinks, granola bars, oats, energy bars, microwaveable items like ravioli, canned fruits/vegetables, instant coffee or tea)
- Hairbrushes, combs
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Razors, shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Dental floss
- Hand sanitizer
- Makeup, makeup remover
- Tissues (portable)
- Soap (bar or liquid)
- School supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, etc.)
- Adult socks, coats, shoes, pants, gloves, hates, scarves
- Children’s clothing (ages 12-18)
Monetary donations can be made through our regular Sunday offering, simply mark your donation for “Literacy Pittsburgh,” and material donations can be dropped off at the outreach table in the Narthex. Please make all donations by Sunday, September 27.
Let’s help our neighbors through Literacy Pittsburgh to create a more inclusive and productive community driven by access to education!
Helping Future DOC (Disciples of Christ) Leaders
Since its inception in January 1984, the Schnars Memorial Scholarship Fund—established by Dr. Clarence H. Schnars, the inaugural pastor of Mt. Lebanon Christian Church (MLCC), and his wife, Alliene—has served as a testament to the church’s dedication to nurturing those preparing for ministry within the Disciples of Christ (DOC) tradition. Carefully managed by the Church’s Trustees, this fund has grown considerably over time, enabling MLCC to make a substantial impact on aspiring DOC ministers and leaders.
Recognizing the potential to further invest in the next generation of church leaders, MLCC has partnered with Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM), an organization committed to theological education and leadership development within the DOC community. In celebration of Dr. Clarence and Alliene Schnars, as well as the congregation of MLCC, HELM will now oversee the new Mt. Lebanon Christian Church / Schnars Graduate Scholarship, with the first award scheduled for Fall 2027.
While the specifics of the scholarship program are being finalized, MLCC’s Trustees and Board have approved a $10,000 distribution from the Schnars Memorial Fund this year to support HELM’s Global Theological Fellows program. This initiative is designed to help seminary students broaden their perspectives by connecting them with a cohort grounded in theology and oriented toward global issues. The funds are being used to directly assist these students as they approach the final stages of their spring studies. Additionally, HELM will also allocate a portion of these resources to strengthen scholarship offerings for students embarking on PhD and DMin programs this fall.
Through these efforts, MLCC is expanding its outreach and reinforcing its role as a catalyst for positive change—both within the church and beyond its walls—by empowering future leaders to serve with compassion and vision.
Ongoing Outreach Activities
To help increase our impact in the community, Mt Lebanon Christian Church will begin narrowing our outreach focus to four primary organizations. Our church will collect supplies and monetary donations and build relationships through service opportunities. Encourage your family, friends and neighbors to help support these worthy causes.
We will support the following organizations: South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM), Kane Community Living Center, Camp Laurelview and The Education Partnership (TEP).
We are proud to support the efforts of a variety of community organizations as we seek to fulfill the biblical call to help those in need.
South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) is an interfaith human services agency providing direct service to families experiencing the impact of suburban poverty and to newly resettled refugees. Their mission is to extend God’s love with dignity and respect to the people of the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Click here for their website.
Camp Laurelview
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – Click here for our website. This is a DOC camp near Somerset, PA. It is a place where individuals develop a relationship with God, one another, and a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.
The Education Partnership – Their mission is to provide school supplies to students and teachers in under-resourced schools across Southwestern Pa. – click here for their website.
Kane Community Living Center – No matter what type of care your loved one may need, we’re dedicated to providing your family with peace of mind by offering our complete personal and professional attention on every level. Click here for more details.
The Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh creates and implements innovative programming aimed at preventing domestic violence and providing services to domestic violence victims. Their mission is to end intimate partner violence in the lives of women and their children. Click here for their website.
Church World Service works with partners to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. Their initiatives include the annual CROP Hunger Walk and the Blankets+ fundraising event. Click here for their website.