From our earliest days when we were organized in 1992, Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church has been hands and feet for Christ responding to the needs in our local community, local and international disasters as well as international missions. It has become an essential part of who we are as a community of faith – helping those less fortunate and opening our doors to those in need.
The Outreach Mission Team finds local missions where a large population of church members can participate. Over 70 members, children and adults, filled 20,000 meal packages for Hunger Fight in 2017. This is an increase from 10,000 meal packaged in 2016.
There are also core groups of members that participate at local missions around the area and are always looking for new people to join them:
Mission House
We cook dinner on the third Monday of every month at Mission House for those living with homelessness and who are less fortunate in the Beaches area.
Beaches Habitat for Humanity
Different Saturdays throughout the Year (TBA)
Beaches Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in the Jacksonville Beaches area. Volunteers need to be able to follow instructions and have some skill in using different building tools.
Overseas Mission Trips
16 (With Guardian) and Older
Every two years we partner with a wonderful mission group called El Porvenir in Nicaragua. We will do one of four things: plant trees for reforestation, build latrines, dig wells for clean water, or build stoves. Excellent experience for singles,couples or entire families. Financial aid will be available for those who need it.
Other Serving Opportunities
Blood Drives
Three to four Sundays per year, the BloodOne van comes to the church. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. and until the last volunteer, those who are able donate blood.
Family Promise
Children/Youth/Adults
Every 8 to 10 Weeks @ Fellowship Hall
Family Promise is a non-profit, interfaith hospitality network providing temporary assistance, hospitality and case management for families with children experiencing homelessness. Here at Hodges we have one to three families who will stay with us every 8 to 10 weeks. We need volunteers who will offer to cook a meal, donate food, or spend the night.
Disaster Help
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance projects created by local disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA, Hurricane Ike in Galveston, TX, floods in South Carolina and Hurricane Matthew in St Augustine, FL.
Meals-on-Wheels
Every 12 weeks on Thursday, a small group of members deliver meals to seniors at the Beaches. The meals are provided by the Jacksonville Beach Senior Center.
Angel Tree
All Ages
Last Two Weeks of November through First Week of December
This is an opportunity to provide Christmas gifts for children in need. A Christmas tree with decorative angels, each with the name of a child and a list of items the child would like to have for Christmas, is set up in the Narthex of HBPC. Members of the congregation purchase the gifts, which are provided to the Salvation Army before Christmas for distribution.